So I finally broke down and d/l'd the free version, "Sketchup make 2016". My youngest "Ikea" like mdf/caca makeup vanity fell apart so I offered to build her a new one. We decided both would come up with some concept art, (she's unconventional). I figured sketchup would add some weight to my design.

Man I do feel stupid, I'm sure I'm making things more difficult than necessary but, outside of actual pencil to paper, I haven't dealt with perspective/vector/3D software in nearly 15 yrs , I believe it was called 3D Animator for win 98. So far my main issue has been duplicating an item, moving and aligning with mirror objects. I must have wasted 30 mins trying to duplicate and invert a semi circle, (for the underside of trestle foot). I gave up trying to invert and just created another circle then spent the time figuring how to erase the N/A parts. I also tried to rotate it but had no success. Anyway I'll probably be back begging for help.

And so, she surprised me big time when she asked if she could also assist in the vanity's construction. When my little was little she was bent artistic, drawing painting, music and dance, (acting out), but never showed an interest in my trade or woodworking, although she did take shop for a couple semesters in HS, but think it was a way to ditch gym class. I figure no matter what it turns out to look like, if it gets her back home for a couple hours a week it'll be worth it.

Anyway be prepared for begging and groveling.

Ronald, I understand your pain. I have previously tried to use sketch up to no avail. I can do a few basic things but to draw plans for anything I just grab paper, pencil, rule and T square. It just ain't worth the frustration to me.

Sketchup, like woodworking, has a learning curve that is worth mastering. There are many helpful and instructional videos on YouTube. Although they are dated, some of the best ones are by Jay of Jay's Custom Creations. The guru of Sketchup for woodworking is Dave Richardson, who is a sometimes poster here. Dave has a video series available from Fine Woodworking that is worth watching several times before you dig into Sketchup. I'm not an expert yet, but now that I've somewhat mastered the basics, I find designing in Sketchup almost as much fun as woodworking itself.

I could not imagine having to draw old school anymore. I remember back in the day losing jobs became other companies had people to draw for them. Several times clients said had they only seen my drawings in time I would have had the job.

I took several months to learn all kinds of software. Now I can use Sketchup and many others like a pro and will never go back. It's simply not the same thing at all. Anyone that is retired or can use weekend time I suggest making the computer and some select pieces off software your hobby for a couple months.

Get on the sketchup for woodworking tutorials and plug away until you have it down, dont try to figure it out on your own. In the end, the time you save and the new creativity you will have will more than make up that lost 2 months figuring out the software. Some can learn stuff in one week others need months, but if my 89 year old grandmother could use it (who is no longer with us) anyone can. Woodworkers that adapt to Sketchup or other similar software by their own admissions become better craftsman.

Sketchup for Woodworkers - Home

I second the link ^ sketchup for woodworkers. I watched a few videos but nothing clicked until I watched those videos.

The last time I did any CAD was in the mid 90's. With help from the woodworking videos I was able far outdistance my manual sketches.

I too have recently downloaded the basic Sketchup program but for me it wasn't very intuitive. I'm being left behind.
I turned to YouTube and have been watching this series.


I like this guy and I think I've watched 8 episodes of them so far and things are making more sense. I'm going to start over, and start over and over
again until I get it. It's pretty cool. I know I'll not become an expert but I can see it making me a better woodworker.
And if I do stick with it and catch on I'll purchase the upgrade.

Good luck with the vanity and working with your daughter. That'll be one of life's precious moments.

Bryan

SU for WWers is a good place to get started. However, it's pretty slow going and the audio isn't that good. I really like the way Jay Bates does his sketchup tutorials. He focuses on building something and talks you through all (most?) of the SU operations. He moves pretty fast but it's all there and you get to see the project come together really fast. Start anywhere but the list goes from newest to oldest. Try "Familiarize Yourself with Sketchup" first, though.
SketchUp | Jays Custom Creations

Thanks Phil, I saved the link for later.

Bryan

That Sketchup for Woodworkers was exactly what I need to start with. Slow was good for me. I have not had any previous CAD experience so it was a whole new world for me.

I like Jay Bates also but sometimes he moves too fast. He does provide some good tips.

Agree. Slow to start was good as was his mistakes which he explained what happened and how to fix them.