This comprehensive guide, in PDF form, by Joe Zeh provides you with the guidance you need to use the program effectively. But, as with any computer software, there is a learning curve. It can save you time, materials and money by letting you test your designs before you even make your first cut. In this video, Tim Killen demonstrates how he cures this common problem.SketchUp is a fantastic design tool for woodworkers. Tim Killen uses scenes to create different views of his SketchUp projects and recently added a cutaway view to the mix.Ī missing face in SketchUp can be a frustrating thing. Waiting for delivery.Įssential for accurate work, these are easy to create in any style you like. I think these animations are another way to help furniture craftsmen understand complex design. Keyframe is the name of the plug-in, and below I’ve shown the resulting animation. I’ve recently used a plug-in for creating an animation of the SketchUp model. Naturally, I spent quite some time in SketchUp working the details and “testing” the movement of the tambour, drawer, and hinged top. These were roughed out on a lathe, then hand tools were used to create a circular groove for the tambour. The Seymour pieces also were unique in the application of Turrets for the tambour tracking. These decorations forced precise measurements and sizing of the component parts. This piece, unlike most furniture, required special accommodation for 1/16-in.- or 1/32-in.-thick veneer and bandings.

There is not much room for error in the construction as the components are thin with tiny joinery. There are a lot of moving parts in this project – mainly a tambour with 53 very small slats. The original, made by the Seymours in Boston circa 1800, is located in Winterthur. For several weeks I’ve been building a reproduction of a small Portable Writing Desk, circa 1800.

Sketchup free for woodworking