Replies

1. 
   daverichards | Feb 20, 2015 08:44am | #1

   Alan,

   There aren't any significant differences between SketchUp 2015 and earlier versions regarding the use of the basic tools. there are a few additional ones but once you've learned the basics, adding the new ones will be tricvial. Take a look at the Design. Click. Build. blog here on the Fine woodworking site. Although its format doesn't lend itself to a start-here-finish-there sort of tutorial, there are various tutorials aimed at doing specific things in SketchUp. On the right side of the page you'll see links to Tim Killen's ebooks as well as my DVD/video download offerings. Perhaps you'll find one of more of them helpful.

   To get an idea of the workflow of drawing a project in SketchUp, or at least my workflow, take a look at the video here.

   As for the difference between the free and pro versions of SketchUp and which one you need, for the mostpart, you can probably manage just fine with the free version. Drawing is exactly the same although there are just few additional tools in the pro version. The biggest differences between the two come in at the front and back ends. There are more import options with the pro version. For example, you can import CAD files. Some vendors of things like table legs offer DXF or DWG downloads of their products. You can utilize those in the pro version and save yourself some time. the free version doesn't give you that option.

   At the back end, after you've created your SketchUp model, you also have more options for what you can do with it. You can export CAD and other types of files--maybe for CNC-type work--and you get LayOut which is useful for creating construction documents as well as presentation packages if you need to show your drawings to clients. Although you export images from your sketchUp file and put those into a Word doc, for example, with LayOut you maintain a dynamic link from the SketchUp file so you can make changes to the model and automatically update the images in LayOut. There are better otions for making dimensioned drawings in LayOut as well as other tools and options.

   That said, my suggestion would be to stick with the free version for the time being, learn to use SketchUp and upgrade to the pro version if you find the need for the additional features.

   BTW, you should read the EULA for SketchUp Make. If you would be using SketchUp as part of a business, you should be using the pro version.

   -Dave

1. 
   user-431231 | Feb 20, 2015 06:16pm | #2

   Thanks Dave

   Thanks a million for the thoughful and complete response.  It is very helpful.  I have now taken a look at the video you linked to and it encouraged me to move ahead with learning the software.  I will also take a look at the two other resources you recommended.

   All the best,

   Alan

2. 
   Rob_Sp | Feb 21, 2015 10:55am | #3

   I cannot improve

   on the excellent advice given by Dave.  But will add a few thoughts of my own. I also used Autocad and Autosketch and drafting board to do my 2d drawings for my work for many years before trying Sketchup. I used the free version for a long time before Buying the pro version, and would recommend it until you get fairly proficient, it's shortcoming for me was printing but you will learn to work within it's limits. For me one of the best things about the Pro version is Layout. I'll also note when I purchased the Pro version I noticed they give a discount for companys buying multiple copies, so I emailed them explaining I was a one man business and asked if they would give me the same discount-which they did. 

   I also would recommend you start with the basic tutorials on you tube, and then go to Dave and Killenwood's blog. For me I learned more from that source than any other. https://www.finewoodworking.com/blog/design-click-build. 

   I'll give one more tip: When you draw, move copy or for most anything else, stay on axis, you'll quickly find out why if you don't .

   Good luck

   Rob