How To Use Sketchup For Woodworking 12 Reasons Why You Must

• It is free: You can use a basic version for free or pay an annual fee for more features;
• 3D modeling in 2D: Unlike a two-dimensional layout, I find three-dimensional drawings aid me with visualizing the completed project;
• It took some researching and practice: I have to admit that it took me a few hours to learn how to use the program properly, so keep that in mind.

Learning how to use SketchUp for woodworking is something I would recommend. You will be surprised by how many times a layout in the program can help you avoid mistakes. Computer layouts are easier to read than layouts by hand, and you will save time using this program.

Is SketchUp good for woodworking?

Some hand and power tools make life easy for hobbyists, but not necessarily for woodworkers. The same is true for online tools like design and layout programs. You might then ask, “Is SketchUp good for woodworking?”

Yes. Learning how to use SketchUp for woodworking allows you to create unique items, gain a deeper understanding of fine woodworking design, and increase shop productivity. SketchUp provides woodworking advantages like:

• Printing out cut lists and diagrams: A useful feature is using SketchUp to generate cut diagrams and cut lists. You will need to get a plug-in to do this (there are a few), but it makes things easier;
• Easy labeling: Learning how to use SketchUp for woodworking allows you to label components, add dimensions, and include notes;
• Exploded views: By layering copies of the model and spreading components out, it makes it easy to visualize assembly;
• Views from any angle: You can use the program to view models from 12 angles. That includes back, front, bottom, top, sides, and isometric (30-degree) angles from those positions;
• Visuals of different layers: Another handy feature is the ability to see within joinery, through faces to interior section, or invisible lines blocked by the current position you are examining.

I take a ready model and save it as a pdf and print out scaled drawings. That gives me a hard copy for the bench and a digital backup.

Image curtesy of Sketchup Community

How to use SketchUp free for woodworking

One thing that I like about learning how to use SketchUp for woodworking is the free version everyone can access for their

The program works on:

• Devices using Windows;
• Apple's Mac products;
• Computers operating with Linux;
• Chromebook Operating Systems.

Those needing to learn how to make woodworking plans in SketchUp outside of a browser can still download free desktop software. You will want to download “SketchUp Make 2017.” It is available for Mac and Windows. Your download will include a 30-day free trial of the Pro features that will deactivate once the trial period is up (I found this an ideal way to explore the features found on pay subscriptions).

The free version allowed me to learn how to use SketchUp for woodworking projects with no real downside. If you plan on using the browser app, it is called SketchUp Free (found on the website).

1. Learning how to make woodworking plans in SketchUp Free is free for non-commercial use;
2. It is easier than other programs, including paid versions of SketchUp;
3. No updates are needed. The browser version is the latest SketchUp Free version;
4. SketchUp is improved continuously;
5. SketchUp Free uses Trimble Connect to store projects on the internet as you learn how to use SketchUp for woodworking.

The subscription versions offer more features/storage, but SketchUp Free will be fine for most needs.

Can you teach yourself SketchUp?

Some woodworkers have limited time, or they might not be comfortable with browser apps or computer programs. That can lead to frustration or hesitation when approaching modeling programs like SketchUp. While several online classes are available (including SketchUp certification), you might wonder, “Can you teach yourself SketchUp?”

You can! If you have the desire and dedication, you can learn how to use SketchUp for woodworking:

• Learning the interface: Figuring out what the controls do;
• Practice using simple designs: How to use the controls;
• Gaining proficiency: How many hours does it take to learn SketchUp?

Sketchup Video – Can you teach yourself SketchUp?

Learning the interface

The only way to learn and remember what SketchUp can do is by using it. Using the toolbar is easy, and it will not take long for you to understand what a button does.

Practice makes perfect

Can you teach yourself SketchUp by practicing model building? When I learned how to use SketchUp for woodworking projects, I started with simple box-shaped models and worked up from there.

How many hours does it take to learn SketchUp?

That depends. Factor into learning the time you have and how quickly you grasp things. I suggest looking up tutorials if you do not have the time to play around learning by trial and error.

Is SketchUp good for woodworking if you do not have the time to learn by tutorial or practice? Probably not.

How do I become an expert in SketchUp?

It took some dedication to learn how to use SketchUp for woodworking. SketchUp Free is simple to use, and the paid subscriptions are not that difficult to use. If you are wondering, “How do I become an expert in SketchUp,” there are some steps that will improve your 3D model making:

• Use the SketchUp website resources;
• Find tutorial videos for SketchUp on YouTube;
• Contact other SketchUp users with questions.

The SketchUp website has several blogs, pdf write-ups, and tutorials. I found the site to be the best resource to use when I learned how to use SketchUp for woodworking layouts for my projects.

Teach Yourself Sketchup Books On Amazon
Sketchup Success for Woodworkers	Sketchup For Dummies
Click To Check Price	Click To Check Price

Look for “SketchUp – A Design Guide for Woodworkers” and “New Woodworker's Guide to SketchUp.” Both are pdf resources on the website and will help take your use of the program to the next level.

Social media allows anyone to showcase their hobbies and talents. YouTube is a prime example, and I have found several breakdown videos discussing how to use SketchUp for woodworking projects. I find visual instruction very helpful, and video formats express concepts quickly.

Finally, those wanting to know how to use SketchUp for woodworking at an expert level need to contact others who use the program. You can get quick answers you can not find in tutorials by joining the SketchUp website forum. Other social media contact points might be emailing groups, Facebook groups, and Twitter.

How to create furniture in SketchUp

When I first started learning how to use SketchUp for woodworking, my first projects were simple boxes and bookshelves. Over time, my interests grew, and I wanted to learn how to use SketchUp to design furniture. Furniture pieces often use several joinery techniques (and more wood pieces) than a bookshelf.

There are two things to concentrate on when learning how to create furniture in SketchUp:

1. 3D Modeling: You can use SketchUp Free to create a 3D model of the furniture piece you want to make. The program provides tools to create straight edges for box-shaped portions of the build. It can also render legs, spokes, and curves you want to add to a project.
2. Rendering Documents: Once you have created a 3D model of the furniture, you can use SketchUp to add dimensions and label the components. The app will allow you to create exploded views of components or x-ray views that display joinery. You can then print up cut lists and a set of shop prints to use on the workbench.

Once I reached the stage in my woodworking hobby that I wanted to create unique items, furniture was at the top of the list. I learned how to use Sketchup to design furniture pieces for my workshop, home, and yard.

SketchUp lets me create images that I can not draw. It also allows me to convert those into an assembly guide I can follow during the build process.