SketchUp: Modeling My Miter Saw Workbench With Free 3D CAD Software
$0.00
3 Hours
Medium
After years of being slightly aware of SketchUp, the free 3D CAD modeling software developed by Google, I decided it was time to give it a whirl. I was motivated by an excellent post on HomeFixated.com to download the program. After watching a few tutorial videos, I felt reasonably confident in using the software; I dove headfirst into the deep-end of high-tech design wizardry.
For my first attempt with the software, I digitally built a project I had already built for real, my "Economical but Beefy" Miter Saw Table. This is a backwards approach, I know, but readers can now get an assembly schematic, the parts list, and even download the 3D model if they want to play with it.
I'm really happy with it so I'm going to use this to design some of my next projects, even room remodels. Please visit my blog for the whole story...
For my first attempt with the software, I digitally built a project I had already built for real, my "Economical but Beefy" Miter Saw Table. This is a backwards approach, I know, but readers can now get an assembly schematic, the parts list, and even download the 3D model if they want to play with it.
I'm really happy with it so I'm going to use this to design some of my next projects, even room remodels. Please visit my blog for the whole story...
It's fun to see it modeled, and clean in 3D, with the real workhorse stabled in my workshop.
The story on building the real one can be found on my blog as: Building a Miter Saw Bench - Economical but Beefy!
This is where the original started, a Moleskin notebook and a pencil.
The software is fun and fairly easy to manipulate. It sure takes the guesswork out of designing it as you go.
All stacked nice and neat. No splinters this time. No sanding.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 3 comments
-
Awesome Becky. I really liked using it. I have experience in drawing and painting type programs , but this was my first foray into 3D. After their four video's, I found it easy. Thanks for the nice words and best wishes on your next project.
-
You're very welcome John. I'm looking forward to watching the videos and try my hand, once again, at using SketchUp. Our next project is a fireplace surround. My hubby decided he didn't want to build everything from scratch as he did with most of the bookcases in our Library. We looked into Kraftmaid cabinets to match our kitchen, but just didn't feel like putting that much money into something we could build ourselves. So I put my thinking cap on and came up with the idea to use our old, but still unfinished, entertainment center. That is IF we could find another like it. I found it online via the makers website and luckily found a dealer only an hour and half away. After checking it's availability he told us they were discontinued, but the maker still have two left and one set of doors. We had him order on and the doors right away. Once I learn Sketch up I'll rework the pieces to make it just the way we want it and get busy staining and making trim to match the rest of our home. Again, thank you so much for posting this John.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?