For decades, computer-aided design (CAD) applications were expensive tools used only by a limited circle of designers and engineers. Now Google has offered CAD to the masses, with SketchUp, a free program that’s intuitive to use. In this tutorial we’ll be modeling a charging caddy: a box to house a power strip and chargers, with a compartment on top for your cellphone and other handhelds.
Projects from Make: Magazine
SketchUp 101
Model your project ideas in 3D, with free software from Google.
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Steps
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Step #1: Set up SketchUp for your design.
- Before you start modeling, you’ll need the real-world dimensions of the objects you’re working with: the power strip, chargers, and the thickness of the material. I’ll be using a 10" power strip and 3/8"-thick plywood. Feel free to modify the dimensions and design of this charging caddy to accommodate your needs.
- Go to sketchup.google.com to download and install the appropriate version of SketchUp. Launch the program and learn how to navigate and use basic tools by going to Menu → Help → Self-Paced Tutorials → Introduction. It may also be helpful to keep a print- out of the Quick Reference Card handy (Help → Quick Reference Card) to identify tools and hot keys.
- The man in the modeling window is there as a scale reference for architecture. Change this template by going to Window → Preferences → Template (or SketchUp → Preferences → Template on the Mac), and selecting Inches (Woodworking)-3D from the drop-down menu. Start a new project (File → New), now at woodworking scale, with a precision of 1/16". Delete the framing square (if you see one) with the Eraser Tool. Open up the Large Tool Set, if it’s not already open (View → Tool Palettes → Large Tool Set).
Conclusion
This project first appeared in CRAFT VOLUME 09, pages 131-135.
