Google Sketchup

[GenevaPinz]

Hi all,

Just wanted to share with you that I downloaded and started using Google's free 3D design software called Sketchup 8.

This little piece of software is just great! I had tried using a very cheap software in the past called "StudioCAD" but couldn't get around it and gave up pretty quick to go back to my good ole' pencil. Sketchup is primarily devoted to designing buildings and interiors (with some pretty nifty Google Earth possibilities), but to design simple plans for fabrications, so far it is quite convincing with very little effort.

With Sketchup I watched maybe half an hour of online video tutorials, and I got some decent results already, making a rear bulkhead storage design that looks much better than my usual doodles. I can't (yet) figure out how to convert a printout into a picture file, I may scan one at work on Monday.

Take care,

[edzz]

I can't (yet) figure out how to convert a printout into a picture file, I may scan one at work on Monday.

Take care,

In Microsoft XP (most MS OS’s) you can do a screen capture to the clipboard by pressing the Ctrl and PrtSc (print screen) keys at the same time. Once you have done this you can open a program that supports pasting a picture in it such as MS paint, MS Word, Photoshop etc. than in the menus selecting paste (or doing a right click past). This will allow you to save and manipulate anything your screen displays. The following image is an example of a screen grab using this method pasted into MS Paint than saved as a jpg and resized using MS Resizer.

[GenevaPinz]

Thanks Edzz, I had forgotten about "print screen"...

Here it is. Not too impressive, but again, after minimal practice it's better than my pencil and ruler.

[texas pinzgauer]

Jan,

Where are you thinking about installing this unit?

David

[edzz]

Jan,

Where are you thinking about installing this unit?

David

I’d go out on a limb and guess (drum roll, cymbal crash) near Geneva, Switzerland

[GenevaPinz]

Edzz, you're right!

David, at the front of the troop compartment, against the bulkhead, and the pics of your own version were a good part of the inspiration!

Mine won't go all the way across. It will be as close as possible to the truck's left hand side, but it will not cover the fuel gauge sender access hatch. I have my Hi-Lift stored over there, too, so it makes no sense having a full-width one. The view I posted is from the front left of the truck / back of the storage box (it is open as the truck's sheetmetal will provide bottom and rear pannels of the box.

The two "posts" visible in grey are just 2mm thick and are centered with the existing position of the bolts that were used by the Swiss army to hold the radio shelf. I will drill them myself after final adjustment (I will linex the rear when the temperature allows, so I don't yet have an accurate height measurement for where to drill), so that I can hold the storage box in place.

Locks, magnets to hold the lid and lid handle will come later (most likely from McMaster) after I can measure the finished box.

[texas pinzgauer]

You guys are funny!

Would love to see photos once you get it installed...near Geneva, Switzerland!

[audiocontr]

I use Sketchup routinely for work. Great little package. Please make sure you add whatever you build to the Sketchup warehouse.