In Shop Blog, Techniques

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The October issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine is on its way to subscribers and to news stands. If you have SketchUp installed on your computer (it’s a free download available here) you’re just a couple of mouse clicks away from getting a preview of the projects in the next issue. Visit our collection at Google’s 3D Warehouse and select “Sort by Date” to view or download the latest additions.

In addition to the cover project, there is also a Factory Cart Coffee Table (this issue’s I Can Do That project, and my favorite is the drawer structure Toshio Odate added to the dining table featured in an article in the August issue.

There are two other recent additions. When I was teaching a SketchUp class at Marc Adam’s School of Woodworking a few weeks ago, I needed to transfer a model of a cabriole leg pattern from my computer to the students. Instead of passing around a jump drive, I loaded the pattern to the 3D Warehouse, and the students downloaded the model. Lastly, the cabinet I use in the Shop Class video to demonstrate how to add raised panel doors has been added to the collection.

If you’ve been using SketchUp, you know how valuable a tool it is both for planning your projects, and for understanding how projects you see in the magazine go together. You can look at these models from any angle or any direction, and take them apart and put them back together on your computer.

If you want to learn how to use SketchUp for woodworking we have some resources available. Out Shop Class: SketchUp for Woodworkers is in video format. Part One will get you started in 3D modeling and Part Two will take your skills further. If you want more in depth instruction, Woodworker’s Guide to Google SketchUp is a 184 page book on disc in PDF format with plenty of screen shot illustrations and 49 short video lessons embedded in the text.

–Robert W. Lang

Click Here for more information about the enhanced PDF book on disc Woodworker’s Guide to Google SketchUp

Click Here for More Information about the video Shop Class: SketchUp for Woodworkers, Part One Getting Started.

Click Here for More Information about the video Shop Class: Sketchup for Woodworkers, Part Two Advanced Techniques.


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Showing 3 comments
  • Mark S

    One of the best woodworking books I have ever read. The title is true, wish I had this book earlier in my career.

    Vermont Area Woodworking – Custom Pieces, Interiors, Exteriors

  • megan

    Tom,

    Something is wrong with our web redirects at the moment; I’m told it’s being fixed. Here’s the direct link to Chris’s blog:
    http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/

  • Tom

    This is very confusing – this link used to bring me th Christopher Schwarz’b blog – where is it and why is there no link to it on your website? Did you fire the guy?

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