SketchUp is a great way to get the most out of your woodworking experience. What is SketchUp? SketchUp is a free computer-drafting program that enables you to draw an accurate model of your woodworking projects complete with all the parts, joinery and even wood finish. You can make changes as you go, create parts diagrams including dimensions, work out tough design decisions and approach your projects with greater confidence and skill.
This SketchUp class is designed to teach you the fundamental skills you’ll need; downloading the program, learning the basic drawing terminology, how to use the tools and explore the many functions that this remarkable software has to offer. We’ll take you every step of the way, building your skills slowly so that you learn the natural way, by following along and digesting the class material at your own pace. Even if you’ve used SketchUp before, you may discover some new shortcuts designed for woodworking, or pick up some new techniques you didn’t know were available.
The best way to learn is by doing. After showing you how to set up your workspace and use basic tools, we’ll start on a project – a lidded box that includes lock rabbets joints, curved sides, and chamfers. By drawing the box with us, click by click, you’ll put your new skills to use so they’re at your fingertips when you’re ready to do your own design.
And remember, you can always come back to this Class for a refresher as needed.
Add this exciting Class and these great skills to your woodworking arsenal and start saving time, wasting less wood and having fun designing your own woodworking projects!
In addition to the step-by-step video instruction you’ll get in this Class, you’ll also get some printable PDF resources that’ll serve as handy reference for your work in SketchUp.
SOFTWARE NOTE: The SketchUp program utilized in this Class was published in 2015. The current version of SketchUp was published in 2017. While the vast majority of functions and keys are the same, there may be subtle differences in certain aspects of these software versions. For the version of SketchUp best matching this Class, use “SketchUp Make 2017” – which you can download free at this link: https://help.sketchup.com/en/downloading-older-versions
NOTE: This Class video instruction is also available for purchase in DVD form. If you prefer to own a physical copy, you can purchase the Class DVD here.
SketchUp is an intuitive and fun-to-learn drawing program and is particularly useful for designing woodworking projects. We’ll walk you through all the key steps, starting with downloading the SketchUp program to your computer. Make sure your computer hardware and operating system are up to date and follow the instructions for your computer, whether it’s a Mac or a Windows PC.
Introduction: 0:08
Why SketchUp?: 1:03
Download SketchUp: 3:15
Set up for Mac: 4:45
Set up for PC: 9:04
Here you’ll learn the basics of the SketchUp workspace; the red, blue, and green directions commonly called the xyz axes. You’ll also get familiar with the basic drawing tools so you can draw basic flat shapes and expand them into 3D. Learn why and when it’s best to use Components and Groups, two of SketchUps most powerful tools.
Begin your first project-based drawing tutorial of the class. Learn how to make the four sides of the box, turn them into components, and how to edit those components. See how to make grooves for the plywood bottom and then move it into place using the x-ray function of SketchUp. Learn two ways to draw chamfers to shape the top and create inlays.
Make the box: 0:06
Groove and bottom: 21:03
Shape the front and back: 36:53
Make the top: 42:29
Learn how to make copies from the component library and add dimensions to those pieces. Also learn how to add labels and get your drawing grouped on the screen. Export your drawing into a pdf or a jpeg and print the drawings so you can bring them into your shop, or email them to a friend or client.
Using the drawing: 0:06
Printing the PDF: 4:22
David Radtke
David Radtke is a custom cabinetmaker, woodworker, illustrator, home design consultant and freelance writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a former Senior Editor of a popular home improvement magazine, he designed and built specialty bookcases, landscape architectural projects and a variety of home improvement projects. He currently designs and builds furniture and writes woodworking articles for woodworking magazines and custom publications. Other projects include writing scripts for The Home Pro television series and making guest appearances on Minnesota Public Radio’s home improvement segments. He enjoys archery, bowmaking, woodturning, canoeing and cycling whenever he’s not standing behind a table saw or sitting in front of the drawing board.
Printable Class Guide PDF
Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class. It’s a good reference as you walk through the many SketchUp functions.
Class Resources PDF
Print this handy guide to help use keyboard shortcuts available within Sketchup.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Woodworkers Guild of America to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on WWGOA Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great woodworking videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Woodworkers Guild of America. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Woodworkers Guild of America, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and WWGOA contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to WWGOA.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Woodworkers Guild of America from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact WWGOA Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at wwgoasubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-253-0822. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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