One of the most valuable tools I have isn’t a woodworking tool at all. It’s software & it’s indispensable when I’m building a woodworking project! I’m of course talking about SketchUp, the 3D modeling program that’s available for free.
I use SketchUp on every project. It helps me conceptualize and design a project so I can figure out before I even start cutting wood exactly how a project will be assembled. This helps me work out any problems I might run into and even though it’s a lot more work up front, it actually saves me lots of time and trips to the hardware store!
I used to draw all my projects out on paper, but having a 3D model that I can manipulate and look at from different angles is the real difference maker and I’d love to teach you how to use the program. If you haven’t used it before, there’s definitely a bit of a learning curve, but once you “get” it, building 3D models and turning them into plans and cut lists is pretty easy.
SketchUp comes in 2 versions, a stripped down free version called SketchUp Make and a pro version. Everything I show in my video series (and the projects on this site) can be done with the free version. You can learn more about the program here or jump right to the download page.
I think one of the best ways to learn a new software program is to jump right in and start drawing something. I created this 4 video series to help you with that by walking through a farmhouse table plan from start to finish, including making a helpful materials and cut list. You may also want to check out my SketchUp playlist to see shorter videos of some of the basic concepts.
Video 1 – Drawing the Table Base
In this first video, I’ll show you how I draw the legs of the table. This project is a good one for learning SketchUp since there are a variety of joints that will help you learn a variety of SketchUp tools and manipulate faces and objects. I’ll introduce you to the basic drawing tools and then we’ll use them to build the bast of the table.
Video 2 – Finishing the Table Base and Tabletop Support
In the second video, we’ll finish up the table base continuing the use of drawing tools, measuring tools, guides and the move tool.
Video 3 – Drawing the Tabletop
Next I cover drawing the table top. This is pretty easy once you get the hang of copying, pasting and using the move tool. I’ll also show you how I group the tabletop into its own object and position it so that it’s centered on the table base.
Video 4 – Creating a Materials List and Cut List
In the final video, I’ll show you how I create a list of the materials I need to buy and a cut list so that I can ensure that I’m cutting all my wood to the right size. This takes a little extra time, but it more than pays off when I’m working through a project!
Now that you’ve learned how to draw a model of the farmhouse table, head over to this post to see how I actually built it so you can build your own (along with a matching bench). If you want to download this same model from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse, you can access it here.