SketchUp: Beyond the Basics

Brian Benham

3D modeling has become a crucial part of the modern woodworker's skill set. SketchUp is an intuitive 3d modeling tool that is easy to work with and once you master the fundamentals, it allows you to design at the speed of thought. We are going to go beyond the basics and dive into modeling complex shapes. While extensions exist for making some shapes, there's incredible value in attaining the skill set required to generate the shapes from scratch, much like our craft of woodworking.

Best of all, this SketchUp course focuses on the 100% FREE web-based version of SketchUp.

If you're brand new to Sketchup, consider our Intro to SketchUp course!

  • 13 lessons
  • 369 min
  • $49.00

What's included:

  • 13 Detailed Instructional videos totaling over 6hrs
  • Downloadable Short-cut Key Cheat Sheets for Mac & PC.
  • Downloadable Shaker Table Model to practice on.
  • Downloadable Vice blueprint to work from
  • All videos are digital and will be available for download upon purchase.
  • Access to the lesson comments section for questions.
  • Closed Captions

What you'll learn:

  • How to position and scale wood grain textures on your model
  • Troubleshooting techniques to edit and repair the mesh that makes up your 3d model
  • How to work with small geometry and overcome small geometry errors and quirks
  • How to draw fundamental shapes with native tools, that will make up more complex shapes
  • How to create funnel shapes, such as dust collection hose adapters
  • Different methods to scale your 3d model and components inside your model
  • How to draw helical/spiral shapes such as springs and screws
  • How to draw nuts and bolts that can be 3d printed and interchangeable with SAE Nuts and Bolts
  • How to prep your model and export for 3D printers
  • Design and 3d model a cutting board display rack.
  • Intro to exporting for print to scale templates
  • Multiple ways to export for CNC and Laser depending on what software you use.

What you'll need:

  • A PC or Mac with a 3-Button Mouse. (trackpads are not ideal.)
  • An internet connection
  • A Trimble, Gmail, or Apple Account
  • The Free web-based version of SketchUp The last video in the series shows a few non-Sketchup pieces of software. It is not required that you have this software to take the class. The reason for the demonstration is to show different ways to get your model out of SketchUp so you can decide which method works best for you and your CNC software.

About Your Instructor:

Brian began his career in the trades when he was 13; he took an entry-level position working in a steel fabrication shop for a bridge construction company.  Being the kid in the shop, the old grizzled welders took pride in teaching him how to weld, set up his work area to be safe and productive, build jigs for production, and how to properly lay out a workpiece from shop drawings.

In his mid 20’s, he worked as a project manager for a design remodel company designing and remodeling spaces for commercial and residential clients. The company had an in-house cabinet shop so they could design and build from the ground up anything they needed for a project. When Brian wasn’t on a job site, you could find him in the cabinet shop, working alongside a shop master, creating custom cabinets and built-ins.

All these years of designing and building things honed his skills to give him the confidence he needed to start his own business.  In 2010 Brian started his design-build firm, Benham Design Concepts, specializing in designing and building custom furniture. His drive to learn new things has helped his portfolio grow and attract clients who are looking for the unusual.

Brian has been making plans for the Wood Whisperer and the Wood Whisperer Guild for several years now and often provides consultation on TWW and Guild designs.

His Instagram and Youtube handle is @benham_design