SkunT

Its free and a cool fab/design tool. Figured someone here might like to check it out
http://sketchup.google.com

Ive been ------ around with it tonight. Seems kinda cool.

con

oooo ---- ya!!! Thanks!

racepak

Sweet

unsivil_audio

Yup, we use that all the time in the architectural business. We went ahead and bought the full version; I dont recall how much it costs, its a sweet program for the most part though.

buk9tp

30 day free trial

http://www.microsoft.com/office/visi...nfo/trial.mspx

bumblezc

No thanks, I'll stick to my SolidWorks, Inventor, and real AutoCAD, and hopefully Catia(if I get this new Job!) but great for the people who are lacking

SpeedyJAY

Sketch up exports to a ".dwf" ".dwg" format :P
On the side, just went to an Autodesk sales pitch/free lunch sketch up has been pledgorizied in the latest AutoCAD 2007, even the user interface looks the same.

PS the free version has the same features as the pay version, just no block/component directories and a limited resolution output, dont waste time or money on the pay versions

unsivil_audio

You are wrong sir, besides lesser resolution. You cant export to dwf or dwg format in the free version. There are quite a few tools that are missing from the free version. And yes there is a small database of components with the free version, but many more with the full.

Sketchup is much more a quick 3d modeler. You couldnt build anything off it. Its great for showing clients what stuff is going to look like before its produced, so they can make more educated decisions in the design process rather than the build process; which would be alot more costly. I can construct the exterior of a average house with a little bit of landscaping in about 4 hours; including adding materials to the model.

Just a few examples of what I've done...

6 hours



15 hours



4 hours



I know they arent great, but you have to remember that these are 3d models. The interface the great, sometimes the AI for planes isnt, but most of the time its because a line isnt straight or there are too many lines, it gets confused.

jinxy

If you guys are slick you could use a game level editor like Unrealed that comes free with unreal tournament.

unsivil_audio

But I constructed all of those with the free version. I think its good enough for the average clients we work with. No point spending alot of time on a picture.