Chiefwoodworker's Blog

In CutList Bridge Tutorial – Part 1 I demonstrated how to use CutList Bridge to create a cut list for a furniture piece us a Shaker Tall Clock SketchUp model. In Part 2 I use a custom kitchen cabinet to demonstrate how to you the Cabinet Mode features of CutList Bridge. While Cabinet Mode features are particularly useful for custom cabinetmakers it is also useful for furniture designers and craftsmen. I think this video will be well worth you while whatever style of woodworking you do.

Before viewing this video be sure to download and install CutList Bridge 2.5. The previous version had a bug that could make following along with this video frustrating.

Also, you will notice that in version 2.5 you no longer have to use the Save Attributes button as was necessary in previous versions and witnessed in Part 1. All entries are now saved as you enter them.

MAC users may have had trouble using CutList Bridge because of an OS/Safari Browser bug. When you download and install CutList Bridge 2.5 you will be shown a workaround if you have this problem.

Downloading CutList Bridge

CutList Bridge can be downloaded and installed by following the highlighted link; the target post will always host the most recent version of CutList Bridge.

Overview of CutList Bridge

CutList Bridge adds two export commands to the File menu and one dialog box to the Window menu of Trimble SketchUp. The export commands are:

• Export to CutList Plus fx
• Export to Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice

The dialog box is called Extended Entity Info and as its name implies is complements and extends the Entity Info dialog box.

When CutList Bridge is installed, as indicated by the availability of these commands and dialog box, a basic cut list can be produced simply by selecting one copy of your model using the Select tool and then choosing one of the export commands from the file menu. Simple as that.

However, the Extended Entity Info dialog box can be used to assign additional attributes to your components, which will produce a richer and much more useful cut list. This first video tutorial will show you how to create a basic cut list and then embellish the cut list with material types (rough lumber, dimensioned lumber, sheet good and other items), material names (cherry, walnut etc.), sub assembly groupings and notes. Subsequent video tutorials will show you how to assign attributes helpful for cabinetry and architectural models.

Downloading the Video to Your Computer

Sometimes the performance of your internet connection, the load on it at a particular time of day, and the length of these video tutorials can all conspire to provide you a frustrating and impossible viewing experience. If this happens it may be preferable to download the entire video unto your system and view it on your local video player. The video file is an mp4. It can be viewed with most video players including QuickTime and Media Player. If you have a default, or user specified, file association for .mp4 you may have to delete it or use a download manager to download this file. Otherwise the associated application may be invoked and file streaming will prevail over downloading. There are numerous free download managers on the internet. Be careful, and do some research to locate one that is not loaded with spyware or viruses.

If you are on a PC platform running Windows OS and have Internet Explorer or Firefox you don’t have to change file association or use a downloader. Simply right click on the link(s) below and choose Save Link As. When Explorer opens choose a destination folder and select Save.

To download this video click here or paste

http://blip.tv/file/get/Chiefwoodworker-CutListBridgeTutorialPart2111.mp4

into your download manager.

Viewing in Your Browser

You may find it easier to view the video in full screen mode. Start the video before selecting this mode. To enter full screen mode click the little screen icon at the bottom of the video player. When in full screen view hold your cursor near the bottom of the screen to access the video player’s controls. Exit full screen mode with the Esc key. This part is approximately 33 minutes long. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

In addition to posting here on my own blog, I am now posting on American Woodworker (AW). My AW posts will focus on SketchUp and related issues. I will be posting approximately four times a month. In addition to the link above you can access my AW posts from the AW home page under the heading Contributor’s Blogs. And don’t forget, my Beginner’s and Intermediate SketchUp videos can be accessed on AmericanWoodworker.TV. Check it out and visit me at both sites!

The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild is sponsoring a scholarship fund for students seeking a career in woodworking, architecture or related field. Applications must be in before April 1, 2013.

• Applicants should be between 16 and 25 years of age.
• Preference is given to applicants from Berkshire County (Massachusetts) and the neighboring region and who seek to make woodworking, architecture or related fields their professional goal.
• Applications should be submitted at least 30 days before course begins.
• Maximum scholarship amount is $500.
• Money is paid to applicant or to course host after successful completion of course with receipt/invoice and evidence of attendance. Payment made in advance ONLY to course host if guarantee provided for refund (less any deposit required) if student can’t attend or cancels. No payments are made directly to the student in advance of course.
• Scholarships may be used to attend schools, conferences, classes, workshops and other events that meet the approval of the scholarship review committee of the Berkshire Woodworkers Guild. In general, any program that contributes to the education of the applicant in the areas of woodworking, architecture or related fields will qualify. Preference is given for long-term continuous programs that lead to certification or a degree in the profession.
• Scholarship application guidelines and application form are available on the Berkshire Woodworkers Guild website on the SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM page or directly from this link.
• Send completed form via email to willb@heartwoodschool.com, by regular mail to Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarships, c/o Will Beemer, 148 Middlefield Rd., Washington MA 01223 or fax to 413-623-0277. Electronic submissions via email attachments (PDF or Word format) are preferred.
• APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE CURRENT ROUND IS APRIL 1ST.

I have written before about The Heartwood School, which is focused on homebuilding crafts, particularly timber framing. Heartwood resides in the town of Washington located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. It is run by Will and Michele Beemer. The school offers a full range of home construction and woodworking courses – including a SketchUp course for timber framers. New courses this year include Build Your Own: Country Windsor Chair.

The Heartwood School’s course list and 2013 schedule is shown below. For a complete course description go to the table below and in the second column locate the course of interest and click the link. For further information or to register contact Michele Beemer at 413/623-6677, www.heartwoodschool.com or request@heartwoodschool.com.

Each year, near the end of March, the Northeastern Woodworkers Association’s hosts a woodworker’s show called Woodworker’s Showcase. It is held at the  Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway,Saratoga Springs, NY and this year’s show dates are March 23 & 24 (Saturday & Sunday). I attend this show every year. It is by far the best woodworking show I have attended, and I attend a lot of woodworking shows.

Woodworker’s Showcase is heavily weighted to the display of custom furniture, turnings, toys, guitars, chairs and all sorts of pieces made from wood. Whether you are a woodworker or someone who appreciates fine art you will enjoy this show. The is also an exhibitors floor where you can window shop for for all the latest tools and jigs and often make purchases at substantially reduced prices.

I often bring my camera to the show and capture some of the pieces on display. To see what has been showcased in the last few year follow these links:

20th Annual NWA Saratoga Woodworkers Showcase 2011
The 19th Annual NWA Woodworkers Showcase 2010

Chiefwoodworker’s Talk at Woodworker’s Showcase

This year, like I have for the last two years, I will be giving talks both days on Trimble SketchUp. The talks are introductory in nature; SketchUp can’t be taught in two hours. I demonstrate both beginner and advanced drawing techniques intended to give the interested attendee a thorough idea of the capabilities of SketchUp. My talk is centered on the free version, which is all any hobbyist woodworker needs. The Pro version has features a professional woodworker may want and I hit on some of those features in my talk too. There is an admission fee for the show, by my SketchUp talk is free, as is all the lectures at Woodworker’s Showcase. You can download the lecture schedule at http://www.nwawoodworkingshow.org/information.htm and click Demo Schedule in the menu at the bottom of the page.

I hope to see you there. Please join me in one of my talks.

In my 10-6-2012 issue of Chiefwoodworker’ Newsletter on page 15, I wrote at length about my Trimble SketchUp Ruby Script plugin called CutList Bridge (Version 2.2). As its name implies CutList Bridge permits quick and efficient cut list creation by exporting SketchUp dimensions and other key component attributes to a .csv file. This .csv file can then be imported into CutList Plus fx or any application supporting the comma-separated-value format, such as Microsoft Excel and Open/Office.

In the case of exporting to the latter two applications decimal equivalents of thickness, width and length can be exported. This permits the user to add equations in the spreadsheet to calculate board feet, area, total sheets, linear feet or weight. CutList Plus fx will do all but calculate weight on its own. The Base Cabinet shown above left produces the following cut list when exported to OpenOffice. Note the organization by material type (Rough Lumber, Dimensioned Lumber etc.), Sub-Assembly and Description (component). Click on the images to see larger formats.

Downloading CutList Bridge

CutList Bridge can be downloaded and installed by following the highlighted link; the target post will always host the most recent version of CutList Bridge.

Overview of CutList Bridge

CutList Bridge adds two export commands to the File menu and one dialog box to the Window menu of Trimble SketchUp. The export commands are:

• Export to CutList Plus fx
• Export to Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice

The dialog box is called Extended Entity Info and as its name implies is complements and extends the Entity Info dialog box.

When CutList Bridge is installed, as indicated by the availability of these commands and dialog box, a basic cut list can be produced simply by selecting one copy of your model using the Select tool and then choosing one of the export commands from the file menu. Simple as that.

However, the Extended Entity Info dialog box can be used to assign additional attributes to your components, which will produce a richer and much more useful cut list. This first video tutorial will show you how to create a basic cut list and then embellish the cut list with material types (rough lumber, dimensioned lumber, sheet good and other items), material names (cherry, walnut etc.), sub assembly groupings and notes. Subsequent video tutorials will show you how to assign attributes helpful for cabinetry and architectural models.

Downloading the Video to Your Computer

Sometimes the performance of your internet connection, the load on it at a particular time of day, and the length of these video tutorials can all conspire to provide you a frustrating and impossible viewing experience. If this happens it may be preferable to download the entire video unto your system and view it on your local video player. The video file is an mp4. It can be viewed with most video players including QuickTime and Media Player. If you have a default, or user specified, file association for .mp4 you may have to delete it or use a download manager to download this file. Otherwise the associated application may be invoked and file streaming will prevail over downloading. There are numerous free download managers on the internet. Be careful, and do some research to locate one that is not loaded with spyware or viruses.

If you are on a PC platform running Windows OS and have Internet Explorer or Firefox you don’t have to change file association or use a downloader. Simply right click on the link(s) below and choose Save Link As. When Explorer opens choose a destination folder and select Save.

To download this video click here or paste

http://blip.tv/file/get/Chiefwoodworker-CutListBridgeTutorialPart1342.mp4

into your download manager.

Viewing in Your Browser

You may find it easier to view the video in full screen mode. Start the video before selecting this mode. To enter full screen mode click the little screen icon at the bottom of the video player. When in full screen view hold your cursor near the bottom of the screen to access the video player’s controls. Exit full screen mode with the Esc key. This part is approximately 33 minutes long. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

It seems printing to scale is one of the most difficult procedures for SketchUp users to use. This condition is not helped by the fact that SketchUp has a poor implementation of printing. In fact, I believe the printing implementation in SketchUp is handicapped with software design bugs that have been there since the first release of SketchUp. Hopefully, with Trimble acquiring SketchUp, a more appropriate support budget will be planned and this issue will finally be resolved. In the meantime this article will provide you with some tricks that can be used to overcome these problems.

I use printing to scale frequently to create shop templates. One such example is the swan neck that frames the top of a trundle bed headboard shown right. This template is much larger than one 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper, but my printer only prints 8 ½” x 11 paper. What I did was print at a 1:1 scale in SketchUp which required about nine sheets of paper. Most of them were blank, so returned them to the printer tray. The three sheets that contained printed information I taped together connecting the line precisely. Then I backed the paper with self adhesive clear plastic, which can be purchased at any office supply store, and cut the template out with scissors. The clear plastic provided stiffening for the template and edges that will not collapse as you trace the template unto your stock.

The picture below shows the swan neck milled using the template above right. Also shown below is a template used to shape the headboard itself. Owing to symmetry I didn’t need both left and right swan neck templates, and a full headboard template; I only needed one side for the templates because they can be flipped to produce the mirror image.

I also use SketchUp to create shop drawings. Because I print off fully dimensioned drawings for all milled pieces, there is usually no need to print my drawings to a predetermined scale, I just read the dimension off the drawing. However, there are times when a scaled drawing is necessary. For example, when printing standard views of an architectural drawing a standard scale such as ¼” = 1’- 0” is needed. So let’s get into the how to of printing to scale.

Printing to scale in SketchUp is not difficult; you can print at a scale of 1:1 or any other scale you desire by following these five steps.
1.    Select Parallel Projection on the Camera menu. (Camera/Parallel Projection)
2.    Select one of the Standard Views (Camera/Standard Views/…..)
3.    Adjust the window and model size to minimize the amount of white space around the model. This is to compensate for what I consider a software bug, and is the toughest and most critical part of the process.
4.    Set your scale in the Print Preview dialog box and uncheck both “Fit to page” and “Use model extents” . (File/Print Preview)
5.    Choose print.

Steps One and Two are very important. SketchUp does not permit printing to scale using either of the other two Perspective views because it is impossible for perspective views to yield a scaled drawing.

Step three is required because there is a printing behavior that I consider a software bug when it comes to printing to scale. If you are going to print to any scale, including 1:1, first resize you drawing window so there is a minimum amount of unused drawing area on all sides of your drawing. Failing to do this will  result in multiple pages being printed when you need only one, or far too many pages when more than one is needed. The trick here is to estimate and fix in your head, the aspect ratio of the model you want to print. Next shape the window area to the same aspect ratio. Then use a zoom tool to center and enlarge the model to use all the window area available. You may have to iterate these last three steps to get the optimum setting. Try to make your window as large as possible while leaving almost no unused white space on either side, top or bottom of the window. The image on the previous page shows a case where there is too much white space on the right and left, but about just enough on the top and bottom. This is because the aspect ratio of the model is approximately 1.7:1 while the window is approximately 1:1.5, nearly the reverse.

The aspect ration of the window has been adjusted in the image at right to get a near optimum fit. Notice how little white exists around the periphery of the model. This model is correctly “cropped”.

We have completed steps 1 – 3 above. Now we have to decide what we want to do next. If this printout is to be used as a template then we need to use a scale of 1:1 scale. However, this model printout is not likely to be used as a template, but likely an elevation view of the hutch; which means it will be printed to scale on one page. The question is what scale?

The scale can be determined analytically or empirically. Analytically we start with the size of page we are going to use and then subtract the unprintable margin dimension from each edge. For example, if we are printing on 8 ½” x 11” paper with an unprintable margin of ¼” per edge, then the printable area is 8” x 10 ½”. This hutch has overall dimensions of 52” wide by 88” tall. Printing the page in portrait view is the most efficient selection for this case. This means the 88” dimension must fit in the 10 ½” height of the page. Similarly, 52” must fit in the 8” width. Use these two sets of numbers to calculate two scale  factors; 8.3:1 and 6.5:1 respectively. We must use the same scale factor for both dimensions and so we need to use the larger one. However, 8.3:1 is a difficult scale to use so we can go with 9:1 or 10:1. Either will work in this case, but 10:1 is probably more useable in terms of making measurements on the printout and calculating the actual dimension. The image at left shows the setup for this case.

In the Print Preview window above notice that “Fit to page” and “Use model extents” are both unchecked. There are four Scale inputs which the user need to fill in. In the “In the printout” input box I entered 1 and in its dropdown box chose Inches. In the “In SketchUp” input box I entered 10 (I will explain 10.000001 in a moment) and in its drop down box chose Inches. These inputs defines a scale of 1” = 10” or architecturally 1” = 0’-10”.

Here is an important little trick; after entering the four inputs in the scale area, place your cursor in the Page size “Width” and then “Height” input boxes. Don’t attempt to input anything or change what is there, simply place your cursor in each input box. This will cause SketchUp to calculate the page dimensions required to print your model. When this happens the numbers in the Scale input boxes may change slightly; in this case 10 was changed to 10.000001. It might just as well have been changed to 9.999999. This has to do with the precision the software is using to make calculations. Don’t worry about this. The important part is that when you have completed this step look at the “Tiled Sheet Print Range”. If the radio button chosen is All and the “Pages from” input boxes says 1 “to:” 1, then you are assured that you can print your model on one page with a scale of 1” = 10”. Hit OK and you should see a Print Preview shown at right. Choose Print to print the model to scale.

You can empirically determine the scale required to fit the model on one page. After completing step 3 above open the Print Preview dialog box (File/Print Preview). Place 1 in the Scale “In the printout” input and Inches in its dropdown box. These parameters are a guess based on my knowledge of the model. If I were printing an elevation view of a house I might start with ¼ in the input box. Next choose Inches for the “In SketchUp” dropdown box (if the model were a house I would probably choose Feet). Now enter pure guess in the “In SketchUp” input box. Place your cursor in both Page size input boxes to instruct SketchUp to calculate the page size. Then look at the results in the “Tiled Sheet Print Range” area. If it indicates more than one page increase your guess for the “In SketchUp” input and enter your cursor in both Page size input boxes again and check your results. If your first guess resulted in only one page try decreasing it until the number of pages is greater than one. Use this iterative process to choose a scale you are happy with.

Printing to a scale of 1:1 is the same for steps 1 – 3. After that you enter 1 and the same units for both Scale inputs. Then you print all the pages required. Put the blank sheets back in the printer tray and assemble the remaining pages as discussed earlier.

Good luck and I hope this tutorial helps.

The holidays are upon us and whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Ashura, another religious holiday or just a holiday, this is often the time of year when we need that perfect gift idea. Usually this means walking the mall and looking in the store windows, imagining what a loved one might want; of course, if you are like me, you have no idea what they want – not a clue! The pressure builds until you grab something from a shelf, convinced you have found that perfect gift. Probably not – what you have likely accomplished is added a little more profit to some giant corporation such as WalMart.

We all know the pressure, the sick feeling of not knowing what to get and the worrying about whether someone will like it. I suggest a different approach, one that will give you enjoyment and is bound to please the recipient. Make something small in your shop; something elegant and useful. Something handcrafted that says “I care enough about you to put my talent and effort to work”. My holiday gift to you is three gift suggestions, complete with plans and some shop hints. One or more of the projects shown on this page can be gifted to a man, woman or child. They can easily be completed in one or two weekends. Check out my Chiefwoodworker’s Newsletter October 6, 2012 for complete information and SketchUp Models. Happy Holidays to you!

As most of you already know, Trimble acquired the SketchUp division from Google. Fortunately, Trimble SketchUp 8 is still free and a powerful tool that is being used by woodworkers everywhere. The Pro version is used by professional to model and design everything from bottles to skyscrapers.

Yours truly will be giving two fall courses in Beginner’s SketchUp. In these courses we will use the free version to model a Bedside Table complete with tapered legs, mortise and tenon joinery, beveled top, dovetailed drawer trimmed with bull nose cock beading and a Shaker style drawer pull. We will begin by learning how to install SketchUp, setup application preferences, choose model defaults and customize a template. Next we will tour the work area and become familiar with its tools. The heart of this course is modeling the Bedside Table and producing dimensioned shop drawings and photorealistic textured images. At the course end each student will have completed a textured model and shop drawings; the textured model is shown above. Finally, we will learn how to extend the functionality of SketchUp through the use and customization of Ruby scripts. A notebook computer with SketchUp 8 installed is required for this course.

Sign up and join me for a fun filled learning experience. One that will pay dividends for many years and woodworking projects to come.

New England School of Architectural Woodworking (NESAW)

The NESAW Introduction to Google SketchUp course is a series of five Thursday evening meetings at NESAW in Easthampton, MA. Classes run from 6:30 – 9:30 pm October 11th through November 8th. No materials are needed beyond a notebook with SketchUp 8 installed. Go to either of the following links to register or seek further information.

http://www.nesaw.com/

http://www.workbenchschool.com/

Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking (CVSW)

The CVSW A Beginners Guide to Using SketchUp in Woodworking is a two day course given Manchester, CT. Classes run from 9:30 – 5:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday, December 8th & 9th. No materials are needed beyond a notebook with SketchUp 8 installed. Go to the following link to register or seek further information.

http://www.schoolofwoodworking.com/

If your experience is anything like mine you are tired of the companies that intentionally avoid human contact and feedback. I curse those telephone ladders that never lead to a human voice. When a human does answer you are speaking to someone who’s English is their second language and you have no hope of understanding them.

If you are lucky enough (some call it unfortunate enough) to make it through all that, and explain your problem with the company’s product, you are likely to be sorry you ever contacted them. You are treated to onerous procedures put in place to avoid correcting the situation. Some companies are honest enough to simply say “we don’t support our product with replacements” or “the problem is of your making and we can’t support you”.

Not Lie-Nielsen. You see, Lie-Nielsen was somehow created from an old company mold; a mold I thought was broken and lost a long time ago. They talk to their customers, never fearing to meet them and listen to their feedback. In fact their factory is open to customer visits on most days (see my visit to the factory). They even have an annual Summer Open House where you can meet and talk with the entire staff including Tom Lie-Nielsen and family. And for a small fee you can enjoy a lobster bake dinner.

Not only does Lie-Nielsen talk to their customers, but they also surprise their customers with above-and-beyond support. I dropped my #5 Jack recently and broke my tote. I went to the Lie-Nielsen website to purchase a replacement. Disappointed not to see a replacement part I emailed the company. I want to share with you two emails, unedited; one that I sent to Lie-Nielsen and the return email.

To: toolworks@lie-nielsen.com
Sent: Wed 5/23/2012 5:23 PM
From: Joe Zeh [jpz@srww.com]
Subject: Jack Plane Tote

Hi,

I dropped my #5 Jack Plane and broke the tote. Fortunately I have a wooden floor in the shop and nothing else broke. Do you sell replacement totes?

Joe…..

From: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks [mailto:toolworks@lie-nielsen.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 2:41 PM
To: jpz@srww.com
Subject: RE: Jack Plane Tote

Good afternoon, Joe.

I am sorry to hear about your No. 5!  Fortunately in situations like this, we can supply you with a replacement handle at no charge.  I’ll have one sent out to your address today.

Thank you,
Kirsten

Kirsten Lie-Nielsen
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks
1-800-327-2520
www.lie-nielsen.com

Lie-Nielsen didn’t simply replace my broken tote, which I freely admitted was due to my mishandling, but look at who replied, and note the cheerful and helpful voice of that reply. OK, Lie-Nielsen is not a multi-billion dollar corporation, and so you might argue that a multi-billion dollar corporation can’t afford to do these things. To that I would ask you to compare this customer’s response to Lie-Nielson in this situation to the same customer’s response to a new Grizzly G0586 8" Jointer. It is in a company’s best interest to support its customers – its peril when they don’t.

I have bought many Lie-Nielsen hand tools- and even a bench – over the years. Their trademark exceptional quality has always been present in those tools. When I told my wife about this situation she replied “Unfortunately, people need to understand that they have to buy, and pay for, quality up front instead of expecting a free replacement part for a plane they get at Wal-Mart.”.  It’s true. If you buy an object based on lowest cost you will replace it numerous times over your lifetime. On the other hand, you can buy a Lie-Nielsen plane, have it for life, and pass it on to your children and them theirs. Quality is always the best, and cheapest, investment.

As I said, I have been buying Lie-Nielsen tools for some time and will continue to look first at Lie-Nielsen when again in the market. Not just because of their exceptional quality and customer consciousness, but they are Made-In-America. This is not a political site and never will be. But I sure wish our leaders would figure out what Tom Lie-Nielsen knows; it is in this country’s best interest to make real, physical things.

Lie-Nielsen, you have my respect and my business.