Subscribe to RSS feed
Adjusting or Tweaking Your Model - A Loft Bed Example
Often I find myself fairly complete with a model design, yet have second thoughts about the overall size or configuration. Or following a presentation to a customer, adjustments and...
view details
A Quick Dovetailed Box
18 commentsA demonstration showing how to quickly layout and "cut" dovetails.
view details
Continuing on Ladder Back - The Centerline Framework
4 commentsAbout two weeks ago, I showed the beginning steps involved in making the SketchUp model of a Ladder Back Chair - mainly the creation of the Back Posts. In this post, I will continue the modeling...
view details
An Important Setup Step for Woodworkers
9 commentsI'm teaching another woodworking group this week, and am reminded how important initial setup steps simplify SketchUp and reduce frustration. I described many of these steps in a February 2008 blog...
view details
Organizing, Bundling, and Printing Full-size Templates
I've emphasized often, the benefits in the shop of having full-size templates as an output from the SketchUp model. Until now, I've created these templates one-by-one, printing as jpgs or pdfs on a...
view details
Creating a Project Plan in SketchUp
13 commentsAn overview of how I created shop drawings for Tim Rousseau's Frame and Pannel Cabinet Video Workshop.
view details
Making a Tapered Bend
2 commentsFollowing my last post, I felt somewhat uncomfortable about taking a short-cut with the Back Post. Rather than executing a bowed bend for the upper section of the Back Post, I simply rotated the...
view details
Starting a Ladder Back Chair
2 commentsHere is the method I use to start the SketchUp modeling of an 18th C Ladder Back Armchair.
view details
Converting a Follow Me Molding to Separate Components
3 commentsA demonstration showing how to convert moldings drawn with Follow Me into separate components.
view details
More on Ladder Back Chair Back Slats
7 commentsRecently I have been modeling an 18th C. Ladder Back Arm Chair (Connecticut, Circa 1740). Here is a picture of the modeling status so far. Again I faced the creation of Back Slats - four...
view details
Video: Quick and Easy Angled Chair Rail
2 commentsHow to draw a quick and easy angled chair rail in SketchUp
view details
Design. Click. Build. Has a New Home!
6 commentsYour favorite blog about using Sketchup for woodworking has moved. Take a look at our new format and access our archive.
view details
Drawing Pieces With Complex Curves
3 commentsOne of our readers suggested that I demonstrate how to draw a component that has some complex curves. His example was a slat for the back of a shaker ladder back chair. Take a look at my solution for this challenge.
view details
About Design. Click. Build.
Learn the art and science of designing furniture in SketchUp with Fine Woodworking's design blog. Moderated by a devoted community of woodworkers, we feature step-by-step tutorials for designing components in Sketchup, downloads of pre-built 3D models of furniture parts, and news and information about the evolving world of digital furniture design.
Looking for our Archive?
Digital Project Plans
Download and modify SketchUp files for select projects from Fine Woodworking. View all. Top Sellers: Matt's Moster Workbench New England Pine Cupboard Garden Bench
Meet the Authors
DaveRichardsI am a Biomedical Equipment Technician. I maintain anesthesia and respiratory equipment for the largest medical facility in southeast Minnesota. I...
view profile
Tim KillenI am retired from Bechtel Corporation after 36 years in Engineering and IT management. I grew up among woodworking machinery in...
view profile
