[johnrandall]

Hello. I'm a hobbyist woodworker and I've been using / learning Sketchup to design parts and rudimentary furniture, mostly because it's intuitive enough and not a career. Will upgrade to the Pro version this week because it can export files in dwg, dxf and vrml formats, among others. And I've been training on VisualMILL standard version (which can import files in dxf, dwg and vrml formats) and will probably buy it this week, too.
Has anyone here been using this combination and know of any pros / cons you think I should know about? Do the files (of what format?) translate well to VM? And is there an easier or better path to get from Sketchup to cutting parts out on a CNC router?
I'm currently using a ShopSabre router table controlled by WinCNC.
Thoughts? Recommendations? Thanks. John Randall in Anchorage, Alaska

[Switcher]

Sketchup, has a dxf plugin for 3D models (screenshot below). I'm not sure how well it will work with complex models.

The plugin will export .dxf & .stl files.

http://www.guitar-list.com/download-...les-dxf-or-stl

.

[ger21]

I believe that when you export a 2D .dxf from sketchup, circles and arcs are actually composed of straight line segments. So you probably won't get any G2 or G3 arcs in your code. Not positive, though.

A far cheaper and easier solution would be a cheap or free 2D CAD program and Vectric's Cut2D. If you need 3D, as Switcher says, there are export plugins for the free sketchup, and there are inexpensive 3D CAM programs like Vectric's Cut3D and MeshCAM.

You might also want to look at Vectrics V-Carve Pro as well.

Download demo's and try them out.

Free CAD.

http://www.doublecad.com/Products/Do...0/Default.aspx

[johnrandall]

Thank you, Switcher, I've checked into the SU plugin for exporting dwg and dxf files and got the Pro version anyway. The exports are perfectly easy, and in more formats, and Sketchup's LayOut package looks like it will be wonderful for when I finally draw up my electric Belchfire Raku Glazing Kiln and want to write the DIY manual for whoever else wants to build one. After having written several user's manuals using Word and SnagIt, LayOut looks very good.
And Thank you, ger21 for pointing out the arcs-as-many-short-segments problem. Others know about it on some other forums and this looks like a big issue I'll be researching (maybe a lot) in the coming week. DoubleCAD looks very interesting and I'll try it out at my earliest. I just wish Sketchup did everything I wanted. Like smooth arcs. And maybe brew me a great cup of tea, too.
Thank you all. I'll have more questions, and maybe some answers one day. But first the research. And work.
John Randall in Anchorage, Alaska