Posted June 28th, 2011 by Nicholas Gomez with 1 Comment

I thought it would be appropriate to let the secret out. I have been working on doing some really cool 3D digital die cut files. This isn’t really a totally new area for me but an exciting one to say the least. This file has gone from drawing, importing into Google Sketchup, modeling, (very basic), rendering out to an unfolded file. Then finally imported into Adobe Illustrator and saved as a SVG file. It sounds like a process but I have been doing some research and find some very useful techniques to include in the design processes. So, I hope you come back and check out this file soon. Definitely should be done by the weekend.
Posted November 28th, 2010 by Nicholas Gomez with No Comments
While working on different projects around the house I have found great inspiration among the garage/workshop once again. I mentioned in an earlier post how I have been reading an eBook on the subject “Google Sketchup”. More importantly how it is a great tool for woodworkers.
As I stumbled through the wonders of how to make this project work and be developed seamless with technological wonders. I set out to draw my ideas using my new found knowledge in Sketchup. There is many rooms for improvement and I have to admit I was a bit out of my comfort zone but the progress will come soon enough.
Made from some left over 3/4″ plywood you are able to see the start of what will be my basic build. I will be adding more details like pocket holes, trimming/edge banding and texture. But this gives me the basic idea of what I need to do in order to commence build.
If you are a newbie to the world of Sketchup like me and would like to download my drawing feel free to do so. You may be able to learn from some of my mistakes. In all this is a fun process and can not wait to learn more about it.
You have permission to use this file for personal use. (see Terms of Use page) If you would like to make a donation for this file, you can do so by going here.
Posted November 20th, 2010 by Nicholas Gomez with No Comments
In recent weeks I have explored many ways to work out patterns, designs, and then apply those concepts to product. During the discovery phase of how to make these three areas merge together I keep coming back to Google Sketchup. Google Sketchup by some standards is a simple, easy program. What some tend to forget, although this program may be simple it is very robust.
I was introduced to this eBook through an email newsletter that I subscribe to from the Kreg Jig Tool Company. The community had great praise and recommendations that I thought it would be at least a good resource to purchase. More importantly, I thought it would all aid in bridging any gaps in knowledge with the Sketchup software. I would highly recommend this eBook for purchase if you want to learn how to use a very powerful and robust tool to draw out your ideas and concepts. Of course, nothing compares to the traditional pencil and paper.
You can find this eBook written by Timothy S. Killen at Taunton Store. If you were not a subscriber to their newsletter, I would highly recommend it. They offer a great deal of resources for many areas of interest.
Sketch on!!!
Image source: Taunton Store