I’ve managed to get my first project built in SketchUp, and I’m wanting to create a cut list for it. From what I’ve read, you need to be sure your geometry is clean before doing something like that, so I’m working on that.
What I’m looking for are any tips on doing that cleanup. In this case, it’s all flat panels (with dadoes) and boards, all square joints, so nothing too crazy - but I’ve already noticed missing surfaces and stray lines. Right now I’m just going through object-by-object, hiding everything else and examining each one from all angles. Any better suggestions?
Also, any general tips for working with cutlists? I’m using Open Cutlist, unfortunately the CutList recommended by @DaveR doesn’t appear to be supported in 2021.
There really isn’t a better option. Best process, of course, is to make sure things are clean as you go. Generally if you select components, look at Entity Info and check for Solid, that will give you a good clue as to whether or not the component needs some attention. If it doesn’t indicate it’s solid fix it.
It doesn’t say it’s compatible with SU2021 but it certainly is. I used it on two different projects I’m working on plans for today.
Ah, thanks for that - when I tried to install it, I got a warning that it wasn’t compatible. But that could just be that the developer hasn’t marked it yet.
I’m wondering how it does with non-square shapes? You’ll see that the backs of the shelves are panels that are not rectangles.
In most cases you can ignore that warning. In fact I would always ignore it and test for myself before giving up on an extension.
It’s unlikely that the author will mark it compatible with SU2021 since he passed away a few years ago.
All of the cutlist extensions report the dimensions of the component’s bounding box and the bounding box will always be a rectangular prism so things like notches or miter cuts won’t be accounted for.
If you have components that are drawn at angles, setting the component’s axes to align with the geometry will give you correct dimensions. As an example, I drew the sloped top, its breadboard ends and the pencil stop in place on this desk. When I made the components, the bounding boxes would have been aligned with the model axes (as normal) but that would have resulted in the cutlist reporting the wrong dimensions for the parts. To fix that I set the component axes to align with the geometry and then got the correct dimensions.
The same applies to the raked and splayed legs on this little table by Garrett Hack.
As a person who has already filled all the available corners of his home with full bookshelves I would say that using a loose chair instead of the bench will let you stuff in one additional shelf
