Looking at your file, the model is purely 2D. Why not extrude the plate to its proper thickness and have a 3D model that you just happen to be viewing flat-on in parallel projection? That’s what SketchUp is really meant for, and it would take seconds to achieve. There is a text question in the model “can you bevel edges at 20.5 degrees?”. Not clear who that is addressed to, but if you make the model 3D the answer is “certainly!”, and then it will show your true intent.
Here’s an example of what I meant (I took a guess whether the bevel would be in or out - no big deal to fix if I went the wrong way). I also made the plate a Group so that the various dimension lines don’t carve it up and added layers to manage visibility and redrew the circle at exactly 1 1/2 radius by typing the value. The initial view I saved in the model isn’t a straight top view, so wouldn’t be what you would want to print for making a template, but don’t you think it shows your intent more clearly?
Armature Top Plate 1~.skp (111.4 KB)
First of all, as the “New Kid on the Block” I want to thank all of you for your help. Forget who it was who said I was working way too hard and trying to run before I could walk, but the comment was spot on. Now that the crush of this project is off, and is being cut with a laser for later assembly, I can take some time and actually learn this program, starting from the beginning. I remember there were some video tutorials, and that seems like a good place to start…Yes?
Again, thank you all for your time and patience!
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Yes, most folks find the video tutorials are the easiest way to learn SketchUp.
Here’s a list of learning resources; some* of which are built into the SketchUp user interface.
• *Instructor (Click … Window > Instructor)
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/114972
• *Status Bar (Located at the bottom of the SketchUp window)
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/70066
• Learning SketchUp
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/36207
• Quick Reference Card
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/116693
• Getting Started Guide
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/95079
• Concepts Guide
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/115426
• SketchUp User’s Guide
http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/116174
• SketchUp Knowledge Center
http://help.sketchup.com/en
• SketchUp Training Videos (YouTube)
• SketchUp Training Videos (SketchUp Site)
http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos/58
• Aidan Chopra Video Tutorials (Author - SketchUp for Dummies)
•The SketchUp Sage and SUWiki
• Trimble SketchUp Help Forum
http://forums.sketchup.com/
• SketchUcation Community Forums
http://sketchucation.com/forums/
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