3D modeling with Googles' Sketchup

[jody]

I am totally stoked on Googles' Sketchup 3D modeling software and its online repository of submitted designs- the 3D warehouse:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/

The software is free, and extremely user friendly. I've used Sketchup for illustrating previous bamboo designs, and to explore new bamboo concepts before building in the real world. You can see my collection of bamboo designs at:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/cldetails?mid=c53223d2923341f6d75cb382f1cd629&prevstart=0

I'd like to see more contributions to this great resource from all you bamboo artists out there.
Its fun, and powerful. Check it out

Example:

Bamboo shade structure
This is a Sketchup 3D rendering of the bamboo shade structure that exists in real life in our backyard.
http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/529/medium/bamboo_shade_structure_1_reduced.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2192&cat=500&ppuser=78) View large (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2192&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=78)

[Mark Meckes]

Hi jody,
Good to hear from you again and thanks for the links!

I'm curious, is it possible to create models that show a taper in the bamboo poles, if that is what is being used in the design?

How about to show node/internode spacing relative to the species being used or is this asking far more than this software can acculmplish?

I still haven't downloaded the software to explore what it can do or how you can use it.
I also see that there is a commercial version that is way beyond what I could afford or have a real need for.

Is it possible to use an image of something I've already made and create a 3D design from this?

I know the only way to find out is to try it, but you have become quite proficient on creating models, so I thought I'd ask for some basics on getting started.

I have some ideas for simple garden structures I'd like to build, and usually I just go with an idea, and build based on materials at hand, rarely using a drawing or taking measurements, except with a bamboo pole in hand marked to the length of poles that I need to select.
This, culmbined with a ready availability of bamboo from our grove to select from allows me a greater flexibility during the creation process.

However using this modeling procedure to present a design could be very useful in providing how-to instructions and also to show different possible variations in a design without having to actually build a demonstration model.

Cheers,
Mark

[Brillar]

What kind of preservative did you use on the bamboo? I am making a pergola and really need to know what holds up well.
See my thread : Preserving bamboo for outdoor use? (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2692)