Earlier this week, in the "Plans and Software Forum", I posted information about a few Sketchup resources. 

 

Sketchup isn't really designed for creating lathe projects, however, there is an additional "plugin" available that will permit the user to design lathe projects and get to see what a finished turning might look like. 

 

Sketchup comes with a "Follow Me" tool, which can be used to create a turning type drawing. However, the "Quick Lathe" plugin makes the process easier (at least it is for me). 

 

You can download the plugin from-

http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51433

 

This is a Ruby Script (.rbz) file. There is also a users guide (.pdf) at the same location. SketchUcation is a great source of plugin and other Sketchup information. This plugin works with the free Sketchup Make as the Pro Sketchup versions.

 

To see how it works and what the settings can change, here is a You Tube video demonstration (not too crazy about the music)

 

 

 

If you been using Sketchup and have mastered the "Follow Me " tool, here is a link to a great article using that tool to create turning like modes.

 

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/22170/sketchup-and-the-lathe

 

Within this article is a reference to another plugin for the Bezier Curve tool. It's like a French Curve tool. You can download that plugin from-

 

https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/bezier-curve-tool

 

I used this plugin to create the Queen Anne legs on the humidor I'm building.

 

Hopefully, this will get our turners thinking about using Sketchup to help design the basic shaped of turnings

 

 

Now for some actual turning. A video on turning a Winged Bowl. As much as I'd like to try this, I'd also like to use a finish other than my own blood!!

 

 

 

Safe Turning!

Outstanding Lew! I can tell you have found a new hobby in Sketchup! Thanks for so much for posting this information. Sharing on Facebook now.