Pencil and paper

[Chems]

 

[woodbloke]

Pencil and paper here I'm afeard I tend to think something out in my bonce firstly. I've just sorted out a possible design for a fairly simple :wink: frame for my new coffee table top and then I've grabbed whatever is to hand (in this case Post-it notes on the desk) to quickly blast out some very quick sketches. Once the idea is logged 'up-top' it's there until I rejig it or work out that it can't be made - Rob

 

[matt]

I tend to use a computer for most things and I do use SketchUp occasionally, for very quick basic illustrations. I also use Freehand for some stuff too. I do, however, think quickly and draw/sketch just as quick - pencil and paper helps me get my ideas down.

I was brought up surrounded by hand drawn designs, illustrations, plans, and layouts - not a computer in sight. As a client I would prefer to see something hand-drawn rather than computer generated but I would accept that people use both.

 

[Mr T]

I have put some effort into trying to learn SU, even had some advice from Dave R. But I am still struggling with it. I find that my problems with SU tend to distract me from the design, which is not good for something which is meant to be a design aid.

Scrolling through the Design section of this forum it is interesting that virtually all the threads are about SU queries rather than questions about actual design ideas.

Chris

 

[MikeG.]

Scrolling through the Design section of this forum it is interesting that virtually all the threads are about SU queries rather than questions about actual design ideas.

Chris

Chris,

I had noticed that!! When I joined the forum I thought/hoped this section would be full of design ideas. Never mind, hey?

Just because this thread is entitled Pencil & paper, and because of my above comment, I thought I would post my full working drawings for my next project.

This will be my commentary on factory-produced furniture with no design content, and will be made in ash. I may sand-blast the right hand end........not sure yet......and the concept is based on the idea of a standard welsh dresser made of white chocolate which has stood in the sun just a little too long. I'm looking forward to trying to find someone to do leaded lights in the "melted" upper RH door!!!!

I would never do more than this in the way of drawing before embarking on a project, although I may draw a quick sketch of a section through an awkward junction. My day job is drawing, so my hobby avoids it wherever poss.

Mike

 

[wizer]

Scrolling through the Design section of this forum it is interesting that virtually all the threads are about SU queries rather than questions about actual design ideas.

I was vociferous in the creation of this section and had hoped it would encourage more discussion on design as a whole. It turned out to be almost entirely SU based which is a shame. It's still valuable to those of use who like to use SU tho.

 

[SketchUp Guru]

Perhaps it's time for this forum to become exclusively for design as its title implies. I'll be happy to help in my way if that's the way it should go.

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Jake]

It's up to people to post other stuff, Dave.

 

[John McM]

Nothing wrong with pencil and paper, nothing wrong with SU. Whatever works for you. This forum is surely about sharing ideas and knowledge in a friendly helpful way. That's what counts.

 

[mpooley]

Nothing wrong with pencil and paper, nothing wrong with SU. Whatever works for you. This forum is surely about sharing ideas and knowledge in a friendly helpful way. That's what counts.

Yes it would mean we would need another forum to discuss SU and this forum would probably die.

its fine as it is

 

[wizer]

yeh this forum was intended to be general design but turned out SU/CAD orientated. For some reason, that's how the users of this forum view it. Design threads usually get posted in the General Woodworking forum, mainly because there is more exposure there. Not everyone views every section of the forum.

 

[SketchUp Guru]

We could take the SU discussions elsewhere.

It doesn't matter to me either way. I'm only suggesting it as a way to possibly make this forum switch to design related topics. I'm happy to continue helping folks learn SketchUp but it doesn't have to be done on this forum.

If the folks using the forum as a whole don't want to see SketchUp being discussed in a forum whose title indicates something else, maybe that would be the good thing.

 

[wizer]

Don't get the wrong idea Dave. The few of us that use SU appreciate having a place to discuss CAD related issues. I think it will be too hard to force members to talk in a separate area about design. In the few American forums I frequent, design seems to be a subject that people like to discuss. Here I have noticed that it's not such a hot topic. I think it's fine the way it is, no one is denied talking about design this section. Extracting SU from the mix is just detrimental.

 

[SketchUp Guru]

It makes no difference to me. It can stay here or I can set up another place to do what I do. For folks like Tony who get the dry heaves when they see a SketchUp drawing, that would sort of clean up this forum.

Maybe folks would then talk design here.

As I said, I don't really care which way it goes.

 

[13eightyfour]

Perhaps this forum could just be renamed "Sketchup/CAD" and a new forum added for strictly "Design" ? I know im a newbie to the forum but it seems a shame to lose 1 over the other.

 

[xraymtb]

I would say splitting the forums would result in less traffic for both. As others have said, there's nothing to stop people posting about design issues rather than CAD/SU issues but users obviously want/need to discuss SU and CAD.

 

[Slim]

Surely the content of this forum shows what people want from it? If members wanted more discussion on design ideas then there would be more threads on it wouldn't there? I have in the past posted my design ideas (albeit using sketchup drawings) and have had some great feedback. On the otherhand, I sometimes like my designs to be all my own work, so will not ask opinions.

The tag line of this forum is quite clear. It is for discussing designs and sharing tips on the process. IMO it is great the way it is. I would not like the Sketchup related topics and Dave to be moved elsewhere.

 

[Jake]

Perhaps this forum could just be renamed "Sketchup/CAD" and a new forum added for strictly "Design" ? I know im a newbie to the forum but it seems a shame to lose 1 over the other.

There's more than enough forum proliferation already - we'll end up like the Oz site - virtually unusable (except for the very patient, and upside down people).

 

[wizer]

Surely the content of this forum shows what people want from it? If members wanted more discussion on design ideas then there would be more threads on it wouldn't there?

Agreed

 

[MikeG.]

To underline Slim's point, 24 hours ago I posted a sketch of a design......and there hasn't been a single comment on that, whereas there has been plenty on Sketch-up.

This is probably because that is what members now expect from this particular forum......indeed, I have noticed the odd posting of "Upcoming Projects" in the General Woodworking forum which are really just design discussions. Presumably they were posted in General Woodworking because people know that Design really means CAD in the context of this forum.

As long as people are aware of the prevailing wind when they post, the titles of the forums (fora, fori??) are pretty much irrelevant.

My penny's worth is that if you are designing for yourself then there isn't a great advantage in using a CAD program above a pencil sketch, but if you have to present your ideas to someone else and your drawing skills aren't great then SU or similar can help. Personally, I just can't be so prescriptive in my woodworking.........but can see why other's don't see it the same way. (My dad used to draw every thread on the screws in section on his own working drawings......and that by hand when that sort of thing takes a few minutes!!!!!)

Mike