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I will be teaching SketchUp classes in Cincinnati, beginning this summer. The date, price, and location will be announced soon, but in the meantime, here is the plan. Classes will consist of two, two-day sessions, taught over a long weekend.

The first two-day class session is called “SketchUp ABCs” and will thoroughly cover the basics of 3D modelling. We’ll start with setting up the SketchUp workspace and learning basic navigation. Then we’ll move through how to create and modify objects with a series of fun and informative exercises I’ve developed. These give you hands on practice to develop the hand and eye coordination you need for efficient modeling. By the end of the second day, you will have an understanding of objects, groups and components and the ability to make, modify and combine these elements in your own designs.

The second two-day class is “Advanced SketchUp for Woodworkers”. Building on the skills and techniques from the first session, you’ll learn how to model efficiently by copying and modifying existing parts instead of drawing from scratch. Add joinery details like dovetails and mortise and tenon joints quickly and accurately and use the information from the model to estimate your material needs and speed your layout work in the shop. Rapidly create new designs, then make detailed models that contain all the information you need about every piece and part. Create dimensioned plans to take to the shop and realistic renderings to see your project before you build.

Classes will be held in a meeting room at a local conference center. You’ll have a comfortable, padded seat and space for your laptop and notes. Coffee, juice, pastries and fruit will be provided in the morning and you’ll have your choice of a hot entree, deli sandwich or fresh salad for lunch. You’ll be able to see my computer projected on a large screen, and the limited class size means you’ll have time to get your questions answered and tips to perfect your technique.

“SketchUp ABCs” will be held Friday and Saturday, followed by “Advanced SketchUp for Woodworkers” on Sunday and Monday. Students can sign up for one or both classes. To get the most out of the second session, you should take “SketchUp ABCs” first, but you can take the advanced class with the understanding that we won’t have time to coach you on the techniques from the first class. We’ll be offering classes every couple of months, so you can take the first class, practice for a while and return for the advanced class. A detailed outline for each class will be posted soon.

Tentative dates are late June or the middle of July. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to have your input. Send an e-mail or leave a comment below, and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when, where and how much.

–Bob Lang