Okay, I've done a simple design...

[mousemuffins]

...in sketchup (I've downloaded Blender, but it's a bit daunting. maybe later...)

here's some pictures of what I've done:

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/Mousemuffins1/leman%20russ/hullparts.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/Mousemuffins1/leman%20russ/trackguard.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/Mousemuffins1/leman%20russ/turret.jpg

there are more pieces, but as you can see, they're pretty simple.

here's a pic of where i'm going:

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/Mousemuffins1/leman%20russ/russoverall.jpg

most of the detail will be just flat 1mm and 2mm card pieces, and a butload of rivets.

Now question is, is there someone out there who could quickly unfold these (given the sketchup files)into a printable format? No need for tabs, as they will be use more as templates than finished model bits.

Failing that, how do I take a flat 2D design (i.e: unfolded) and make it printable?

thanks,

Craig.

[PaperMakeiT]

Haven't you still managed to unfold it with the free tool?


http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2007/08/plugin-unfoldrb.html

[mousemuffins]

i managed one track guard, but the other pieces don't want to unfold in the directions I want them to. for example, folding over onto themselves.

[PaperMakeiT]

Unfortunately I'm not using Sketch... Have you tried to sub-divide your model into more than one file and unfold single pieces at time? Sometime this works...

[mousemuffins]

Allrighty. I've chopped it into more pieces, and managed this piece:

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/Mousemuffins1/leman%20russ/hullunfoldp1.jpg

now how do i print this out ?

Baby steps. baby steps.

[PaperMakeiT]

??? There should be something like File->Print after selecting the object... ????

[mousemuffins]

Yes, but it dosnt come out all flat and ready to use, just as you see it. Do I need to export the image into something else perhaps?

oh wait. there's a 2D function here. I'll try that.

Well, it's a top down view, at least. But I cant make it print the size I want. :P

Oh rats. I'm thinking maybe sketchup's just not up to the job. But Blender looks SOOO hideously complicated, and I've only a tiny monitor.

[cgutzmer]

I am working on a very basic tutorial.... hopefully it will help you get started in blender :) looks like you did a great design so far here though! Can you export as an obj then import into blender? :D

[willygoat]

OOOOoooooo. A Blender tutorial! I'm looking forward to that. I have it downloaded and have tried to play a bit, but it's pretty daunting when you only have a few minutes a week to learn.

[mousemuffins]

ooohhh. groovy. i hope it's " this is how you draw a cube. this is how you unfold a cube. this is how you print a cube." sort of simple.

sketchup is very limited. I dont think you can do cones, and things like spheres seem to be out of the question. even ones with lots of facets.

[cgutzmer]

that is EXACTLY what it is.... :) pictures and everything :D

It also includes how to stretch the cube into different dimensions and how to apply a photo texture in GIMP to the unfolded model :)

[willygoat]

I love you man! You know, in that totally awesome, I might actually be able to eventually design something in ten years kind of way ;D

[cgutzmer]

I have only been doing it for a few weeks - I know what I know thanks to claudio :)

There are some great blender tuts on their site too but not as basic as mine (or as easy to follow) I am really doing mine just to build a bit of confidence in blender :)

[PaperMakeiT]

...and while waiting for Chris' tutorial, you can try to read the previous thread:

http://ecardmodels.com/forum/index.php?topic=408.0

[cgutzmer]

But my tutorial will be prettier! ;) I hope ;)

[cgutzmer]

whaaaaatttttt so neither of you want to try out my tutorial? :P

[PaperMakeiT]

It seems that most are scared by Blender interface...
If no one steps on send it to me, otherwise upload it to Blender forum.

[cgutzmer]

Its not ready for primetime yet ;) I will just keep plugging away at it til its done! I will send it your way if you want to see it now. :)
Chris

[willygoat]

Chris- If I can lear my repainting plate, tomorrow, I'll give it a shot. I have Blender sitting on my computer staring at me. It's kinda freakin' me out. BTW- I'm doing a repaint of the Bell Long Ranger. The first test builds looks pretty wicked ;D

[cgutzmer]

Excellent! Does nathan know you are doing that? What kind of paint scheme you looking at doing?

My tutorial will hopefully work with ZERO blender experience - at least that is my goal. I have done things several times now so hopefully I didnt miss anything ;)
Chris

[PaperMakeiT]

By the way, Chris, before any tutorial (and I am aware just now that I myself am not doing this >:() you have to specify the release number of the software you used for the tutorial: for example in Blender 2.48 there are functions not present in 2.47 or the relative button is located in a different position.

[cgutzmer]

Excellent idea - I added the versions to the title :) I also offered a couple posts ago to send it to ya if you want claudio ;) I will send a copy off tonight in any case. Keep in mind its a first draft so lots of room for improvement!

Further discussion on my tutorial in the tutorial thread I started ;)
Thanks!
Chris

[willygoat]

Yes, Nathan does know. He sent me the master files to do the work. I'm working on this one right now

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/BDR7/ist2_996009-bell-ranger.jpg

Oh, and I have version 2.48 of Blender

[PaperMakeiT]

Chris, I will see the file this evening or before if you send a pdf file.

Blender is going to release a 2.49 in few time.

[cgutzmer]

Figures now that I am getting used to this version ;)

Nice looking chopper! :)

[PaperMakeiT]

Don't panic! ;D

New features will be transparent for you that are starting to study it!

[PaperMakeiT]

Chris, no free time yesterday. Your tut will be examined this afternoon. ;)

[PaperMakeiT]

This first part of the tutorial is quite helpful even for those who have never seen Blender before! My compliments, Chris! :)