Filleting a radius in SketchUp is a useful technique that allows you to create smooth, curved edges between two intersecting lines or surfaces. It’s a great way to add detail and realism to your 3D models. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the steps of filleting a radius in SketchUp using the Follow Me tool.
Step 1: Create the Geometry
To begin, you need to have the geometry that you want to fillet. This can be a simple 2D shape or a more complex 3D object. For example, let’s say we have a rectangular box with sharp corners that we want to fillet.
Step 2: Select the Edges
Next, select the edges that you want to fillet. In our case, we’ll select all four edges of the box by using the Select tool and holding down the Shift key while selecting each edge.
Step 3: Activate the Follow Me Tool
Once you have selected the edges, activate the Follow Me tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar or by going to Tools > Follow Me. The cursor will change into a small circle with an arrow indicating its path.
Step 4: Apply Follow Me on Selected Edges
To apply the Follow Me tool on the selected edges, simply click once on any face or surface within your model. SketchUp will then extrude and follow along each selected edge with precision.
Step 5: Adjusting Fillet Radius
The default radius applied by SketchUp may not always be what you desire. To adjust the fillet radius, simply press and hold the Ctrl key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) while moving your cursor away from or towards the extruded faces. This action will increase or decrease the fillet radius accordingly.
Tips and Tricks
- Undo: If you make a mistake during the process, use the Edit > Undo command to revert back to the previous step.
- Cleanup: After filleting a radius, you may notice some extra hidden lines or surfaces. Use SketchUp’s Erase tool to clean up any unwanted geometry.
- Precision: For precise control over your fillet radius, consider typing in specific values in SketchUp’s “VCB” (Value Control Box) instead of using the mouse alone.
In Conclusion
Filleting a radius in SketchUp is a straightforward process that can add realism and detail to your models. By following these steps and using SketchUp’s powerful tools, you’ll be able to create smooth, curved edges with ease. Remember to experiment with different shapes and sizes to achieve the desired effect!
I hope this tutorial has been helpful in guiding you through the process of filleting a radius in SketchUp. Happy modeling!