Beginning Google Sketchup for 3D Printing (Expert's Voice in 3D Printing)

fully recommended

1/2 of the book is about Shapeways it is to bad the title "Beginning Google SketchUp for 3D Printing" is now takensomeone who actually wanted to write a book for beginners using SketchUp could have used it. Posibble by the fifth revision the author might learn how to write a beginners book.There is some interesting things, his revolving stairway was great but doubtful it would ever be printed in 3D.The Sketchyphysics chapter was fascinating but again not for a beginner wanting to learn SketchUp for 3D printing.I will never use Shapeways, I have a 3D printer on order, I need to learn SketchUp.I should have headed the prior reviews but I thought it couldn't be that bad. Like they say you'll get more out of doing the SketchUp tutorials and just playing around with SketchUp.Ralph

This book was not what I expected. As a new owner of a 3D printer, I was hoping for lessons on how to design in Sketchup specifically for my printer. While the book tells you WHAT is required for 3D printing, it does not really tell you HOW to obtain those needed solids etc. Also, way too much of the book is about uploading your project to be commercially printed. I felt that this was more of an ad for those services than a real reference manual that would help me use Sketch UP to design for my own printer.

Book is easy to follow and read. It covers Sketchup well, I learned a trick or two. It only covers 3D printing as it pertains to ordering from Shapeways. I think Shapeways is great, but I have a printer and was hoping to get some insight for using it. There is mention of DIY 3D printing, but no workflows. Disappointed. Cleaning up models for Shapeways is enough to fill a pamphlet, the rest is fluff.

I found this book useful when teaching a university level 3D printing class. Although much of the book discusses Shapeways I was able to translate the information into using our classroom printer. I would like a second edition covering the new Sketchup for my next class.