SketchUp Projects Archive

December 27, 2022   SketchUp Projects  Archived Completed Today.    Projects between Sept. 13 ,  2021 and Dec. 27,  2022 have been archived here.

December 26, 2022  Custom Thread on 2" Shaft--SketchUp Model Using Hybrid Method for Thread Design.   The Hybrid Thread Design Method was first used on December 22 (see below for a complete description).

Today's project was to draw a precision thread on a 2 inch  shaft (diameter scaled up to 9600mm).  The line segments were increased from  24 entities per circle to 40.  Even with 40 segments the cricle(s) appear a bit rough.

Also, with a 40 TPI (very fine thread) the slope per segment was a mere 3mm rise, but large enough to avoid working with decimal fractions.

When finished, I attempted to render a high resolution image with Twilight Rendering Extension, but with no success.  I could not get the lighting and the camera angle to produce a high quality image.  Either the extension balked at the huge number of connecting lines and surfaces or I had selected improper settings.  Smaller diameter threads have been rendered okay, but this giant was a no go.

Therefore, the completed threaded shaft shown below was exported wtih SketchUp's 2D graphics option--the first image below is with the shadow setting on and show edges turned off, and the second and third images were with edges turned on.  Some of the intermediate steps are also shown.

The SketchUp model can be downloaded at the following link Two-Inch Diameter Threaded Shaft (requires SketchUp to open).

December 22, 2022  Hybrid Thread Design-- Segmented + 4 Helix Method.   Today's brainstorm features the melding of the 4-helix method recently discussed in excessive detail plus my old favorite that utilizes segmets and a profile.  This SketchUp model, minimal math skills--just an awareness of relative measurements based on a few known values:  Thread diameter 1", 4800mm when scaled up; Threads per inch, 8 tpi; and Pitch based on 4800mm per inch, 600mm.

Thread depth is based on 30 degree half angles and the thread profile divides the 600 degrees pitch as shown in the images below where the root length is 2x the crest length.  One last thing--the number of SketchUp line segments used for the circle is set for 24 in this model; therefore, the rise per segment in the thread spiral (1 revolution in the helix) is 1/24th of the 600mm pitch or 25mm per thread revolution.

The rest depends on the order of drawing the entities and knowing when to group or to explode depending on the required task.  That is, when moving parts into position, grouping will keep parts to be moved from sticking to other parts.  When scaling/deforming threads, all parts involved must be exploded--the selected helix areas need to stick for this process to shape the thread surfaces.

I think this is the most elegant method because it takes the best of both methods and simplifies the thread drawing process. The scaling value for shaping the threads and the thread depth value are referenced and applied in the design layout--no math is used (see images below).

Here's a link to today's model:  Hybrid Method of SketchUp Thread Design (requires SketchUp to open).

December 18, 2022  Scaling Helix Threads with SketchUp--Concluded.   The SketchUp models (two) for today's examples contain #5 one-eighth inch diameter coarse and fine  threaded screws--40 TPI and 44 TPI, respectively.  One'eighth inch nuts were drawn in a second SketchUp file.  They are linked at the end of this post.   Also included in today's links is a 5-page detailed guide with all the measurements.

This is definitely the final post on scaling/deforming helix threads following mathematical prarameters.  It's an exhaustive process when documenting every step and computation.  Ironically, the other thread-drawing method using a thread profile and thread segments  (See September 1, 2022 Post below) has proven itself to be equally, if not more accurate as well as expedient to layout and draw.

Maybe with more advanced applications of trigonometry, the final scaling valuing would be faster to compute.  Then too, there is the visual square template that can be drawn quickly to determine the scaling value.  It is accurate as long as the model is scaled up large enough to accomodate decimal fractions (See December 11, 2022 image 2 below)--just drag the red grip with the Ctrl Key depressed to the outer corner of the box while scaling.  The Inside thread diameter or inside radius must be defined by a second circle, however.   It bypasses all the Squares and Square Root caclulations when coupled with a simple 2-D thread thread profile drawing (See December 10, 2022 image below) .

Final Comment.  Don't forget that screw-making and helix extensions for SketchUp will eliminate the need for all of this; except for the purists, who either enjoy the challenge or insist on drawing everything from scratch.

Here are today's links:

One-eighth Inch Diameter Bolts/Screws (requires SketchUp to open)

One-eighth Inch Diameter Nuts (requires SketchUp to open) 

Guide for Caclulating and Scaling  4-Helix One-eighth Inch Diameter Nuts and Bolts:  PDF Version or Word Version

Note:  I have also included a disclaimer stating that measurements and calculations are for recreational drawing only and are not intended for the production or manufacture of nuts and bolts.

December 16, 2022  Scaling Helix Threads with SketchUp--One Inch Diameter.   The SketchUp model for today's examples contains a one-inch diameter coarse thread, 8 TPI for a nut and threaded rod (bolt). 

Both applications of the Pythagorean Theorem were again applied, thus eliminating the need for a template, which I found to be slightly inaccurate when dealing with decimal fractions.  The results of the math formulas provided precise values when calculating squares and square roots.  I rounded to 4 or 5 decimal places of precision only after all prelimary steps had been completed.

Here's the Link to today's SketchUp post  One Inch 8 TPI Threads for Nut and Bolt (requires SketchUp to open).   The internal crest and root radii for the Nut were both increased by 7.2mm for clearance (3 thousand's of 2400mm).  This increase is barely detectable even when viewing the scaled up version (4800mm = 1 inch).

Images of today's model are posted below.

December 12, 2022  Scaling Helix Threads with SketchUp--Algebraic Formulas.   The SketchUp model for today's examples contains one-half inch diameter coarse and fine threads.

A second application of the Pythagorean Theorem enabled me to dispense with the use of a pre-drawn template when designing the thread profile.  It involved solving the following algebraic equation needed to obtain the Thread Depth value.

Using smaller values to form a triangle:

a = 10  (Thread Pitch)
b = ?    (Unknown value to be used for creating a Thread Depth to Pitch Ratio)
c = 20  (Hypotenuse--in any 30-60-90 degrees right triangle, the Hypotenuse is always 2x the length of the shortest leg)

 a2    +    b2   =  c2
100  +  ? b2  = 400  
100  - 100 + b2 = 400-100  (subtract a2  from both sides of the equation)
100 - 100  + b2 = 400-100 
b2 =  300
sqrt.  of  300 = 17.320508...

The eighth (last) SketchUp image below validates the outcome of the equation.

b = 17.32051   

Move the decimal point left to create the Thread to Pitch Ratio (1.732051 x .3125 x any Pitch length = Thread Depth).
The value .3125 is 5/8 of 1/2 the thread pitch length upon which the half angle is based for this thread style.  This step is referenced as P2  in the Word & PDF documents linked below.

In summary, here is the vertical length allocation for each part of a thread profile:   [.6250  (.3125 x 2 -- two 30-degrees half angles) + .1250 (Crest) + .2500 Root]  = 1.0 Thread's Pitch.

A simple V-shaped thread would not include pitch length values for the thread crest and root since none exist.  Only 1/2 the pitch length would be multiplied by 1.732051 to arrive at the thread depth.

The nuts for the fine and coarse threaded rods required similar techniques with the diameters drawn slightly larger depending on the desired fit.  The crest and root diameters were enlarged enough to create clearance between the nut and bolt when threading/ tightening, etc. Calculations have to be redone to allow for the size difference.

Also, note that if the hole through which a bolt must pass requires an exact 1/2" diameter, for example, the the bolt's crest diameter would need to have a slightly smaller diameter for clearance.  The advantage of designing your own nuts and bolts and other components is that you can do it however you want.  Within the screw and fastener industry, however, there are standards and uniformity, with the exception being custom made parts--a mechanic's nightmare (and a machinist's dream).

Before Scaling/deformation can take place, the 4-helix cyclinders are scaled about center by a percentage representing the size difference of the nut and bolt diameters where the nut is an internal thread. The Pitches for the coarse and fine thread nuts must remain the same as the threaded rods.  Therefore, no vertical rescaling of the 4-helix cylinders is done.

Lastly, information pertaining to today's threads has been arranged in an orderly manner and posted as two-page Word and PDF documents linked here:   Scaling Helix Threads--Word and Scaling Helix Threads--PDF.  Today's SketchUp Model can also be downloaded from this link:  Scaling Helix Threads--SKP (requires SketchUp to open).

Comments:  It makes better sense to draw a template whenever possible.  Life  becomes  much less complicated.  Measurements and calculations contained in these posts are intended for recreational SketchUp modeling only.

December 11, 2022  Math and No Math Scaling--SketchUp, Pythagorean Theorem.   Yesterday's post would be incomplete without explaining how the scaling value for the thread root is obtained.  It is possible to calculate percentage values to be entered in the  measurements box as mentioned before--but the alignment is tedious, at least for me.  For more precise thread formation, I had chosen the trial and error method using a series of values plugged into the 45 degrees offset line.  That works but it required a lot of time and patience.

This morning I tried a fresh approach by drawing the 2-D overhead view shown below to determine what underlying math principle was involved.  A  Square exists in the lower right quadrant of the thread's circle that is divided by the 45 degrees guide line that was drawn to facilitate the scaling/deformation of the thread.  The 45 Degrees diagonal line creates two right trangles and will represent the hypotenuse in the Phythagorean Theorem application shown below.

Shortly thereafter, a light came on and I realized that the bottom right corner of the circle also provided a visual solution--where little if any math is involved for determining the Scaling Value (see fine thread example below).  By simply extending lines as shown, a hypotenuse can be measured diagonally across the square.  The hypotenuse length is the scaling value.

A prequisite for both explanations is that thread profiles need to be drawn that reveal the thread depths.  In these examples, a 1" (4800mm) Diameter 8 TPI thread has a thread depth of 324.8mm; and a 12 TPI 1" (4800mm) thread has a 216.5mm thread depth. Another math solution could be used for determining thread depth, but SketchUp makes it easy to draw.

The application of the Pythagorean Theorem yielded the same value as the trial and error method for the Coarse thread example.  With the use of the [Square] and [Square Root] buttons on Windows Standard Calculator  the math was not that complicated--even for me.  The Pythagorean Theorem states:  for any Right Triangle, the  Hypotenuse = the square root of (a squared + b squared).  The initial values for a and b were both 1/2 of the Thread Root Diameter.

The main value for this calculation was 1/2 of the root diameter (see below).  Once I got the crest diameter and thread depth values out of my head, the rest was easy.  The overhead view with accompanying steps shows a more efficient way to set the scaling value by using math.

Finally, the No Math Method is just as accurate if you don't mind drawing a separate 2-D model for measuring the hypotenuse.

Here is a link to the Model showing the same information as in the images below:   Apply Pythagorean Theorem and No Math Method (requires SketchUp to open).

December 10 2022  SketchUp Scaling Video--SketchUp, Bandicam, and MoveMaker.   This is a followup on yesterday's post.  The coarse thread model has been copied into a separate SketchUp file and more detail concerning the thread profile was added (see image below).  Here is the link to the Thread Root Demonstration model (requires SketchUp to open).

Also, Bandicam was used to create a 4 minute video showing SketchUp's application of scaling the thread root in the formation of a complete thread.  The actual thread scaling/deformation takes place between the 1:12 and 1:32 minute marks. A caption has been inserted in the video near the point where the red corner handle (grip) is dragged upward while depressing the Ctrl key. (Wiindow's MovieMaker was used to insert captions in the unedited Bandicam video.)

Next, I attempted to compare the newly created thread with the pre-drawn thread profile at the right.  Captions also accompany measurements of the thread depth, pitch, and half angles.   All of the dimensions match the intended design.  Click here to view:  Bandicam Mp4 Video.

December 9, 2022  Scaling and Rendering--SketchUp and Twlight Rendering Extension. 

Twilight Render.  Three rendered images below show a shiny copper metal material for two drawings, and a variety of subsurface materials for the third that are more subdued.

Scaling Applications.  Screen captures from the SketchUp models illustrate several scaling and resizing techniques.

• Thread Root Scaling shapes the entire thread.  This process has been explained in previous posts that uses snap to values to exactly replicate thread profiles based on scaling about the center.  This technique bypasses the measurements box which tends to be finicky when entering precision values.  Trial and error, although time consuming, produces accurate results (see screen captures below).

• The fine 12 tpi thread model has been created by scaling the entire coarse thread length vertically (the pitches) to .666666667 (2/3).

• The final conversion was to resize both the fine and coarse thread diameters from 4800mm diameter to 1" (25.4mm) using the tape measure tool.  (also explained in previous posts).

Here are links to the SketchUp working copy for the coarse and fine thread using 4800mm diameter instead of 1" (25.4mm).  Decimal fractions are easier to manipulate using larger values.   Working Copy 4800mm (requires SketchUp to open).

The second model shows the actual 1" scale diameter.  Also, I have purposely left a circle beneath the Coarse thread model that was used to apply the tape measure when scaling down from 4800mm diameter to 1 inch.   All values in the original model were proportionally resized.  To preserve the original model, the updated version was renamed before saving.   Threads Scaled to 1 Inch (requires SketchUp to open).

After scaling down to 1 inch, some of the decimal values shown in the measurements change to 0.  The reduction in size from 4800mm to 25.4mm accounts for this.  The large model had a precision of .3mm variance in thread depth for the fine thread's profile.  That degree of error has disappeared after the conversion to 1" scale.

Lastly, I included a thread profile drawing for reference when determining the length of the snap-to point at the top of each thread.  The drawings show the 30 degrees half angles, the pitch (either 600 or 400), and their respective thread depths.

December 6, 2022  Colorful Metal--Twlight Rendering Extension.   Three colored bolts were drawn in SketchUp and Rendered with the Copper Metal Material.  Colors resemble pearlescent spray paint.

November 29, 2022  Twilight Rendering Extension--Subsurface Scattering Material.   The purpose of this post is to illlustrate one of the surface color variations that is possible with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Here are two applications of the Wax Material listed under the Subsurface Scattering Option.  The complete path while working in SketchUp is :  Extensions>Twilight Render V2>Materials Editor>Templates>Subsurface Scattering>Wax. (Note:  The extension first needs to be downloaded and installed in SketchUp.)

In the first image, the "Five Fake nuts and  6 bolts"  image was colored with Light Blue Steel.  After opening the Twilight Render Extension, the Materials Editor was selected, The eye dropper tool was used to touch (select) the model colored with Light Blue Steel.   Next, the Templates Option was opened followed by the selection of Subsurface Scattering, and beneath that, Wax.

The last steps included making adjustments in the Environment Editor where light intensity and sky rotation were set.  Lastly, the Render Option was selected where image size and quality were set prior to rendering.

The second image "Six Multi-colored Fake nuts and bolts" followed the same steps, but because it was multi-colored, the eye dropper was touched on each color separately and for each time, Subsurface Scattering, Wax was chosen for the rendering Template material.

By the way, bolts are fake because threads were not formed with a helix.  These were made by scaling rings positioned on the cylinder.  Everyother ring (circle) was selected and then pushed inward or outward to form the nut's and bolt's fake threads.

November 7, 2022  Four Helix Method for Drawing Threads--SketchUp.   Today's review project uses a bit of trial and error to create an accurate length of bolt thread.  Here is a downloadable SketchUp model that I have created (requires SketchUp to open).  Four Helix Method.   Photos below show some of the steps involved.

I began by drawing a two dimensional thread profile to determine where each element of the thread bends when distorting the helix.  That is, the half angles, crest, and root of each thread.  (1" diameter 8 tpi bolt).  Once the size of each element was determined, Helix 2, 3, and 4 could be spaced accordingly by duplicating Helix 1 and dragging each downward into position.

The shape of the thread takes place when rescaling the selected root area by entering numbers in the measurements box.  After a half dozen tries, I got 30 degrees half angles for both the upper and lower segments.  The ctrl key is used while initially pulling or pushing the directional handles when using the Scale tool.  See images below for the values I plugged in. This procedure always requires the use of one of the middle four corner handles depending on the model's orientation.

Drawing a bolt came next.  Here is another SketchUp model showing the hexagonal head, shank, and chamfers:  Blue Bolts (requires SketchUp to open).  I am not planning to print 3D bolts from the model and did not take time to erase or repair internal geometry required for that operation.  Three rendered images are shown below.

Lastly, following completion of the thread, it can be rescaled to a 1" diameter by clicking the tape measure tool pulled across the bolt's diameter (4800mm). Then, by entering 1" in the measurements box it will shrink to the specified size.  It doesn't matter if metric format is being used, SketchUp knows what to do.  Everything in the model will be scaled proportionally.  Separate groups or components may create complications.  To avoid that, copy and paste the length of bolt thread into a new Sketchup document before rescaling.

Addendum: Here's a follow-up project showing a 1/2" Diameter 20 TPI UNF thread.  The tape measure was used for scaling based on a 1200mm radius-- 1513.4mm--offset 45 degrees from either the x or y axis.  The Measurements Box  returned equal rounded values of  ~0.89,~0.89.  One-Half Inch Fine Thread 20 TPI (requires SketchUp to open).  It includes additional details regarding layout.  All thread values were identical to an initial thread profile drawn for the project  (See images below).

November 4, 2022  Conical Helix--Screw Threads Model and Images.   Here's another review project showing some of the steps for drawing a wood screw using multiple helixes.  This is a simplified method that does not follow rigid specifications for actual screw making.  It's mainly intended to be an exercise for drawing cone shapes with conical helixes that can be distorted using the resize/scale tool.  Here is the link to the downloadable SketchUp model that I have created (requires SketchUp to open).  Conical Helixes.   Also, see April 26, 2022 post below for additional details.

October 18 & 28, 2022  One Inch Diameter 12 TPI Bolts--SketchUp Rendered Image.   Here are two images exported from recent SketchUp projects with Twilight Rendering Extension applied.

September 15, 2022  Nut and Bolt Threads with 15 Segment Circumferences--SketchUp.   Using only 15 circle segments doesn't produce a very smooth nut and bolt thread.  Segments are more pronounced and seem to make a better 2D image for illustration purposes.  Nut and Bolt clearance in the colored images below is exaggerated.   The September 1 post shows greater precisiion but drawings are fuzzy except for the extreme closeups.

Fifteen segments, of course, require fewer design steps than larger segment designs--20, 24, 36 . . . .  The obvious downside is they're not very smooth, even after applying the smooth option.  Filing off the corners would be time consuming and probably result in a less than precision fit.

Here is a LInk to today's SketchUp Model:  Fifteen Segment Threads (requires SketchUp to open).

Here are screen shots from the model:

September 1, 2022  Custom Nut and Bolt Threads--SketchUp.   The thread profiles shown in the August 26 post below has been modified to provide an easy way to increase the precision of bolt and nut tolerances.  

I have implemented the use of the Inset Tool so that smaller tolerances can be drawn.  It is necessary to use a scaled up version so that it can be reduced to to actual size after it has been modeled.  Furthermore, because of close tolerances it may be hard to distinguish lines that separate the nut thread from the bolt.  Drawings have been left in their scaled up version with instructions at the end explaining how to scale the bolt and nut down to a 1 inch diameter.

Here is a LInk to today's SketchUp Model:  Nut and Bolt Tolerances Snug Fit (requires SketchUp to open).

Here are screen shots from the model:

August 26, 2022  Chamfered Bolt Threads--SketchUp.   The following models show a way to chamfer the beginning and the end of a bolt's thread:   Chamfered Bolt Threads  (requires SketchUp to open).  The runout ends in a gutter cut into the shank.  The end of the bolt has a similar 30 Degrees chamfer that ends on a truncated cone (see model).   To avoid misconception, this post departs from standard practices and is mainly experimental on my end (refer to final paragraph).

The second model shows thread tolerances for both the nut and bolt:  Thread Tolerances  (requires SketchUp to open).  The models are based on a 1 inch diameter UNC  (8 TPI) bolt and layed out in SketchUp using metric scaling--4800mm diameter and 600mm pitch.

Thread Chamfers:  When done manually, as shown here, Sketchup intersection of thread and cones simulate the result of a metal lathe's 30 Degrees feed (with thread cutting tool) to form chamfers.  My previous threading posts have not addressed this procedure in quite as much detail.

The first image below shows the 2D exported version using SketchUp. The second and third were rendered with the Twilight Rendering Extension for SketchUp.

Lastly, I didn't include an internal thread for a Nut in this model, but did include a color coded diagram drawn purely by using reference lines and a 30 Degree thread half angle.  The thread pitch was divided (using SketchUp) showing half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth reference marks.  

The profile for the external bolt thread was drawn first followed by the nut thread for the loosest fit (tolerance).  By subdividing the tolerance distance by half and then into quarters, other tolerances and nut diameters were drawn with minimal math required (see image 4 below).  It looks good on the computer screen but has not otherwise been tested.

Realistically, the actual application of thread design should conform to tried and true methodology--here's a link that it explains part of it:  Bolt Science.

August 5, 2022  Four Helix Thread Design--SketchUp.   The Scale Tool applied to a selected area defined by two helix along a Cylinder drawn with SketchUp creates a likeness of a nut and bolt thread (see below).  Today, I have provided a few images that  illustrate another technique for  3-D modeling threads with SketchUp.

• Important Note:  As mentioned in some of my previous posts, thread  drawings I've created do not reflect engineering standards for thread design.  That is, diameters, thread depths, pitch, root, crest, thread angles, thread engagement, tolerances/deviations and mathematical calculations do not conform to either Unified or Metric standards.   Most measurements are obtained from thread profile models created with Sketchup and are only rough approximations of international standards. 

• Warning:  Depending on the materials used--plastics, metals, etc., there may be issues with durability regarding strength or other external forces (heat, cold, vibration, and aging, for example).  Using correct fasteners and acceptable construction practices are vital for safety and  functionality. 

The March 27, 2022 post (further down the page) provides a Youtube link that explains how to assigns values to helixes  h1 through h4 that are inserted in the measurements box using SketchUp.  The individual who posted the video indicated it was mainly for modeling nuts and bolts for 3D printing.  Considerations were made for overhang and other aspects regarding the 3D printing process.

Like all of the technique options for drawing threads from scratch, it is quite involved.  I generally opt to use different methods.  There are also helix and thread making SketchUp addons/extensions that can speed up the process.

Here is a link for todays's SketchUp file used to render the images below:  Four Helix Thread Design.   This download requires SketchUp to view.

Addendum:  Images 6 and 7 provide more details concerning pairing a nut and bolt thread.  The thread profile is similar to many I've done in the past.  Here's the link to a downloadable SketchUp model showing layout steps for both a nut and bolt thread.   Measurments  are based on a 2400mm radius for the bolt, 2465mm radius for the nut, and thread pitch of 600mm.  Threads with these dimensions can be scaled down to a one- inch diameter with 8 TPI (threads per inch) nut and bolt.  The model requires SketchUp to open.  Nut and Bolt Thread--Four Helix Design.  Only 3 threads were created in order to make the drawings easier to view.

None of these examples will make much sense without first watching the YouTube Video mentioned above.  I did not use a Spreadsheet to calculate the values required to downscale the threads' root/crest for the bolt and nut.  Instead, I plugged in values according to my thread profile layout until the thread angle was 60 degrees (two 30 degrees half angles).   Setting the tape measure tool length for plugging in values can be easily repeated.  Scaling the bolt and nut to its intended size can also be accomplished using the tape measure tool.

July 30, 2022  Forty TPI Thread--Micrometer, SketchUp.   Today's SketchUp model features step by step drawings showing how a 40 TPI thread can be drawn.   All steps can be seen by downloading the following SketchUp file:  Forty TPI Thread (requires Sketchup to view). 

A thread such as this was turned on a metal lathe to create the large micrometer shown below.  My father had made this for use in his machine shop back in the early 60s.   He found a need for a larger micrometer for farm equipment  precision parts he was fabricating or repairing for customers.  Micrometers will measure lengths/diameters/depths, etc. within a few thousandths of an inch (or greater precision if needed).

The micrometer shown below measures fractions of an inch with 1/1000ths of an inch increments.  With each revolution of a 40 TPI thread, 25 thousandths can be measured.  Notice the graduations on the upper right end of the barrel -- there are 25 equally spaced horizontal marks  (40 x 25 = 1000).  The Lower shaft appears to have vertical graduations measuring up to 5 inches with 40 graduations/marks per inch.  There is another 1.5" of travel remaining on the threaded shaft at the top.   Every fourth vertical mark is slightly longer and measures 100 thousandths of an inch (4 25 thousandths turns).

The Sketchup images below were drawn  using a 100:1 Scale for a 1/2 inch diameter thread (40 TPI).  Both internal and external threads have been modeled.

Lastly, I have included another SketchUp Model using the same wire frame drawing technique for an Acme-style 1 inch diameter internal and external thread, 8 TPI (requires SketchUp to view).  The model was drawn with metric measurements but can be quickly resized to 1 inch by using the tape measure tool spanning the circle's diameter at the base which measures  4800 mm.  Type 1"  in the measurements box and  confirm.  The entire model will be re-scaled proportionately.

July 15, 2022  Thread Review--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.   It's time to review the thread profile design process once again.  This is a straight forward method using basic SketchUp procedures.  The only extension used was to render a few images using Twilight Rendering Extension after the bolt and nut were drawn.

The firstand second models show a 3/8 inch diameter bolts and nut (thread only) drawn with 16 TPI UNC and 24 UNF threads.  Two images have been rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension and one with SketchUp's Export 2D Graphic using Hidden Line View On.  Links to The Large and resized versions (requires SketchUp to open): 

Internal and External Threads for 3/8" 16 and 24 TPI 1800mm Diameter.

Internal and External Thread for 3/8" 16 and 24 TPI 9.5mm  Diameter -- scaled down with tape measure to  .375" or 3/8". 

The third and fourth models represent a short 1" diameter bolt  with a standard coarse 8 threads per inch (TPI) with an accompanying nut.  Two models are linked--The first is limited to the  thread profile and comparison of the nut thread (internal) and bolt thread (external).  The second model shows some of the steps used to design the entire nut and bolt.  The bolt was built around a circle with a 2400 mm radius.  The nut was built around a circle with a 2465 mm radius.  See SktechUp models linked here.  Both models require SketchUp to open.  I have used the free version.   Links for download:    

Nut and Bolt Thread Profile (scaled down to 1 inch diameter equivalent (24.9 mm diameter).  

Nut and Bolt Design 1" Diameter 8 TPI  (shown with bolt radius of 2400 mm.) 

Lastly, I've included two more links for SketchUp models representing a two inch length of 5/8" 18 TPI UNF thread along with a nut.  (requires SketchUp to open).   There are no images rendered for these models.

The nut and bolt detail is incomplete, however more detail is shown regarding the steps for drawing the thread profile and thread segments which might be helpful.  Click Here to Download the Fifth File.

The 5/8" bolt was initially drawn around a circle with a 1500 mm radius and 4800 mm vertical axis which was divided into 18 segments to represent a 1 inch length.   (1500/2400 = .625 proportion for a 5/8 bolt) or 3000/4800 = .625 .

The Sixth File (click here) is a copy of the original that has been resized to 5/8" using the tape measure tool on a 3000mm circle placed below the original bolt.  By typing  .625" for the circle diameter, the entire bolt was resized proportionately with a 2 inch thread length (36 threads).

In recent projects, I have elected to work between both metric and imperial measurements in this fashion to become more familiar with using metric measurements.  The tape measure resizing worked fine when using the decimal value expressed as .625";   but when using the expression 5/8"  in the measurements box, the  bolt  was resized to a diameter of only .6 mm.

May 25, 2022  Antique Clock--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.   Here is a basic design of a Mantel Clock.  The SketchUp files can be downloaded by clicking the following link (requires SketchUp to open):  Antique Clock version 1.

Version 2 of the clock has an added winding mechanism on the dial and a hinged lens (requires SketchUp to open).

May 13, 2022  3D Modeling Stone House and 1949 Hudson--SketchUp, GIMP and Twilight Rendering Extension.   Today's SketchUp model includes a small stone house and the final version of the 1949 Hudson.

The house is crude with some basic interior elements added.  The Hudson  has taken considerable time, and I've reach the end of my know how on trying to make further improvements.  The Stone House and '49 Hudson are posted together at the following link StoneHouse and 49 Hudson (requires SketchUp to open).

Lastly, a re-rendered version of the "1949 Hudson Super Six" 4-door sedan shown below has been added to the Transportation>Automobilies Category at 3D Warehouse.Com (requires sign in to access/download models).

May 8, 2022  3D Modeling 1949 Hudson--SketchUp, GIMP and Twilight Rendering Extension.   The 1949 2D image from the previous post became the profile pattern for today's 3D modeling project.   To start, I downloaded a 3D car template from 3D Warehouse and unzipped it.  I'm using an old version of SketchUp Make so I chose the Collada file option (dae extension) which opened perfectly.

The downloaded sports car was  scaled to match the dimensions of the 1949 Hudson image.  The main thing was to adjust the wheel base and height, etc.  Later, the long front end of the sports car had to be trimmed away and reconstructed to match the Hudson's.  View images of work currently in progress below.  Using a pre-made template is a time saver.  Minor adjustments can be made by grabbing pre-existing  intersections with the move tool.  The drawing the grill was the fun part.  Trying to smooth surfaces was not.  That takes lots of practice (and triangles).

It's all pretty rough and the present (day 4 and counting).  Today, I was able to render a respectible front end view.  After editing the rendered image with GIMP, it almost looks like a car.  I would estimate, there's about 90% more refinement remaining.  It's not a hurry up  type of project--just like restoring an old car.

At present, the SketchUp file is very disorganized and it won't be shared it its current state.  Here are some screen captures and two rendered images.

May 5, 2022 Drawing a 1949 Hudson--SketchUp, GIMP and Twilight Rendering Extension.   Drawing a 2-D version of our old car by tracing a photo of a similar model vehicle became very time consuming and involved.  The techniques for using SketchUp for this project were described below for drawing hand tools shown in recent posts.

Here is a link to a YouTube video that shows a restored '49 Hudson.  It has a few modern touches such as AC, Power Steering, and seat belts added.  It also has a new leather interior, but the dash is original.  Hudsons have some of the most beautiful dash boards ever made!  1949 Hudson Super-Six.  Regarding Power Steering installation--this is a related  YouTube Video.

Here is a link to today's SketchUp model.   I did not include the photo used for tracing.  1949 Hudson 2-D Model  (requires SketchUp to open).  After all reference lines were traced, it took a considerable amount of time and patience to make sure all lines were flat and connected.  When that was finally finished each part could be selected for painting with a suitable color.   Next, a 2-D  image was exported and opened with the GiIMP photo editor.

GIMP was used to adjust the color and to apply a canvas and a shallow bump map.  Without a bump map, Twilight Rendering Extension (for SketchUp) does not detect flat line detail--that is, the bump map lines replace contours, etc., that would normally be present in a 3-D SketchUp model.  Without some type of bump map, a 2-D image looks pretty bland when rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension.

The final step was to export a jpeg from GIMP and Import it into SketchUp where another photo was rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension An outside sunlight environment was applied.  The results were so, so, but I didn't expect a great outcome.  The only noticeable difference between the GiMP version and that rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension in SketchUp was a slightly more brilliant metallic appearance on the now shiny rims after it had been rendered using Twilight...

I have many great memories associated with the Hudson automobile.    Click here for a History of our 1949 Hudson (pdf file).  I wouldn't mind getting another one some day.

 May 1, 2022 Offset Screwdriver Model Redrawn--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.  The April 23 model of the antique offset screwdriver was inaccurate due to distortions in the photograph used for the initial tracing.  It would have been simpler from the start if I had simply measured the tool instead of relying on a fuzzy picture.

This time around the Craftsman brand name was applied using the same technique used for numbers and markings on the Try Square (see photos below).  Today's SketchUp model can be downloaded by clicking the following link:  Offset Screwdriver (requires SketchUp to open).

Lastly, a re-rendered version of the "Antique Hand Tools" shown below has been added to the Industrial>Tools Category at 3D Warehouse.Com (requires sign in to access/download models).

 April 28, 2022 Modeling a Smoother Surfaced Drill Bit--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.   The segmented drill bit template and profile I've been using has been noticeably rough in the flutes and at the tip.  The problem has been with the way it was drawn.  The roughness was mostly eliminated by further reducing the twist angle of each Segment to 1 degree.  When zoomed in very close the roughness still exists but finally, I'm statisfied with the way the body of the drill renders.

The spiral created for today's post was really, really long.  After I duplicated and rotated 6 segments of the drill bit profile that were one degree each and 55mm thick, I grouped them and duplicated 9 more groups for a total of 60 degrees (60 segments).  They were in turn exploded and grouped as 1.  The 60 degrees group was duplicated 5 more times, and rotated 60 Degrees each creating a 360 degrees creating 1 revolution of the double twist spiral.  In totatl 360 segments x 55mm equals 19.800mm tall for 1 spiral.

At this point my old computer began to sputter a bit. I exploded the final 6 groups and grouped them as one--that took several minutes.  I did not attempt to duplicate a second one or to explode it and group both as one.  Instead, I elected to work seperately on a top and bottom half of the drill bit body using individual groups.  The old computer is lacking what it takes to regroup the two halves together.

The next part of today's project was to scale down the 19,800mm to 3300mm (a single segment used for previous drill bits completed earlier this week).  Using the Scaling Tool, the Group was selected and pushed downward .16666666666667.  That was based on dividing 3300 mm by 19800.  

And of course, I forgot to erase the top segment surfaces again.  This time I could edit the section by erasing 360 top surfaces one at a time going up through the bottom of the fluting--another 10 minutes wasted.

Here is the link for today's partially completed High Density Drill Bit Model  (requires SketchUp to open).  Also, the remainder of the project includes the additiion of a shank and a tip.  It can be downloaded by clicking Part 2 (requires SketchUp to open).  Below are rendered images and a few SketchUp 2D graphic images that shows some closeup detail in Hidden Line view.

 April 26, 2022 Fancy Tacks and Screws--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.   Fancy Tacks and Screws was completed to review some techniques I've used frequently in the past year.  By combining some concepts posted on September 23, 2021 and others more recently posted on March 27, 2022, I came up with an idea to try the following design.  The result was a conical shaped threads using 4 helix lines (instead of 2) that was attached to the head of a thumb tack or screws more or less.  Here is a link to the Fancy Tacks and Screws SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open.)

Images 1 and 3 below were rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension. Image 2 was exported as a 2D graphic from SketchUp and Image 4 was a screen capture showing which areas were selected for scaling either the tack or screw.  The fnal four images show steps and closeups involved with creating and selecting the 4 helix lines.  For this project, choice of which spirals to use was arbitrary.

Note: It is important that the vertical axis used to draw the helix is not altered.  If it becomes out of alignment, the Cone which is also drawn around it will not match the spiral segments of the helix.  As a result, inward scaling of spirals does not work.  It took me quite a few tries on previous projects to figure out what was going wrong.  The quick and easy way to prevent this is to erase the right top line segment as shown in the closeup image below.  When the bottom is shifted upward, the erased line segment will be replaced.   More specifically, if the top segment is not erased, shifting upward will push the vertical axis off 90 degrees plumb.  The vertical axis could be temporarily cut and later pasted in place; however, there would still be that extra line segment at the top to erase.

The steps used to design the conical helix and cone with inward scaling about center takes place between various helixes on the selected spiral depending on the desired shape.  The result was either a narrow square spiral indentation in the cone or a wide indentation to form the screw's edge.  Lastly, a head was attached and red paint and a metal material were applied.

During rendering, each color or material was assigned a respective material to add plastic gloss to the table, shiny red and green paint to the tops of the tacks and screws, and silver metal material to the conical part and underside of the heads.

April 25, 2022 Modeling Drill Bit from Template--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.   The following drill bit model is my first attempt at following a conventional layout/design for drill bits.  Previous examples of drill bits I've drawn have basically been a spiral or two applied to a cylindrical shape without regard to the mechanics applied to what make drills bore/cut holes.

A drill bit requires clearance on the outer edge, otherwise it would immediately bind in the material.  The conical-shaped cutting edges at the point also needs to be angled so they will cut--similar to how a knife, chisel, or plane requires a cutting edge shaped in a similar way.  The flute of the drill bit provides an escape route for the spiral shavings or chips coming out of the hole.  These aspects up til now haven't been part of my previous drill bit models.

Drill bit design has been studied for centuries and I'm not here to recreate the wheel.  Again, my purpose is only to discover ways to model drill bit likenesses using SketchUp.  There is more to be learned about of drill bit design.   Hopefully, It will be incorporated as I become more enlightened.

Today's procedures follow the same order as those used on in previous models posted a few days ago.  Here's the Link to the Detailed Drill Bit Design SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open). 

Due to a more intricate thread profile than in the past, the model has a rougher appearance.  At first, I thought the problem was  forgetting to hide the lines in the first segment before grouping, but after completely redrawing the model, that theory was dismissed. Both versions produced identical flaws.  The roujghness was from distortions caused by the 6 degree rotation in the initial segment formation.  This was less noticeable with  its simpler shaped predecessors (see April 21 post). 

Later, I modeled a third version with twice as many spiral segments--each one is 1/2 as high with a 3 degree rotation instead of 6 for double density.  Twenty segments per stack = 60 degrees; Six stacks of 20 = 360 degrees--that will be 1 spiral rotation.  The Two Twist drill bit twist has a total of  240  exploded segments that are now grouped as one.  Distortion is still present but it has been scaled smaller along the spiral flutes of the drill bit.

Version Three created a smoother appearance,  The drill point was also somewhat jagged on the first two tries.  I have increased the cone's line segments used for the point from 24 to 60.   Here's the link to my Third Detailed Drill Bit Version (requires SketchUp to open). 

April 23, 2022 Modeling Antique 4-Way Offset Screwdriver--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.  Today's screwdriver SketchUp model projects the image of an old special-purpose screwdriver we've had forever.  I used to refer to it as a "door knob" tightener because it was ideal for getting at the screws behind a doorknob.

Modeling procedures follow the same order as those used on three previous models featured earlier this month.  Here's the Link to the Offset Screwdriver SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open).

Below are old and new rendered versions and basic steps followed to complete the SketchUp model. 

April 21, 2022 Modeling Double Twist Metal Drill Bits--SketchUp and Twilight Rendering Extension.  The thread profile technique for the 4-lead screw spiral incorporated in the April 16 hand drill model was modified slightly for today's project. 

A twist drill consisting of two spirals can be modeled quite simply and accurately by stacking and rotating identical segments.  Two images were exported from today's model that show some of the steps involved.   For SketchUp users, here is a link to today's model, Double Twist Drill Bits (requires SketchUp to open). 

Note that the drill profile used in today's post is for illustration only.  If today's model were used to make a real drill bit, it most likely wouldn't cut wood or steel.  First of all,  its point lacks the proper cutting edge angle.  Secondly, there is no clearance on the outside of the body of the drill which prevents the drill bit from binding.  Third, the depth of the flute is probably too shallow to remove shavings if it did cut.  Fourth, the conical point was just a guess on my part. In fact, there is an optimal range measured in degrees for designing its shape and orientation angle.

I'm in the process of researching drill design.  A SketchUp model that more accurately reflects a functional drill bit should be completed in a few days.  As I have mentioned many times over the years, my SketchUp posts are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to be adapted for any other ongoing project.

April 16, 2022  Modeling an Antique Reciprocating Hand Drill Revisions--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Since beginning this project a couple of days ago, I haven't been satisified with the appearance of the spiral rod that drives the hand drill in the model and rendered images.  After a half dozen tries, I resorted to a memory hog approach for creating the 4 lead screw with an appropriate thread profile.  Next time I'll consider creating a component instead of a group before duplicating 300 individual segments.  

Here is a more user friendly version showing the most current thread spiral design built with components (requires SketchUp to open).  Although this file requires much less memory, using components has its drawback for this application.   Even if components were made unique, they still need to be edited (or exploded) in order to be painted with continous changing shades of material from a projected 2D image (See previous posts below for more information about making 3D images from a 2D photo).

Also, if custom painting a new model, such as in today's application, the segments require a continuous flow of material or color--which is not chopped up by repeating segmented components.  They needed to be exploded which took me back to the same problem of memory consumption.   The other alternatives would be to create smaller, less inclusive SketchUp files, ramp up the computer's ram, or find another suitable, less memory intensive method.

In the end, I decided to keep using individual groups for segment construction--there would be too many difficulties displaying multiple variations of the model in the Reciprocating Hand Drill file linked below had I switched to a component style spiral.

I have for the sake of curiosity redrawn segments for the spiral at 275mm in height rather than 55mm.  This reduces the number of required grouped segments for 5 twists of spiral to 60 instead of 300 which is 5 times less geometry.  Of course, the surface is not as smooth, but after applying the soften/smooth edges option, the difference is minimal.  I have included this revision as an update to the more user friendly version linked in paragraph 2 above and also included an image below detaling the difference. 

Today's presentation will include a few how-to images, comparison close-ups, and image renderings.  The links will remain the same--I'll just upload the revised files.  Hopefully, you have plenty of memory if you intend to upload the SketchUp file.  My 10-year old PC runs out of memory when trying to explode my new thread group.  It will work in the Edit Group mode, however, when applying photo projection separately to the spiral rod (Technical Stuff).

Here's the link to today's Reciprocating Hand Drill SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open).  Here's a link to how it was drawn in a separate SketchUp model for drawing the spiral rod (requires SketchUp to open).   It's dimensions measured 72 x 1650mm.  I Scaled it up when drawing it to 720mm to 16,500mm and then back down before pasting it into the hand drill model.

I'm using a totally different method for creating the 4 lead screw (see photo below).   I also left some of the other techniques I tried earlier in the how it was drawn SketchUp file linked above.

April 15, 2022  Modeling an Antique Reciprocating Hand Drill--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Old tools, even if not used frequently, are nice to have around.  The tiny reciprocating hand drill is really handy, no batteries, no charging, and no cords to plug in.  It's good for the little jobs.

Here's the link to today's Reciprocating Hand Drill SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open).  Also the spiral thread was added after the Follow Me procedure to form the hand drill's shape.  It is an elongated 4-lead screw design (4 threads in one).  Here's a link to how it was drawn in a separate SketchUp model for drawing the spiral rod (requires SketchUp to open).   It's dimensions measured 72 x 1650mm.  I Scaled it up when drawing it to 720mm to 16,500mm and then back down before pasting it into the hand drill model.

I'll limit the comments in today's post.  The previous 5 posts will explain most of it.  Here are some modeling screen shots,  SketchUp exports, and rendered images using Twilight Rendering Extension for SketchUp.  Today's images retain the patina taken from the picture of anitque tools I've been using for other recent models.

Images 10, 11, and 12 did not require inserting the helix thread.  Instead, the tracing method worked o.k.  However, for adding new paint or materials (new version), an actual round 4-helix thread appears to be more realistic.  (It could have been more elongated with fewer twists.)  Update:  I have created a new spiral rod with 1 less revolution--5 twists instead of six.  Four combined threads rotated 90 degrees apart instead of six are very close to what the actual antique drill has--I measured this time.  I've also updated the SketchUp files linked above. 

The first 3 images reflect the new spiral update for both the old and new versions of the hand drill model.  It's not that big of difference as you will see.

The second model was painted with selected colors and materials instead of projecting the image of the antique hand drill. The new version  model of the hand drill was then rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Images are included below.  Note:  to view images in the order of completion click the left arrow on the pictures displayed below.

April 14, 2022  Drawing Antique Hand Tools Part 4--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Yesterday's model is now with the addition of inset ruler graduations and numbers.  The old square's original markings were in eighths of an inch on the outer portion of the metal straight edge.

Here's the link to today's Try Square with Engraved Markings SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open).  

The markings and numbers were inset 6mm on top one half of the ruler blade.  The top half was then duplicated and flipped for the underside (see images below).  Markings/graduations were made with the push-pull tool.  The Numbers were typed with the Text Tool:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  (Greek Courier Font) and then scaled to match the inch marks on the ruler.  The numbers 1--9 were moved into position as a component, exploded, and intersected with the top surface of the ruler.  The tops of each number were then erased to form the inset/engraving.  [Some tweaking of the tops of the numbers was required by retracing a few lines.  Once that was completed, the tops were selected for deletion.]

One final detail before wrapping up this series of posts:  I've added a Knurled Adjustment Screw (requires SketchUp to open) to the wrench model.  Knurling makes the new wrench appear complete, just like adding marks/graduations and numbers to the try square did.

Lastly, I also tried scaling up the width of the wrench for more heavy duty use.  The circular screw and knurled head had to be resized separately to prevent it from becoming oval shaped.  I've added three images at the end of the presentation below to show the difference in wrench size (thickness).

Here are todays images from SketchUp and a few examples rendered using the Twilight Rendering Extension (add-on).

April 13, 2022  Drawing Antique Hand Tools Part 3--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Here's the link to today's Rejuvenated Wrench and Try Square Model (requires SketchUp to open).  Instead of projecting the original finish and texture material, I've elected to paint new materials and colors.

The only detail worth mentioning was the intersection of new rivets and the metal blade in the Wrench Handle. The Try Square required straightening of the handle's inner edge due to distortion from the original photo.

Here are some images from SketchUp and others rendered with Twilight Rendering Extension.

April 12, 2022  Drawing Antique Hand Tools Part 2--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.  Here's the link to today's Try Square Model (requires SketchUp to open).  For collectors or historians, the Try Square was listed in the 1914 Minneapolis Iron Store catalog on page 179.  The Stanley No. 20, 10-inch Try Square was sold for $5.50 per dozen (about 46 cents each--I assume wholesale price).

Mine has seen better days.  The metal ruler portion was badly rusted and the markings are barely visible.  The handle is made from rosewood with a brass inside edge and triple clasps to secure the ruler.  The Stanley name has worn away years ago.

Below are some images showing a few steps in drawing it.  An overhead-view photograph was used as a template following the same procedures discussed in the two previous posts.  The SketchUp version of the completed 3D model, in this instance, is more authentic looking than variations rendered by Twilight Rendering Extension--probably because of my inexperience using it.  The natural finish looks better than the shiny finish settings applied with the Twilight Extension.

April 11, 2022  Drawing Antique Hand Tools Part 1--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.  This is a topic I don't want to get too involved with.  I literally grew up in a blacksmith shop.  As with many other families in our small town, our living quarters were attached to our business.  I could step out our back door and immediately be in the entry way of our old shop.  Suprisingly, the noise from the blast furnace, anvils, trip hammer, and grinders didn't bother us.

The shop building has been gone for 35 years but I still have many of the small antique hand tools.  Today's project uses a photo of a few tools I assembled similar to the image from the internet I used yesterday. 

The excerpt from Page 139 of the 1914 edition of the Minneapolis Iron Store Company has a wrench featured in today's model.  You could buy a dozen of these wrenches for $30 back in 1914--that's $2.50 each.  Considering people worked for 50 cents a day back then, the wrench was very expensive.

I'm not going to repeat myself regarding procedures.  They were covered in yesterday's post.  I did however, incorporate a thread project from a week or two ago for the screw used in the wrench.   Here's the link to today's Wrench SketchUp Model (requires SketchUp to open).  Many people will call this a Monkey Wrench, but according to the Iron Store Catalog, it is a Machinists' Knife Handle Wrench.

When I was a small kid, this wrench was considered junk and it became one of my play tools.  There is still traces of aluminum paint which I applied to everything to make my old rusty tools look new.  The old 484 page Iron Store Catalog contains large machinery, hand tools, farm implements, wagon and buggy parts, fasteners, supplies, and blacksmith tools, etc.  It is a valuable book to have around.  The hand drawn images are great for doing SketchUp modeling.

April 10, 2022  Projecting an Image onto a Model--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.   I found a free resource for an overhead image of some hand tools  to use for today's project.   Next, I mported the jpeg image into Sketchup.  The last step for creating the 3D hammer was to:

1.  Explode the jpeg imagel (the hammer image).

2.  Explode  hammer model or selected groups or components--leave selected.

3. Click Paint Bucket if Eyedropper is not in view.

4. Click jpeg with Eye Dropper.

5. Click on the selected Hammer model with Paint Bucket.  Image transfers immediately to the model.

More information on this procedure can be found at this SketchUp Help link.  Some steps may not apply to your version of SketchUp.

Inspiration for doing this project came from a Live YouTube presentation by Tyson, 3D Modeling Old Tools in SketchUp, that I viewed yesterday.  What caught my attention was his collection of old tools that resembled a drawer of tools I donated to the local Historical Society museum in 2011.   Also,  an identical antique Monkey Wrench which I still have.

I had used the image projection technique for drawing a few store fronts on 3D buildings.  I was never satisfied with the results.  His demonstration, however, produced photo-realistic 3D models.  Tyson used a pad and stylus along with his keyboard.  I did my modeling old school using the mouse with SketchUp Make for Windows.

Here are images showing some steps I used for tracing the shape of a hammer and creating a 3D model.  I also included three rendered images using Twilight Rendering Extension.  The link to today's SketchUp Model of a Hammer requires SketchUp to open.

April 8, 2022  Pocket Combs--SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension.   Small objects--grooming tools such as nail clippers, tweezers, and combs, etc. have interesting shapes that are challenging to model using SketchUp.

Today I have drawn my Unbreakable pocket comb and rendered it in its original black color and another variation in dark pink.  I tried a couple of settings using Twilight Rendering Extension, but my inexperience using them rendered (pun intended) less than impressive results.

Here's the link to today's Pocket Comb model (requires SketchUp to open).

April 4, 2022  One Thousand Scale for Clarity--Modeling Nuts & Bolts.   Recently, I've been modeling with 10:1 and 100:1 scaling.  When calculating and working with small thread tolerences, even 100 scale would sometimes be inadequate.  Today, I tried 1000 scale.  Measureable/visible fractions of millimeters at this level of scaling is now possible with SketchUp.  For example, a length measuring 1mm is now input as 1000.

I have redone an earlier thread profile design for a 10mm metric bolt with nut using a 1000:1 Scale.  Here are some images that show how I integrated the SS template mentioned in the March 27 post.  Instead of creating a helix, I substituted a thread profile design method that is detailed in today's SketchUp model linked here (requires SketchUp to open).

Dimensions were applied to the Screw and Nut Thread Profiles that are converted to 3D threads as seen in the following sequence of images. The final image illustrates the bolt and nut tolerances by using a transparent color on the outer surface representing the nut.

Here are three more similar models:  (No images were posted for the last 3 models.)

The  first was drawn for a 20mm diameter bolt with nut (also 1000:1 scale) that show the thread profiles (requires SketchUp to open).  A 2.5mm thread pitch was applied but all other measurements were proportionate to what was used for the 10mm bolt, which means the tolerances are slightly greater as well.  I am not sure whether this is compliant with standard thread specifications.

The second model follows another thread guide imported into the model (requires SketchUp to open).  The applied dimensions resulted in different crest and root thicknesses.  The thread angle and thread depths were consistent, however.  The interior thread diameter (nut) was greater resulting in more tolerence than in the previous model.  

Lastly, the third model is a repeat of the previous model. (requires SketchUp to open).  It repaired an issue with the nut's thread spiral alignment.   "Daylight" between the segments was evident that meant gaps existed--they may have been created by softening/smoothing before the actual duplication and vertical alignment of five more thread spirals.  Therefore, instead of attemtping to locate and repair the error, I created a new model.

Disclaimer:   All of my drawings/models posted on this website are experimental.  I don't recommend using any of them for project work.

April 2, 2022  Another SketchUp Extension--Whorl Draw, Screw or Bolt.   Extension Warehouse provides a free Whorl Extension that can be used for making screw and bolt threads.  The screw thread feature has a taper option and a uniform thread size option.  A designated number of tapered threads can be added to the end of a screw--e.g., wood screws or metal body screws.

A Dialog box is provided for entering the desired thread measurements.  After entering, a section of spiral (whorl) screw or bolt thread will be created.

In addition another option allows the user to select from a  number of preset bolt or screw sizes such as 1/2" . . . sized bolts, etc. specified in inches.  Once Selected, output values can be copied and pasted into a text file (Note Pad), saved, and re-opened with the Whorl Extension that will then will draw it for you as a SketchUp model.

As you will see from the thread spiral image below, it will then need to be incorporated into a bolt--which is the time consuming part.  The spiral  for the nut needs to be made separately.  Images of the completed nut and bolt are shown below.  Here's the link to my SketchUp model that utilized the Whorl Draw Extension.  Note:  I inadvertently used a SketchUp metric template when drawing most of this model.  Thread Diameter on the finished bolt measures 12.7mm or 1/2 inch.

March 27, 2022  Drawing Nut and Bolt Tolerences--SketchUp, Excel SS.   An excellent YouTube Video demonstrates a method for drawing screws and nuts using data from an Excel Spreadsheet Template.   Click  here to watch the YouTube Video.  Accompanying the video is Information for downloading a spreadsheet template containing thread data and an extension for creating a helix.

I opted to draw my own helix from scratch that produces the same end results as long as the height, radius, number of circle segments, and desired threads are specified.  Since the video's example used a small value for the screw radius (10 mm) I found it difficult to draw my helix with fractional values that were so small.  I therefore scaled up the dimensions by x10.

New to me was the technique for scaling the selected surfaces formed by the helix lines as opposed to scaling selected helix lines.  Also new, was applying template values for Uniform Scaling inside and outside threads.  It seemed complicated at first glance, but the presentor did a remarkable job of explaining everything step by step without getting into the underlying math.

 When I was done with each component, i.e., the screw and nut models, I saved them to separate files and scaled them back down using the tape measure tool applied to their outside diameters.  For example, the screw drawn with a 200 mm diameter was scaled back to its original 20 mm value  (10 mm radius).

Here are two images of my completed screw and nut where I have changed the color of the nut to transparent glass.   The alignment and tolerence between the nut and screw are now visible.  

Images 3 and 4 are from a later model which followed the same procedures for a 5 mm radius, 1.5 mm pitch standard metric thread.  Again, the spreadsheet template was applied with new input values for the dimensions.

As I understand it, the spreadsheet template was created for modeling 3D printer screws and nuts.   There  were comments inserted mentioning  various accommodations recommended for 3D printing setup.

Default Thread Root Values (thread depth) that were initially provided resulted in thread angles measuring about 80 Degrees instead of 60 Degrees.  More recently, I have recalculated thread depth using a prescribed value of .54125 x Pitch for standard metric threads.   An equivalent adjustment for the nut was also necessary.

This change created a screw thread angle which measured 68 Degrees after scaling (on SketchUp model not shown).  Other setting tweaks will need to be made if the end goal is to achieve an exact 60 Degrees thread angle.  In my opinion, leaving it in its original form is no doubt best suited for its intended purpose.

Lastly, by increasing the percentage of Pitch to .635 for the 10 mm Diameter,  1.5 mm Pitch screw using the spreadsheet template, a deeper thread depth (.9525 mm root depth) resulted in  the desired thread angle of 60 Degrees (30 Degrees Half Angle).  See Image 5.  Having too deep of thread, however, may cause problems with the fit and strength.

Image 6 shows the Joined Screw and Nut.  Generally, the nut only requires 6 or 7 threads.  Here, I drew extra threads in order to observe alignment further down on the screw.   Image 7 is a screen capture of template settings/dimensions I used.  Watch the YouTube video to see how they are applied.

Most importantly, when put to the test, the finished screw and nut should be functional.  In the real world A little filing or sanding is never out of the question.  Images 8 and 9 show completed nuts and bolts rendered in Sketchup with the Twilight Rendering Extension.

My SketchUp model for the 10 mm Diameter, 1.5 mm Pitch screw and accompanying nut can be downloaded by Clicking Here  (requires SketchUp to open).   The screw and nut are drawn in 10:1 scale.

March 21, 2022  Ball Point Pens--SketchUp, Twilight Rendering Extension.   SketchUp was used to draw non-retractable ball point pens.  Today's images are executive-style Ball Point Pens.  Colors and materials suggest a steel ball point and platinum tip, with highly polished gold, simulated ivory, and an exotic wood or bakelite/plastic barrel and cap.   Here is a link to the SketchUp Model (requires SketchUp to open) Ball Point Pens.

The Twilight Rendering Extension (SketchUp addon). was used to alter the SketchUp model.  Editing of Materials and Lighting were very similar to adjustments applied to yesterday's Twizzlers model.

March 20, 2022  Twizzlers--SketchUp, Twilight Rendering Extension.   SketchUp was used to elongate and twist several strands that could be used to represent twisted wire, cord, or other material.  Today's images are simply referred to as Twizzlers.  Here is a link to the SketchUp Model (requires SketchUp to open)    Twizzlers.  [file updated April 16.  See link in April 16 post above to see how to draw it.]

The Twilight Rendering Extension (SketchUp addon). was used to alter the original model.  Changes made were applied using the Material Editor as well as to the Enviornmental Editor (lighting and background).

March 11, 2022    SketchUp Tutorial #2--Uploaded to YouTube Channel.   Today's YouTube video shows step by step procedures for creating and scaling a 1 inch diameter 12 TPI (fine) Thread.   See Sidebar on the left to view my channel or Click Here for Today's Fine Thread Video.  The dimensions of the thread are the same, except for the number of threads per inch.   Here is a list of items that were changed to create 12 threads instead of 8.

• Entity Info changed from default 24 to 30 segments for the circle.

• Vertical Axis Divided by 12 instead of 8.

• Slope line created by dividing by 30 instead of 24.

• Wireframe rotation is 12 Degrees instead of 15  (12 x 30 = 360)

• Three 10-thread segment groups were duplicated and aligned x2  (2 x 120 + 120 = 360), instead of four 6-thread segment groups (3 x 90 + 90 = 360).

Again, no audio or other details were included in the video; therefore, I listed a few time markers in the Description Box below the video that briefly explain key points (click link in paragraph 1.

March 8, 2022   SketchUp Tutorial--Uploaded to YouTube Channel.  The video featured in the March 4 post has been uploaded to my YouTube Channel  (See Sidebar on the left to view my channel or Click Here to watch the video). 

Because no audio or other details were included in the video, I listed a few time markers in the Description Box below the video that briefly explain key points.  I identified times where they appear, that is, 00:18, 00:46, 05:21, and 05:51, respectively.

BONUS ! ! ! Completely unknown to me, each time marker automatically became an  interactive link.   When pressed by the viewer in the description box, the video will jump to the exact elapsed time for inspection.  Try it for yourself below:

March 4, 2022   Recorded SketchUp Tutorial--Bandicam.  This post is a follow up on the February 22 post (see below).  The tutorial shows the creation and scaling of a one inch diameter by two  inch length of eight TPI coarse thread.  The thread was initially drawn with a 48' foot diameter.   Using large numbers eliminates decimal fractions that would otherwise be required if drawn to scale using one inch.  An easy method for resizing (scaling-down) will be explained in the next paragraph.

After the first thread spiral was completed, it was scaled down with the  Tape Measure Tool to its One Inch Diameter.  Similar to what was mentioned in the February 22 post, the grouped spiral and the circle beneath it were measured with the tape measure across the 48' span (diameter of the circle) . Then the 1" value representing the actual thread diameter was typed in the measurements box and followed by pressing enter.    After rescaling, it was necessary to zoom in to see the 1" thread spiral.  Lastly, the single thread spiral was duplicated and vertically aligned using a multiplier of 15x to create the 2" length of 1" diameter thread.  The above steps begin at the 5:13 point in the video.

Here's the link to the video (will open with Windows Media Player)   Creating and Scaling Threads Using SketchUp.  Presently it has no audio or any descriptive callouts that would clarify what was being done off screen at the computer keyboard or with the mouse.  Here's the link to the downloadable SketchUp model shown in the video (requires SketchUp to view):  Create and Resize Thread. skp.

The Bandicam recorder app was set to the dimensions of the SketchUp screen prior to recording.  The Free version is limited to 10 minutes which provided ample time to complete all steps for this demonstration.  Windows 10 Movie Maker was used to trim the Start and Finish as well as to increase the Playback Speed from 1x  to 1.75x.  Here's a Screenshot from the video replay.

February 27, 2022  Oval Frames--SketchUp, Photography.   Today's post is a continuation of an earlier post from February 11.  I have updated the SketchUp file to  include instructions on how to create and render the oval frame and image (Requires SketchUp to open):  Oval Picture.skp file.

Twilight Rendering Extension was applied to improve the appearance of the frame.  Also, a 180 segment oval was used instead of the SketchUp default of 24 segments.  The 24-segment joint version was very unpleasant and distracting to view.  A High Gloss Wood Template was applied to the original wood material with the Twilight Rendering Extension Material Editor.

Lighting was adjusted to a -90 degrees setting using the extension's Environment Editor.  A 1.5 light intensity setting seemed to compliment the photo's poor light condition that existed late in the day.  The image became washed out at higher settings as did attempting to increase exposure and other tweaks during photo editing.  However, to take advantage of what remained of the setting sun, the Clarity setting and Warm color filter were applied to reveal a brownish coloration for each moose (Windows Photo Editor adjustments).

February 22, 2022  Creating SketchUp Tutorial for YouTube--Bandicam.   This is a popular app that can be used for recording on screen activity.  I will try to  put it to use on an upcoming SketchUp How-to video using Windows 10.  Whether it will be good enough to add to my YouTube Channel remains to be seen.  

So far, all I have done is to install it on my computer by downloading the free app from Bandicam.com:  Free Download.   Over the next few weeks, I'll be learning how to operate it and begin rehearsing my moves in SketchUp as flawlessly as possible.

Please don't expect to be impressed.  I'll try to select a topic that I'm most familiar with--probably drawing a threaded bolt.  It's fairly complex but I've repeated variations of it so many times, I've already got the required moves memorized.

The video will not include a spoken narrative, but I may include a few callouts or some mood music.  We'll see.

February 11, 2022  Picture Frames for Moose Pics--SketchUp, Twilight Rendering Extension.   Below you will see Moose Photos in frames taken a few days ago.  Frames were modeled in SketchUp with Twilight Rendering Extension applied.  Here is the link to the SketchUp Model (requires SketchUp to open):   Framed Moose Pictures.

After frames were drawn using the Follow Me Tool, Imported images were exploded and resized to fit.  Lastly, the images were rendered with a High Gloss Wood Material using the Twilight Rendering Extension as seen below.  No changes were applied to either photo other than environmental lighting.

February 10, 2022  Two Methods for Scaling Models--SketchUp.   Having grappled with scaling on many occasions, I've found that some methods work better than others depending on the model being scaled.  I will share one instance in this post.

Scaling is generally thought of as selecting the model or at least part of it, and manipulating the selected handles either  visually or by entering values in the measurements box.  A variety of handles exist that give options to scale the height and width, either separately or proportionately.

The first method explained below can be done with a single value applied, but  involves the use of a calculator to obtain a decimal fraction.  Later, I will explain an easier method that uses the Tape Measure Tool, instead.

Today's model uses a length of thread that will be drawn using  576:1 scale.  That is, the initial diameter will be 48 feet.  The scaled down version will become only 1 inch with the height being proportionately scale as well (48' = 576"). 

In order to enter the scaling value in the measurements box it was first necessary to calculate a decimal fraction by dividing 1 by 576.  The resulting decimal fraction is an unwieldly decimal fraction:  0.00173611111...(I'm never quite sure how many digits are significant to assure an acceptable degree of accuracy, so I'm probably typing more than are required and are truncated.

Holding down the Ctrl key while moving the handles slightly, allows the above decimal fraction to be entered.  After pressing enter, the model will be resized (scaled) on its original axis 576 times smaller.   The reason for pressing the Ctrl key while scaling is to insure that the model will be scaled  about its original center axis and remain there.

An easier method:

To do this I needed to temporarily include the circle at the bottom of the  threads  in the group for a measurable surface.  I could then apply the tape measure across the 48' diameter.  After including the circle in the group being edited, I applied the tape measure to the 48' measurement.  

The desired value of 1 inch was  then typed in the measurements box followed by pressing Enter.   An intermediate step will ask for your preference for what to do next.  Thread length will be proportionately rescaled to the 1" diameter (16 threads as shown in the first image will equal 2" of 8 TPI Coarse Thread). 

January 22, 2022  More Rendered Images--SketchUp 17, Twilight Rendering Extension.   Both applications used here are free versions.  That's a good deal for tinkerers like myself.  If I made my living doing this kind of work, I wouldn't think twice about purchasing the pro versions. 

Here are more renderings from a few of my old SketchUp models with before and after views.  The only way to improve the quality of the images is to keep practicing.  There are no additional touchups/editing on today's images.

January 21, 2022  Rendered Spheres--SketchUp, Twilight Rendering Extension, GIMP.   Here's a Rendering from a model created with SktetchUp 17 (free edition).  The image below was rendered using Twilight Rendering Extension.  Additional editing was completed with GIMP.

January 20, 2022  GIMP to the Rescue--Twilight Rendering Extension for SketchUp 17.   Once again I have resorted to GIMP to edit images rendered with another app.  With an incomplete knowledge of Twilight Rendering extension and a seemingly reluctance to learn more, my impatience takes me back to more familiar territory.

Today's image posts show an edited "Image 3" from yesterday's post and a new image that will be discussed in the last paragraph.  GIMP version 2.8 was used to fix the dark background and lack of clarity at the head and upper barrel of the two bolts.  Gradients were added to selected areas of the foreground (barrel of the vertical bolt and to  the head on the horizontally positioned bolt.

An alpha layer (transparent) was added to the image so I could erase the existing background from the single layer rendering.  It was a painstaking processes erasing around each thread (lasso tool & delete).  A new background layer was added below the foreground layer consisting of a linear gradient of blue and white. 

The HSV Noise Filter (hue/saturation/value independently) was applied to selected areas of the blue/white gradient to match the existing texture in the Twilight Render.   The added layer resulted in a clean merging of foreground and background.  I think these changes made the picture brighter and more interesting. 

Lastly, the second image below was configured slightly different for rendering.  A Brushed Metal Template was applied to the two bolts and a glossy wood template was applied to a wood material for the base.  The background was the same as used on earlier renderings.  Improved light settings reveal details at the tops of the bolt slightly better than yesterday's examples, but is still a bit dark.  The reflections on the base are somewhat confusing with an excess of "bouncy and fuzzy" light crossing paths.   No alterations were done with Gimp on this image.

It is evident that more practice is needed on my part.  It's time to move forward with other SketchUp models that may be better suited for use with the Twilight Rendering Extension.  Maybe something "easier."

January 19, 2022  Exploring Twilight Rendering Extension--SketchUp 17.   Today, I'm cautiously experimenting with the extension I added to SketchUp 17 a couple of weeks ago.  A few practice renderings are shown below.

Four of the images have minor variations of camera postion (done with SketchUp); light intensity, light source angle, and materials templates selection (done with Twilight Rendering Extension).  The fifth image was rendered only with SketchUp's 17's 2D rendering (free version)  to provide a before and after example.

It's too easy to overdo the bling as shown here.   Somewhere in between would be more realistic.  Also, the reflective areas could be less fuzzy, but that is probably attributed to the surface of the base material which has a fine grainy texture.   The  head of each bolt lacks clarity and seems to be absorbing too much of the background color possibly caused by an incorrect light source/intensity setting.  Those shortcomings will have to be addressed at a later time.

January 10, 2022  Twilight Rendering Extension Continued--SketchUp 17.   As mentioned in the January 7 post, Twilight Rendering Extension Version 2 works directly with SketchUp 17, whereas Blender uses an imported Collada file in 3D format exported first from a SketchUp model.  

The animated pocket watch posted to my YouTube Channel (linked in the left side bar) was initially animated with SketchUp and converted to mp4 with Windows MovieMaker.  The Pocket Watch below was created with SketchUp, Twilight Extension, and Gimp for the Body.  The body represents the background layer of embedded html.

The animated portion was html/css code available on the internet.  I made a few modifications to the hands and markings by gutting considerable internal code to allow the blue dial, black markings, and fancy writing to show through from the background layer.  Gimp was used to create and align layers for the pocket watch body to fit around the animated html coded elements.

With limited experience using both of these applications, I'm happy with each advancement I make.  This is a form of recreation for me.  I use primarily "freebie" software and my only expenses are electricity and my internet connection.  Pretty cheap entertainment as I see it.

Today, I rendered images from an earlier SketchUp model containing two sizes of drill bits.  Even though mine aren't drawn to exact specifications, it's challenging to get all their twists and turns to at least be recognizable. 

The drill bits drawn in the SketchUp model were based on a 24 segment circle which accounts for some of the roughness in the final product.  Blender has a Subdivision Surface Modifier that helps to smooth out the circular segments.  I haven't found a similar feature using the Twilight Render Extension yet--so again, I open the rendered image with GIMP and get busy with the Smudge tool.

The fourth image in today's post below shows the segments I'm referring to.   The first three images have been smoothed by smudging.  I could have avoided most of the hassle by creating a 48 or even a 96 segment circle in the original SketchUp model.   The file size would have been larger and it would involved more repetition.  Since this is all being done for fun, I don't have to be that fussy.  The downside of smudging is that colors become blended and some of the shiny/glossy appearance is lost.  Smudge just enough to round/blend the segment joints where gradient colors meet.

January 9, 2022  Pocket Watch SketchUp Rendered Image--Background for HTML.   The html code (DEV.com) for this analog timepiece was copied into Notepad along with a url for my rendered pocket watch case for the background that's stored at postimages.org.  I have embedded the html code below to produce the likeness of a functioning pocket watch.

A twenty-one second looping audio sample beneath the pocket watch was recorded from a battery operated clock on my desk.  Setting the playback speed to two will produce the familiar tick tock sound made by old fashioned clock escapements.  I'll have to wind the old pocket watch and record it to get a more authentic tick, tick, tick tick . . . sound that would be more appropriate--maybe not.

The embedded audio code is separate from the analog pocket watch and there is a 50% chance it will be out of sync after you have clicked the start button.  An mp3 hosting service was used in order to make the 4 lines of embedded looping code work.
_________________________________

Related Internet Websites and resources for this project were:

• ZamZar:   Converts ma4 audio to mp3.

• W3C Schools:  Audio Looping Code.

• Post Images.Org:   Hosts  Images for Embedding in Html code.

• MailBoxDrive.com  Hosts mp3 audio files for looping embedded Html code with audio looping.   Site is down 12-15-2022.

• Replaced MailBoxDrive with Iframe code for audio control that links to Google Drive mp3 file, instead.  No Looping audio within the iframe, however.

• Dev.to:  Code for Simple Analog Clock.

• Windows 10 Sound Recorder:   Recorded ticking sound.

• Windows Movie Maker:  Added  mp3 soundtrack to 3 pictures and attempted to stitch audio segments together-- then  used the save option to save  only the audio track (Helped a bit with  seamless loop, but not perfect).

• SketchUp 17 with Twilight  Extension:  Original pocket watch body and  shiny rendering.

• Gimp:  Created  Transparent layers for Alignment of  Pocket Watch body  (only the crown and stem remained from the original  watch).   Gimp's Color  Picker (eyedropper) was especially helpful in retrieving hex codes for coding. html.   Overhead view  of Pocket Watch on Linen  Cloth (a SketchUp 17 Material) became the background for the analog  pocket watch html project.

• Google Sites:  Embed option.

Audio Sample Controls

January 7, 2022  Rendering with SketchUp 17--Twilight Extension.   SketchUp 17 Free edition can use the Twilight extension to produce effects very similiar to those created with Blender.   This extension works directly with SketchUp and is much easier to use.   Justin Geis (The SketchUp Essentials) has posted an excellent tutorial on YouTube:   Rendering in SketchUp . . . with Twilight Extension. 

He also provides information on where to get it and other resource links for backgrounds, etc. 

The 2D images below were rendered from several of my previous SketchUp 17 projects--with and without the Twilight Render Extension applied.  A couple renderings required some touchup due to complex grouping that didn't render as expected. 

The pocket watch face/crystal needed a little color added in areas that were originally flawed in the SketchUp model.  The reflection turned out better than expected--I was hoping that the glass crystal would be more transparent--the crystal came out much darker than expected.  I was not familiar enough with Twilight Rendering to adjust it so I resorted to a quick fix with GIMP.  Here is a link to my GIMP xcf file  that will show the layers created to add opacity to the crystal  (requires GIMP to open) .   The Backlit version below utilizes the first and third  layers of four in the GIMP xcf file (Layers Window--see below); the Transparent/Opaque version requires the first three layers; and the Dark Crystal version requires only the fourth layer with the upper three hidden.  

• By the way, the upper 3 layers are on transparent backgrounds while the fourth layer was the original Dark Crystal version on a white background.  That is, when you erase something on layers 1, 2, and 3, a checkered pattern appears indicating transparency.  When erasing on Layer 4, a white non-transparent color appears.  

• Background options are provided in the GIMP's Layers Window when creating new layers.  Some of my original images were pasted into transparent layers to allow selected parts to either be erased completely.  Transparent Backgrounds also makes it possible to adjust the opacity value of the Eraser Tool. This was done to convert the Dark Crystal to a more transparent/opaque layer.   Multiple circular passes with the eraser were then made until the crystal reached an optimal opacity level.

• The backlit version of the pocket watch eliminated the crystal completely.  The Windows Photo Editor Vignette Option darkened the corners of the picture with gradient light that gives the illusion of a light source emanating from inside the watch.

Windows Photo Editor was used to increase the Exposure of the screwdrivers.  GIMP was used to fix a few issues with the grips.

The Antique Typewriter image was created with Twilight Rendering.  The extension inserted shadows below the left and right margin stops and reflective properties in the dark paint behind the typewriter keyboard.  Both typewriter images have lighting and color modifications made with the photo editors, but the second image, without Twilight Rendering,  lacks clarity and depth especially on the small typewriter parts.  Open images in a new tab for a closer look. 

Lastly, I initially practiced on two lengths of coarse thread using two types of metal materials.  Lighting on threads was difficult to adjust.  I'm anxious to render some drill bits shown in earlier posts.

My goal was to render more photo realistic images.  I believe Twilight Rendering Extension has proven itself worthy.  With more practice, I should not have to rely as much on patching blemishes and manual lighting adjustments after images have been rendered.

January 5, 2022  Water Bucket Pattern--SketchUp 17 Unwrap Extension.   Even though SketchUp 17 is dated, I find myself learning something new practically every day.  Today, I am using the Unwrap Extension downloaded from the Extension Warehouse. It can be used for pattern making such as the basic layout for a water bucket.  (e.g., sheet metal cut following the flattened shape below and then rolled to fit the bottom).  

This post is for illustrative purposes only.  I'm not getting into the intricacies of how to shape a metal or wooden water bucket, but check out this great YouTube video that shows the entire process.  George Smithwick Video--How to make a Wooden Bucket.

I have attempted to show in the images below 3-D views of a  wooden water bucket's sides and circular bottom followed by views of its unwrapped pattern.  No measurements for wood thickness or required bevels needed for sealing it are given.

Lastly, its reassembly using  SketchUp is shown that was achieved by individually grouping 6 of the 24 slats (side pieces), moving, duplicating, and rotating them back into their upright position. Here is the related SketchUp Model  (requires SketchUp to open):   Uwrapped Water Bucket.

January 2, 2022  SketchUp Thread Profile For Blender--SketchUp and Blender.   Blender has a multitude of applications.  I haven't even scratched the surface.  In fact, my skill level is so low, I couldn't figure out how to draw straight lines.  I recently ran across a YouTube video about Blender and an app (Otvinta.com) that creates a Python script for drawing threads with Blender (I'll share links later in this post).

Early in the video it shows how easy it was to create a basic thread by using Blender with only a simple thread profile drawn with broken lines  (which I was unable to draw using Blender.)   Most of the video demonstrated how to create more elegant inside and outside threads for a cylindrical container (Watch YouTube video linked below).

In one of my earlier Blender posts I had imported models from SketchUp and that was easy.  So instead of struggling with Blender's vast menu hierarchy, I decided to draw a simple thread profile with SketchUp and export it as a Collada file with a dae extension (see image 2 below).

The link to my SketchUp model can be downloaded here (requires SketchUp to open) :  Thread Profile for Export to Blender.  Only the right portion shown in the SketchUp image was exported.

 The link to the YouTube Video explaining 3D thread creation with Blender is:  How to Model Threaded Objects . . . .  The linked App/Calculator for creating a Python Script is:  Thread with Profile Falloff Calculator.

I'm not ready to tackle the scripting phase explained later in the video--the line editing steps in Blender that were explained near the end are beyond my current level of skill and understanding.  Instead, I limited this post to using the imported thread profile and adding the Screw thread modifier with 12 iterations (12 threads).  The first image you see below was captured in the Mat Cap view mode in Blender.

November 28, 2021 Scaling a Model--SketchUp.  This post explains another way to set up a simple bolt thread.  I started with a 48 foot diameter and eventually scaled it down to a 1 inch diameter x 2 inch length of thread.  The reduction of size was 576 to 1. 

After the section of thread was completed and grouped as a single object, I applied the Scale Tool.  Scaling diagonally about center  I entered .0017361111111 SketchUp's Measurements Box.  I'm unsure of how many digits beyond the decimal point were significant but the final cylindrical result measured 1" x 2".

Here is the downloadable SketchUp file (requires SketchUp to open): Scaled Down Bolt Thread. skp.  The file contains a detailed step by step walk through for completing a thread profile, thread segment, thread spiral, and a section of thread.  

I had not used the process explained in the initial set up of ratios between diameter and height before. It's very straightforward--simple math.

In the past, I had used the equivalent of a 48'diameter/ (1" circle segment length from the circumference (circle contains 24 default line segments connecting at a 15 Degree angle to form a 360 Degrees circle) as the distance between thread crests in the thread profile. I had also used 1/24 the of that length to elevate the slope for each segment.  Although the thread spirals aligned nicely, there was no initial calculation for distance between thread crests (tpi).  Vertical scaling had to be used to obtain the proper thread count which was flawed by thread angle variations caused by  + or -  36 Degrees depending on the direction of scaling required (to stretch or compress).

Today, I used 1/12 of the diameter (4 ft. as the thread Height (eventually scaled down to 12 tpi).  I then used 1/24 of 4 feet, or 2 inches, to elevate the slope for each segment.   Crest height was predetermine for accurate tpi (threads per inch) count.  Crest angle remained constant (proportionate) when diagonal scaling threads to size.

This  is explained in the SketchUp File linked above.  Also new, I found scaling down from a 48 foot diameter to one inch easier than I had expected.

The creation of of thread segments and spirals followed the same techniques I'd posted many times over the years.  The finished 1 inch model adjacent to its 48' big brother was difficult to zoom to so I copied and pasted it to a separate file.  The image below was exported from there.  Had I hidden everything but "Shorty", it may have been more accessible.

Lastly, I try to avoid entering calculated line lengths in the Measurements box.  Instead, if possible, use the divide tool on a line from a previous step in the model. 

The next example was drawn to scale (1:1) with no need to scale down.  This example may  seem contradictory, but depending on the model's layout or complexity, scaling 1:1 may get the job done.

Image 2 below is another 1 x 2" length of thread, but this time it is 8 tpi (SAE coarse).  I had difficulty trying to scale this model down from very large dimensions--it was always ended up 1/16th inch too long or too short.   In my fourth try I used 1" for the diameter and 2" for 16 threads--it was faster and more accurate.

I used the divide tool to obtain 1/24 of .125"  for 8 tpi (distance between thread crests)-- the existing existing vertical line from the previous step.  The 1/24th line segment was then duplicated and moved into position.  Had I elected to calculate the 1/24th with a calculator, the decimal fraction would have been 0.00520833333333.  For accuracy sake, its best to let Sketchup divide line segments and avoid manually entering decimal fractions manually.   For this model, either way works, but using the calculator and drawing the line from scratch is another couple steps that can easily be completed by:  dividing 1/8" vertical line by 24,  selecting 1 segment,  moving it  into position, and connecting the top of it to the point of origin with a diagonal line to form the slope. Here's the related SketchUp Model:  One Inch diameter 8 tpi Thread Drawn to Scale (requires SketchUp to open).  If you do it, you'll see what I mean.

October 17, 2021  Rendering Images Update--SketchUp Make, Blender, and Gimp.  Here's my third rendered image using Blender.  I have posted before and after images (see below), the related SketchUp File (requires SketchUp to open), the Collada 3D resource file (with a dae extension) , and the Blender file (requires Blender to open).  Gimp was used to edit background and for minor touchup on shadows.

The process went better after I realized the interior colors had to matched the exterior colors.  Drill bits similar to these were posted in August on the Home page.

The next step was to apply materials, however memory requirements of Blender Version 2.93 exceeded my 11-year old computer's Ram and Graphic Card capabilities.  Every time vector nodes were added and linked to Blender's Shader, materials would turn Pink.  A number of other causes could be the problem, but I suspect its insufficient Ram or improper setup on my part.

To add more visual effects, the last six images below were further modified with GIMP where a number of more straight forward color and gradient schemes were applied.  It's not quite the textures and gleam I was hoping for, but it will have to do for now.

October 16, 2021  Rendering Images--SketchUp Make, Blender, and Gimp.  Even before I began using the free version of SketchUp, I had dabbled with the animation features of Blender.  Back then, my computer and internet connection did not support YouTube videos. Today, online tutorials from YouTube makes Blender easier to learn.  The following is a brief description and a couple images I recently rendered with Blender.

Besides video-like animation, Blender can also be used to render still images from models created with SketchUp Make or SketchUp 2017 (free version).  To do so, the model needs to be exported  from SketchUp as a "3D Model" using the Collada option.  The SketchUp models used today were included in previous posts on this website.  They will now be exported as 3D files with  ".dae" extensions.

After opening Blender, the Collada files can be imported for high-quality rendering.  (High quality rendering is not available in SketchUp's free versions.)  By the way, Blender is shareware that has been compiled by many contributors over the years.

It was a struggle at first to navigate Blender, however, this particular YouTube tutorial helped immensely for my intended purpose:  Rendering a SketchUp Model in BLENDER! Quick and Easy...

Here are personal comments for my first two attempts at rendering with Blender:  

• In the first image (see below), the vertical screw had diffused lighting/noise on the underside of each thread.  I think a secondary light source from the front would brighten the shaded threads.  Other Blender settings may address the noise issue once I find  locate them.

• In the second image, I had difficulty positioning the camera and as a result part of the metal ring on the left end of the pocket knife had to be manually drawn in later with GIMP--sorry about that.  I also erased the surface shadows that did not contribute to the image's overall appearance.

• Viewing close up, it appears that shine, or luster, is created during the rendering process by interspersing various levels of white pixels giving the illusion of depth and curvature.  Along with shadows from a light source and camera angle, each object's appearance is improved.   As a beginner, clumsy navigation is my biggest obstacle (practice makes perfect).

• Gimp was used to edit background and for minor touchup on shadows.

• These renderings are still a bit dull.  I haven't mastered the use of lighting and camera position.  Realizing Blender's full potential is yet to come.

With practice I hope to have most of my renderings gleaming, glowing, and more photo realistic.

October 12, 2021  Drawing Phillips Head Screws--SketchUp.  I have avoided drawing Phillips head screws in the past because they looked too complicated.  By taking a closer look at a few screws it wasn't too difficult to draw a suitable likeness--at least for illustrative purposes.  Technically, however,  today's models and rendered images don't match up with any Phillips screwdriver.

Below are a few images rendered from today's downloadable SketchUp Model:  Phillips Head Screws (requires SketchUp to open).  The Interior shape of the Phillips head was drawn first and then grouped, and inserted into Round and Flat Screws.

Another SketchUp model presented today illustrates a segmented technique for drawing threads using an arbitrary distance for the thread pitch.  The slope of each segment of thread (where there are 24 segments per thread) is tilted 1/24th of the pitch instead of building one thread from a helix and cylinder:  Coarse Flat Head Phillips Screws (requires SketchUp to open).

The models I drew used no precise dimensions and probably would not work well with a Phillips screw driver.  With more patience, exact measurements could have been taken from the end of a screwdriver and Phillips Head screw.  It would seem pointless to do this because screwdrivers and screws are readily available almost anywhere.

Also, I did not clean up the internal geometry of the screws that would need to be done if intended for 3D printing.  For 3D modeling, it is good practice to remove all unneeded entities and fill any voids.  But, for external 2D imagery shown below, internal imperfections will not usually affect the appearance.

The last image in the series shows the grouped Phillips Head being inserted into a coarse thread screw.  Instead of positioning the grouped section after it is drawn, it may be easier to draw it in place while keeping the rest of the screw hidden--then unhide it when finished.

For accurate information refer to Product Standards for Threaded Fasteners p. 18, 35. (PDF).

September 30, 2021  Three Blade Pocket Knife Drawing--SketchUp.  The following SketchUp model shows the body of a pockect knife and three blades--actually, two blades and a screwdriver.  Traditionally the screwdriver would also have a bottle cap opener cut into it, but I totally forgot about it until now.

This is not an accurate drawing showing the mechanics of how a jackknife opens and locks while cutting.  The downloadable SketchUp model is linked Here:  Pocket Knife.  (requires SketchUp to open).

Below are a six images rendered from the SketchUp model.  Images 5 and 6 were edited with GIMP.  Image 6 contains a Bottle Opener added to the screwdriver later.  It was drawn with GIMP and does not appear in the model.

September 28, 2021  Two Inch PVC Pipe with Tapered Threads--SketchUp.  PVC pipe has replaced some of the metal pipes used in the past.  As far as sizes are concerned, PVC and similar synthetic products used for plumbing conform in most ways to their metal counterparts regard pipe sizes.  The inside measurement of pipe determines flow rate.  There are striking differences, however, regarding tightening screw components compared to metal.  (No huge Pipe Wrenches that we used in the past to crank screwed connections to their breaking point; no solder or plumber's tape is necessary , for example).  The Tapered Thread usually seals with a hand tightening plus a few more turns depending on the size and tensile strength of the material. Twist it too far and it, too, will split.

Being a beginner with pipe terminology, I used the wrong diameter for yesterday's tapered thread project.  I incorrectly used the 2" diameter for the outside measurement.  For this size pipe, it should be 2" for the inside and 2.375" for the outside.  Also, I used 1.75 degrees for the thread taper.  Yesterday, I used a few hundredths of a degree more  than that.  Depending on the  source or chart, both appear to be within an acceptable range.  Everything else was drawn using similar steps.

Here is my downloadable SketchUp model which requires the SketchUp application to open:   Two-Inch Tapered PVC External Pipe Thread.  Below are seven images rendered from today's model.

September 27, 2021  Tapered Pipe Thread--SketchUp.  It took 3 tries to finish a 2" length of tapered external thread.  It required juggling 13,248 individual line segments in order to get a section of 23 threads.  The specs for this size pipe (2 inch diameter) required 23 external threads for 2 inches (11 1/2 TPI).  The first two attempts were unsuccessful because I was in a hurry.  Take a look at today's model and you'll get an idea of the accuracy required.  I listed the steps in usual fashion.

Note that it was not perfect.  Threads nearer the top of the pipe vary in thread angle from approximately 1/2 degree to as much 2 where a 60 degrees angle is ideal between flanks (V groove).  I speculate a larger tolerance would be required.  Here's the Link to my SketchUp model:  Two Inch Diameter Tapered Thread (requires SketchUp to open).  Three images rendered from the model are shown below.

Here's a related YouTube Video for making home repairs:  How to Thread Pipe; A Beginner's Tool by seejanedrill (Leah Bolden).  This is a bit off the subject but among many other videos she has presented that I've watched multiple times include:   Ticking Stick, a Carpentry Hack (that few people know,   Why is a Carpenter's Pencil Flat? And Other Stuff,  and  Life Hack: 4 helpful ways to use a tape measure.  

September 25, 2021  Thread Drawing Preference--SketchUp.  For quite some time I've preferred using a thread profile and wire frame design.  I find that scaling a helix on a cylinder is okay for basic thread desgin, but seems to be limited for more complex thread profiles.  Today's drawing and related SketchUp model follow a layout I found at Theoretical Machinist.com.   Here's the link to a thread calculator, images, and glossary of terms I used as a guide:   Thread Calculator - images and Glossary. Screw thread Images link on Google:  Screw Thread Terminology.

The link to my downloadable SketchUp model is:   UnC 1-8 Thread (requires SketchUp to open).   I attempted to be more diligent getting the shape right than I've been in the past.  Someday I hope to reproduce this or a similar 3D model on a 3D printer.  I don't have our 1/2 ton lathe anymore and I'm waiting for the consumer grade 3D printer industry to get out of the "Erector Set" and "Accessorizing" marketing strategy before buying one.  I expect a printer to be durable, assembled, complete, and ready to print out of the box like most other printers.

Lastly, there are some excellent YouTube videos explaining threads.  Here are two links:  Thread Measuring--3 Wire Method and Three Ways to Measure Threads.

September 23, 2021  Troublesome Alignments and Selection While Drawing Cone Spirals--SketchUp.  Today's post is intended for SketchUp users.  There is no room for error when drawing the September 22 model with SketchUp 17 (free). It is very satisfying to get it right on the first try--which normally doesn't happen for me.  Through trial and error I have discovered a few tricks that seem to work.  I'll attempt to explain some of these subtleties today.

1. Conical Helix Construction.  There are YouTube Videos that show how to draw a conical spiral from scratch.  The point of the helix is not completed, however, and does not show creating a conical thread as drawn in my model.  In the video I viewed (there may be more I didn't find) the spiral terminates on another circle near  the apex. My models terminate at at the end of a predetermined height at the end of the center vertical axis.  (YouTube Resource Link:  Cone spiral in Sketchup contains almost  the same steps that I use.)

Initially, I found that shifting (pushing) horizontal helix lines into diagonal position also moved the center vertical axis line off its axis at the top and altered the height.  To remedy this I erased the topmost right line that touches the tip of the center vertical axis.  Now, after the helix lines are shifted upward, the line from beneath the deleted one fills in the void and ends/terminates at the top position.  The vertical axis will remain plum.  Problem solved.  See the first 4 images below.  Also refer to the Sept. 22 Model below (requires SketchUp to view. Remember to zoom in to see what's going on near the top of the spirals).

2. Choose the helix strand that originates on the red axis.  Usually, the method for selecting a cylindrical spiral strand from among 23 others is to simply triple click it.  In this case, all 24 conical helix strands connect at the top.  Solution:  Select Parallel Projection Camera setting.  Select Top View.  Zoom in over the cone-shaped strands.  Zoom way in until the last segment of all 24 strands are clearly in view (See the last 3 images below).  At this magnification, the red axis should be clearly visible.
   Choose the strand that runs along the red axis.  Erase the single line segment that touches the center axis.  Next, triple click on the remaining portion of the strand that originates at the red axis and copy it.  Then, select all of the remaining strands and erase them, but leave the vertical center axis untouched.  Finally paste the copied spiral strand using Paste in Place.  Use the line tool (pencil), connect the end of the pasted strand to the top of the center axis line.  Problem fixed. (Other procedures will accomplish this task as well).

3. Other Trouble Spots.  Almost every step of drawing this model presented problems.  Drawing and then Shifting 120 horizonal lines to begin with required some practice.  Dividing the hypotenuse by 120 and then Moving and Duplicating 119 segments upward will make 5 spirals (5 tpered screw threads).  The math for this was (5 threads x 24 line segments forming the circle at the base = 120).  This assumes that a 24 segment circle is drawn for the base of the cone/spiral.

4. Clean up is tedious, that is, erasing excess line fragments.  Zoom in as needed.  Also erase the outer circle at the base before attempting to shift all 120 horizontal lines into diagonal position.  These lines will have a gradually steeper slope the closer you get to the top of the cone.  Every sloped line increments as the spiral ascends to the top. You can't copy the first angle at the base upward to the top--that doesn't work for conical spirals.
   Additionally, with a cone shape, the slope increases with every upward shifting line segment, because the cone shape narrows near the top while spacing of 120 lines along the hypotenuse remains the same.  All diagonal lines get stretched at an increasing rate.

5. Once the 120 diagonal lines are aligned, trim off the lines on both ends but be careful not to erase the top most diagonal segment.  The left line and diagonal slope line appear to have the same slope at the topmost point.

6. Next, the 120 diagonal slope lines need to be duplicated and rotated 15 degrees, 23 more times  (24 x 15 = 360 degrees).
   The next items discuss using the conical spiral for making a five-thread wood screw:

7. Draw a cone over the Grouped conical spiral.  Use the Follow Me Tool to works best in my opinion.

8. Check for accuracy.  If there are gaps between the spiral and the cone surface.  Try again.  There may be issues at the top or at the point of origin where the conical strand touches the circular base.  All contact points have to be connected in the conical spiral.

9. Forming The Thread:  Duplicate and Rotate the spiral inside the cone 180 Degrees Clockwise.  Explode 1 copy first.  Then select the the second and explode it.  (Don't click on the model quite yet.)  Select the scale Tool to reshape the exploded and select spiral.  Grab and handles while in the mid position at the corners while holding down the Control Key (Windows).  Move inward from center until a symmetrical wood screw thread is formed.  Press undo and try again if the first try was unsuccessful.

10. Add a head to the wood screw.  The fun part.

September 22, 2021  Groups Vs Components--SketchUp.  Using SketchUp's Groups and Components are two methods of keeping objects in a model separate from other entities. The finished version of the model can also be a group or component.

Groups and components seem similar at first glance, but in fact, they have specific uses that make simple and complex models manageable.  Most of my models are for illustration.  Grouping objects during layout is predominately my preferred option.   I'm just going to touch on a few basic uses of groups and components.

In the images below, the model was drawn using grouped entities.  When finished I grouped the model.  I also duplicated it once and converted the copy to a component.  Next, the component model was duplicated times 5 times since my illustration was to contain 6 wood screws.  Downloadable SketchUp Model:  Review of Cone Spiral and Screws (requires SketchUp to view).

As I continued working,  six screws were arranged in a random pattern.  Once satisfied with the layout, I tinkered with the screw color and cleaned up a few extraneous lines.  Since I was editing a component, I only had to make changes once, instead of having to repeat the steps for each copy.

Storage and Memory:  Grouping objects can waste memory if many duplicates of the same group are made.  If a component is created instead of a group,  duplicates can be created as Instances that require only entities info of the original model for the entire lot.

For example, if 100 instances of a Component are created, it requires much less memory and disk/cloud storage than duplicating a Group an equal number.  Another advantage of creating components alluded to in paragraph 4 above is the option to make changes to the component and have all edits automatically applied to its instances.  Duplicated groups, however, require changes to be made individually on every copy which can be time consuming.  Also note that Components can be made Unique to prevent them from changing when revisions on other instances are needed.

Grouping is convenient when drawing entities that need to be "fit" into position.  Grouping objects prevents "sticking" that can occur when ungrouped entities come in contact with each other when being moved--usually during alignment.  Groups do not stick.  Neither do components, but in today's application, I thought groups would be more convenient.

September 21, 2021  Comparison of Coarse and Fine Threads--SketchUp.  This post compares one-inch diameter bolts.  The SketchUp Model contains a length of coarse thread next to an equal length of fine thread.  The coarse thread, as its name implies, has 8 threads per inch, while the fine thread has 12.  This model was drawn to scale using UNC and UNF specifications for a 1" inch diameter bolt.  A 60 degrees V-shape thread style was chosen for the thread profile.  It's easy to draw if the protractor tool is used to layout the thread angle.

Here is the link to the related downloadable SketchUp model:  Coarse and Fine Thread Comparison (requires SketchUp to view).  Hopefully, the linked drawings are accurate, but they may need tweaking  to work in a real-world application.  I'm no expert.

September 19, 2021  Drawing Threads to Scale--SketchUp.  The following is a SketchUp model and image that were drawn to scale.  When drawing small objects it can be more difficult than using magnified dimensions.  Pixels on the screen can only be enlarged so much before they become crowded and/or unresponsive.  That is why I prefer to work with feet rather than decimal fractions of inches.

Today's post again reinforces the idea that it's sometimes better to duplicate fractions of lines rather than to rely on dimensions output in the measurement box due to rounding.

For today's model I have chosen a 1/2" coarse bolt thread with 13 threads per inch, a thread angle of 60 Degrees, and a simple V thread design.  Only the thread was completed.  Here is a link to the downloadable SketchUp model (requires SketchUp to open):  Coarse Threads  for Half Inch Bolt Drawn to Scale.  There are a few more explanatory comments than usual.

Here are two YouTube links showing other ways to draw threads.  The first video uses scaled up metric dimensions  for greater precision that applies ANSI specifications:  How to make ANSI Threads in Sketchup.  The instructions produce a nice looking thread, however the thread angle is more like 85 degrees instead of 60 degrees which appears to be a customization.  The math quoted corresponded with what I got when following the video.   The second video demonstrates another method for drawing the helix and scaling the minor thread diameter (thread root) of an external thread:  Detailed tutorial on how to draw bolts and nuts in Sketchup.  I like the method of scaling/pushing the Minor Diameter into position rather than using the Measurements Box. Both videos required access to specs to follow, online thread calculator, or a knowledge of applied thread formulas.

Taps and Dies have made life much easier.  So has the Hardware Store!
We don't have to re-invent the wheel each time a simple screw , bolt, or fastener is required.

September 18, 2021  Assorted Thread Styles--SketchUp.  Today's post illustrates another variation in drawing threads with SketchUp.  Square Threads are shown on a shaft with splines on both ends. Three images from this model can be viewed below.

The SketchUp Model can be downloaded by clicking this link:  Square Threaded Shaft with Splines (requires SketchUp to view). 

The model also shows how the diameter of the completed thread spiral can be trimmed down by 50% using the Intersection Tool.  It may have been easier to start over with a new thread profile with a more shallow square thread.

September 15, 2021  Drawing Chamfers for a Bolt, Continued--SketchUp.  This is another presentation showing how I create a SketchUp model for chamfered bolts.  Included are several images and a link to the downloadable SketchUp Model:  Chamfers for Bolts (requires SketchUp to view.

Besides using Intersection for the the lower 3 three chamfers, I have used the Contours Tool to fill in rounded corners on the Hex Bolt's head (select the top half of the head of the bolt and click Contours). Contours create a component on the top which needs to be exploded before doing a bit of touch up inside the upper circle.  That is, unwanted connecting lines within the topmost circle should be erased.   Similarly,  internal and external geometry on the thread intersections require cleanup by erasing unnecessary lines leftover from the intersections.

For another perspective I have drawn similar bolts, this time starting with the top and finishing with the thread intersection at the bottom.  If you open the SketchUp model, you might want to flip the view upside down midway through the illustrations.  It can be downloaded by clicking this link:  Top down Build for Bolt.  Three images from this model can be viewed below.

September 13, 2021  A New Page for SketchUp Projects--T. Bolton Digital Art.  My home page is filling up.  It's time to make use of another page to hold future SketchUp posts--SketchUp projects including rendered images or videos, links to the related SketchUp models I have created, and links to helpful resources found on the internet (YouTube or other websites, for example).