This tutorial will demonstrate how to make a chain in SketchUp. Follow the steps outlined below and you will be able to create a chain in 5 steps!
1. Draw a rectangle
Your first step is to draw a rectangle (size is up to you as we can always scale the links later) using the RECTANGLE tool. Once that is complete, use the LINE tool to first find the midpoint of the lines you wish to draw from and draw a line to the opposite edge. Create a crosshair using this method - your image should look like the one below.
2. Draw Circles and Erase Lines
Your next step is to draw two circles beginning from the centre of the vertical line. You are required to draw 2 circles using the CIRCLE tool, one above the horizontal line and one below the horizontal line (See image to the bottom left - also, don't worry if your circles overlap in the middle, just make sure you have your circles touching against the right and left sides, that's really important)
Once your circles are made, you can then use the ERASER tool to clean up your geometry (See image in bottom centre) and you should be left with just the shell of what would start to look like a chain link (see image on the bottom right).
Once your circles are made, you can then use the ERASER tool to clean up your geometry (See image in bottom centre) and you should be left with just the shell of what would start to look like a chain link (see image on the bottom right).
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3. Draw another Circle
Right click on the face - not edge - of your link and choose ERASE to be left with just an outline. Once you have that, using the CIRCLE tool again, draw a circle on the BLUE axis starting from the far right edge of your link (See image below).
Once your circle is drawn, you will then select the FOLLOW ME tool to create a tube that will follow the path of your chain link.
Select the CIRCLE tool and begin to trace a path following the link, you will notice that the tube you are drawing will begin "following" your cursor (See image below). Continue to follow along the path until the shape is complete.
Once your circle is drawn, you will then select the FOLLOW ME tool to create a tube that will follow the path of your chain link.
Select the CIRCLE tool and begin to trace a path following the link, you will notice that the tube you are drawing will begin "following" your cursor (See image below). Continue to follow along the path until the shape is complete.
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4. Make a Group
Now that you have built your link successfully, use the SELECT tool to draw a box surrounding the entire shape, then right click on your shape and choose "MAKE GROUP" (See Image Below) Your shape will then be highlighted like the image below.
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5. Make a copy of your link
You can now simply make copies of your link to begin to create a chain. The easiest way is to click on your SELECT tool and select your link. Next, choose the MOVE tool and hold the CTRL button on the keyboard. With the CTRL button held down and the MOVE tool selected, simply drag the link upwards, you will notice that a second link emerges from the first!
You can also copy and paste but this process makes things quicker!
Once you have done that, use the ROTATE tool to rotate your link to appear as though it is connected like a chain (See image Below)
You can also copy and paste but this process makes things quicker!
Once you have done that, use the ROTATE tool to rotate your link to appear as though it is connected like a chain (See image Below)
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6. Keep making copies!
Your final step is to continue making copies until you have achieved your desired chain length! Good Luck!
