Skip to content
Fine Woodworking
Main Menu
Subscribe
GET THE MAGAZINE & MORE
Magazine Cover
  • Save 69% off the cover price
  • Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive.
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • Projects & Plans
  • How-To
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Magazine
  • Video Workshops
  • Members
  • Forum
  • Gallery
  • Blogs
  • More
    • Log In
    • Join
    Fine Woodworking Main Menu Subscribe

    David Richards

    Author Headshot

    I am a Biomedical Equipment Technician. I maintain anesthesia and respiratory equipment for the largest medical facility in southeast Minnesota. I also do some training in the use of that equipment. My wife, Kari and I have a three year old son, Ian.

    In my spare time I like to work in my garage woodworking shop. Ive made a wide variety of wooden items from salad tongs to boats. I started using SketchUp several years ago with version 3. It is an ideal tool for the woodworker. I use it for designing projects, working out joinery details and figuring out the order of operations to make efficient use of my time in the shop. My drawings range from simple sketches with little detail to completely rendered images used for presentations and publication.

    Ive made a wide range of SketchUp models from tiny parts for medical equipment to large architectural and other construction projects. Most of my models, though, are furniture and other woodworking related items. Ive been helping other woodworkers around the world learn how to use the program for about three years. Im excited to be teaming up with Fine Woodworking, Bob Babcock, Tim Killen and the rest to help you learn how to use this extremely useful workshop tool.

    • Creating a plan with SketchUp and LayOut

      September 14, 2021

      LayOut, which is part of the SketchUp Pro package, offers an easy way to create elegant looking plans from your SketchUp model.

    • A few random SketchUp tips

      July 21, 2021

      Dave Richards demonstrates some of the best practices he uses while working through a model.

    • How to Use SketchUp to Dial in Your Finish

      June 23, 2021

      With SketchUp, not only can you get a good visual of the shape of the model, but you can experiment with different finishes.

    • How to print full-sized patterns in SketchUp

      May 19, 2021

      Dave Richards demonstrates how to export and print full sized plans on a large-format printer using a handy extension.

    • Custom toolbars in SketchUp

      April 21, 2021

      Readers have asked how Dave Richards customizes various toolbars in SketchUp. Here's how he does it.

    • Working with nested SketchUp components

      March 17, 2021

      There are many ways to leverage components to make your SketchUp workflow easier and faster.

    • Riffing on a design in SketchUp

      February 5, 2021

      Dave Richards demonstrates how he uses an existing piece of furniture as a jumping off point to somewhere new.

    • How to modify textures in SketchUp

      December 16, 2020

      Adding textures to your SketchUp models is a great way to add a bit of realism.

    • Modeling a bandsawn leg in SketchUp

      November 25, 2020

      Dave Richards demonstrates how to model a complex part using some clever SketchUp plugins.

    • Kumiko: An exercise with components in SketchUp

      October 22, 2020

      Using the power of SketchUp's components, Dave Richards demonstrates how to resize elements of a kumiko panel to create new patterns.

    Page 1 of 32
    Next

    Most Popular

    1. Let's talk about the end-grain glue joint video

      Let's talk about the end-grain glue joint video

    2. My lands! You shouldn't buy just any chisels

      My lands! You shouldn't buy just any chisels

    3. Test yourself

      Test yourself

    4. Geeky woodworking tests

      Geeky woodworking tests

    5. STL249: MDF on a jointer?

      STL249: MDF on a jointer?

    Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • #292-NOV/DEC 2021

      • Kerf-bent wall cabinet
      • Online extras from FWW issue #292
      • How to tame curved parts with patterns
    • #291-Sep/Oct 2021

      • Build a modern coffee table
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #291
      • Editor's Letter: Something old, something new
    • #290-July/Aug 2021

      • Build a Shaker chest of drawers
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #290
      • From the editor: What we make matters
    • #289-May/June 2021

      • Arts & Crafts Coffee Table with Story-Book Charm
      • Links from Fine Woodworking issue #289
      • Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Block Plane
    • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

      • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #288
      • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend

    UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

    Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership

    Fine WoodWorking

    Follow

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Membership & Magazine

    • Members
    • Digital Libraries
    • Join Unlimited
    • Magazine Subscription
    • Magazine Renewal
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Customer Support
    • Manage Preferences

    Taunton Network

    • Fine Homebuilding
    • Green Building Advisor
    • Fine Gardening
    • Threads
    • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Careers
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Accessibility
    • California Privacy Rights
    • Site Map

    © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

      Main Menu

    • Projects and Plans
    • How-To
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools & Materials
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Magazine
    • Video Workshops
    • Members
    • Forum

      Popular Topics

    • Design
    • Small Projects
    • Beds
    • Chairs, Benches And Stools
    • Built-ins
    • Storage And Shelves
    • Cabinets
    • Carving
    • Casework
    • Desks
    • Tables
    • Shop Storage And Furniture
    • Woodturning Projects
    • Workbenches
    • Surface Prep

      More

    • TV
    • Forum
    • Blogs
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Customer Support

      Account

    • Log In
    • Join

      Magazine

    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Digital Libraries
    • Magazine Index
    • Subscribe

      Membership

    • Member Home
    • Start Free Trial
    • Gift Unlimited
    • Log In

      Shop the Store

    • Books
    • DVDs
    • Taunton Workshops

      Events

    • Fine Woodworking Live
    • Fine Woodworking HANDS ON

      Account

    • Log In
    • Sign Up

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Follow

    UNLIMITED

    Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Upgrade Membership