Replies

1. 
   daverichards | Oct 12, 2008 10:24pm | #1

   I assume you want to figure out the bisector of the angles for setting your miter gauge?

1. 
   HiramCarter | Oct 12, 2008 11:01pm | #2

   Yes, I do, do you know of any software for that purpose, or how I can get Sketchup do do that? HC.

1. 
   daverichards | Oct 12, 2008 11:11pm | #3

   You could do it with SketchUp if you want. I suppose you could do it any CAD application too but since it sounds like you have SketchUp already installed, you could just use it. You could do this with a calculator and a bit of trig, too.

   Exactly what numbers do you know? What is it you are trying to build? If you wish, send me an e-mail with the info.

   I'll try to make a demo in SketchUp for you.

2. 
   roc | Oct 13, 2008 02:00am | #4

   I talked with a guy in Bangkok who recomemnded this for home CAD work:

   You might want to look at VectorWorks. Seemed the easiest to learn.

   http://www.nemetschek.net/

   I have not got around to buying it yet. Does anyone have experience with VectorWorks?

1. 
   daverichards | Oct 13, 2008 04:32am | #5

   Looks interesting. How much does it cost? I couldn't find a price for it on their website.

1. 
   roc | Oct 13, 2008 06:45am | #6

   I would call them to find out if they have a consumer version. The site looks changed since I was there last and that is what the guy I talked with said when he went back to it.I clicked on purchase, USA, then selected a version I listed bellow then add to cart.As far as a price they have many versions. I narrowed it down to this one for an example (brace your self) : For a "Designer", professional, first time buyer, for Mac =https://secure.nemetschek.net/estore/cart.php?sku=4NN-P1-NEW-CXMZ-BA&product=designer&submit=ADD+TO+CARTThere was machine design and architectural offered so if you look around and see these options you are getting warmer.He was using it to design his own house etc. so there must be something reasonable here. If not I apologize.You probably already searched FWW.com but if not here is an article with $100 or less options:http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=2936

1. 
   daverichards | Oct 13, 2008 01:17pm | #7

   Thanks for that info, Roc.

   Dave

1. 
   Zmonster | Oct 13, 2008 08:18pm | #8

   Vectorworks IS expensive... but I've been using it since it was "MiniCAD v. 5.0". Very easy to learn. 2D and 3D. I can't say enough good things about it.

2. 
   daverichards | Oct 13, 2008 08:22pm | #9

   Thanks for that, Zmonster.

    

2. 
   sapwood | Oct 14, 2008 07:43pm | #10

   I've been using VectorWorks for a few years now. It is a fantastic cad program. It is spendy, but because of what it can do and how easy and straightforward it allows drawing to be done, it's worth the cost, to me. It is not Sketch Up, nor is it really comparable. They are two different kinds of drawing experiences.

1. 
   roc | Oct 14, 2008 10:36pm | #11

   sapwood,Very Cool ! Thanks for responding.
   Are you saying Sketch Up is still good but obviously not as sufisticated. Or that Sketch Up can do other things VectorWorks cannot?

1. 
   sapwood | Oct 15, 2008 12:12am | #12

   my experience with sketchup is very limited. I have found it difficult to use when doing an exact scale drawing. Vectorworks is spot on when it comes to placing lines, shapes, etc. where you want them. I can copy anything I've drawn in VW then paste it elsewhere at whatever scale I want. I can invert it, mirror it, color it green if I want. But, I believe, that sketchup is faster at getting a 3D model for quick reference. Admittedly, I have not taken any real time to learn Sketchup. So don't anyone think I'm putting it down. It seems like a fine drawing program as evidenced by some nice renderings I've seen here and elsewhere. The two programs offer different results with some overlap.

1. 
   daverichards | Oct 15, 2008 01:53pm | #13

   Sapwood, I didn't think you were putting SketchUp down but I think it is worth clarifying for other readers.

   You can draw accurately in SketchUp. It is every bit as accurate as VW or any other CAD application when it comes to placing lines, shapes, etc. You can invert, mirror or color it green. You don't set up a "scale" before drawing with SketchUp though. If you need a line that is 36 7/64" long, you make it that long.

   SketchUp allows you to make a drawing with as much detail as you need. If you need accurately dimensioned drawings, you can make them. If you only need a massing study, it'll do that, too. 'sup to you.

   If you want to give SketchUp another go, I'd be happy to help you out.

   Dave

3. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 17, 2008 05:56am | #14

   Not CAD but some table I found someplace..

   
4. 
   thomhall | Oct 17, 2008 07:43am | #15

   A very good 3d cad package is Alibre.  I have been using it for several years now on a side business.  I have experience on most all the high end packages and alibre hold it own very well against them.

   They have a FREE version which is defeatured only slightly from the pay version. 

   http://www.alibre.com

   The program is simple enough to learn that my 9 and 11 year old boys use it to model up lego figures.

    

   Hope this Helps.....

5. 
   Tracey1959 | Oct 28, 2008 03:43am | #16

   Hi, Hi,

   While the cad systems are available, and are no longer really expensive, it can be a lot of fun figuring out the compound angles and the settings needed to accomplish the cuts.  A copy of "Trigonometry for Idiots " is a good tool. A casio fx250Hc calculator is all that is needed to do the figuring. ($8.00 mol)`If you can find a copy of an anilitical geometry text book, it to is a great help.  All of these will help you get the angles right with a little practice, lots of blank paper, pencils and eraser.  Good luck, Trace