can anyone help, please. I want to identify a cad programme which
a can readily be used by a virtual computer illiterate;
b is suitable for a serious hobbiest;
c is capable of operating in metric measurements on a windows xp system;
d is capable of producing drawings in various styles and
f will enable me to show interested persons how the piece will look when completed
it would be very helpful if you could identify the place where such a programme could be purchased.
any hints/warnings/experiences would be appreciated
Grae
Replies
Sketchup. For non-commercial use, it can be downloaded for free from http://www.sketchup.com
thank you, i shall have a look at it.
I second the sketchup vote.“The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
thank you. i will certainly be trying it !
Jamie,
Are you running Sketchup? I just looked at the website and they say you can download it for free and use it for eight hours. Is that what you did?
After the eight hours lapse, do you have to buy it? The list price is $495 on the web site. Do you contemplate buying it, and if so, at that price?
I am interested in using CAD if the price is reasonabl and the tool is easy to use. But I don't want to invest the time in learning it if it turns into a pumpkin at midnight.
Thanks for any info you can share. Best regards, Tom.
Jamie,
There is a free version. The limitations of the free program are really unimportant for creating models of furniture and the like.
Rich
Thanks. I will go back and more carefully read the info.
Best regards, Tom.
Free version is called Google Sketchup and pay version is Sketchup Pro
You need to look closer at the website to find the free version. It stays free but doesn't have some of the file options of the pro version. That too is spelled out on the site. There is a free version for Mac users as well. As with any program there is a learning curve. Don't think you will ever find one that the computer novice can turn out pro work in the first session.
Thanks. I'll go back and look more thoroughly.
Best regards, Tom.
You'll want to search this site's database. The subject has been covered thoroughly recently.
You should be warned about the learning curve regarding such software: it's one of the toughest.
thank you. i realize that now i have found the right spot to look !
can anyone help, please. I want to identify a cad programme which
a can readily be used by a virtual computer illiterate;
b is suitable for a serious hobbiest;
We're all looking for a CAD program like that! Unfortunately, "CAD" and "virtual computer illiterate" are unable to be reconciled.
thank you. i broke into laughter at your reply. i fear you are correct. perhaps i shouyld stick to pencil and paper.
I've been using QuickCad for about 7 years now and although it took some time to get the hang of it, it works quite well for me now. Iuse it mostly for making working drawings of mainly rectilinear cabinets and furniture. The cost was $60.00 at the turn of the century. It also has architectural and other features and is completely customizable. It can also interface with the industrial strength AutoCad programs as it is made by the same company. Bcool
I have the same program, as well as TurboCAD -- both are nice for what they do and for what they cost. However, each has learning curve, and for a computer novice, as the OP indicated he was, will require a significant investment of time to be reasonably proficient.
Doesn't exist
Try design intuition, it is still in its' infantcy, only good for mission and boxy contemporary but take a peek. They have a free download.
I use full Autocad & it is pricey but like every thing else you get what you pay for. If you have to convey information from architects or tool designers to builders or clients it's probably the best. If you are trying to get your ideas on on paper and are confident the drawing user knows how to build from them the lower end programs like Sketchup are adiquate.
The learning curve for all technical programs is easy to do simple things and steep for proficency. More than that the learned techniques are for the most part not transferable from one program to another and may infact become mental blocks when trying to switch. This is particularly so between object oriented programs like Sketchup, 3d Home designer or Chief on one hand and drafting type programs like Autocad or Turbocad on the other.
THANK YOU AND ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED THEIR SAGE ADVICE. I HAVE LOOKED AT SKETCH UP, AND FOR ME IT SEEMS TO PROVIDE WHAT I NEED. I AM NOT CONCERNED TO HAVE THE DETAIL OF JOINTS ETC WHICH I AM USED TO MAKING WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. IT IS REALLY BEING ALE TO SHOW SOMEONE WHAT IS IN MY MIND WITHOUT HAVING THE NECESSARY DRAWING SKILLS. I AM ABOUT TO HAVE SOME TIME AWAY FROM THE BENCH SO I CAN TRY TO MASTER THE PROGRAMME AND SEE HOW I GET ALONG. THANK YOU ALL -- GRAE
grae,Once you get good with the program, it opens up possibilities you don't imagine until you're at that point. After "sketching" out forms, shapes and perspectives, you may find that it's great for laying out joinery too.It's not easy to think in 3-D and predict all the outcomes. I have used it to lay out and "cut" complex joinery before I ever walked into the workshop. I would have wasted a lot of time and wood otherwise.Rich
thank youy. one of my many weakpoints is thinking in terms of spatial relation ships. i will see how i go but oten, i have found the only way to work out a jopint is to do it in fact. Grae
I'm a little late getting into this but I think learning Sketchup is pretty easy for almost anyone. I have lots of CAD experience at one end of the spectrum, my son-in-law, a carpenter by trade, was computer illiterate when I first introduced him to the software. 2 Months later he has already reproduced his house in a very detailed model and redesigned about the next 10 years of reconstruction work.
You'll find the online video tutorials very helpful. The template drawing for Sketchup can also be set to woodworking metric or any of 7 other measurement templates.
I've attached a project I'm just getting started on. Once you get the hang of Sketchup you can produce a chair model like this in under two hours. That's about how long the initial design for this took to do. I've tweaked it since then for another couple hours.
Good luck
Bob Babcock
thank you for your interest. i have downloaded the free version of the programme and, when i get some time (which i expect to have soon as a result of a surgeon's gentle ministrations) i am going to have a serious go at mastering it. the programme seems to have what i need. Grae
Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I'll answer as time permits.
Make sure you view and follow along with the online tutorials. Pay special attention to the use of groups or components. They are the key to control in Sketchup. Every piece of machined wood (chair leg, arm, rails, etc..) that you see in my models is it's own component.
Direct links to Sketchups online learning resources:
Some of the all important online tutorials
http://sketchup.google.com/gsu5vtvideos.html
Online users guide
http://download.sketchup.com/sketchuphelp/gsu6_win/gsuwin.html
Quick reference card
http://download.sketchup.com/GSU/pdfs/QuickReferenceCard.pdf
Google groups Sketchup help
http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup
These and much more can be found on Sketchups website
good luck
Bob Babcock
Grae
I use both Sketchup and a simple Cad program called Auto Sketch. Sketchup is not a Cad program, it does great mock ups tha you can build to show clients what it will look like, but will not give you the accurate measurements that a true Cad program will. I like using Sketchup to get a 3d feel for it, but it will not replace my Autosketch
Dave
Dave, I'm curious about your statement regarding the lack of dimensional accruacy in SketchUp. Could you give an example?
If I want it I can draw and dimension to 6 places beyond the decimal. Usually I find working to the nearest 1/64" close enough for woodworking.
DaveYour right, accuracy is maybe the wrong wording, it is the way it prints out, the lines are not as clean as those in Cad.Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Dave, thanks for the clarification. I think what you're running up against is a limitation of the free version over the pro version. In the pro version it is possible to print at much higher quality that the free version allows. I suppose that's a trade off for getting a program for free.
Of course with the pro version of sketchUp, one can also export CAD formats as well as PDF and other file types. If you prefer to use a CAD application for final work up of your drawings, you could export the model and you wouldn't have to redraw it.
I still find SketchUp drawings printed at normal resolution more than acceptable for my woodworking projects and find no purpose in spending more time working on the drawing in another application. But that's just me. ;)
Cheers,
Dave
You might also like to consider Turbocad. There are a couple of versions to suit different pockets. I use Turbocad deluxe, ideal for a serious hobbyist, and can recommend it.
Again you are right, I am using the Free version, I was not aware that the pro version had a higher quality print version. I am in Canada and at about $500.00, I don't know if I could justify it. I must confess I do like the program though. I am redoing my rumpus room and its a great way to mock up the whole room to see how my wall unit and bookcase will fit. While I am at it, I would like to know how many other wood workers use the Golden Ration in designing projects. I live by it, and wonder if I'm the fool of the gold ;-)Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Dave,
You asked whether anyone uses the "golden ration", I assume you meant "golden ratio"? This should probably be in a new strand, but...
I am not a professional woodworker, but I have met some who use the golden ratio or fibonacci series to design with and they swear by it. Also, Frank Lloyd Wright used fibonacci on 3D grids. I don't believe he invented the method, but was certainly sharp enough to see the advantages of the system. Briefly, you get the benefits of using the golden ratio to locate accents, and the benefits of a grid to provide rhythm and help with scale.
What is your experience using the golden ratio? It sounds like you are sold on using it in your design work. Also, are you aware of the root 2 rectangle? Start a new strand on proportioning systems in design and we can carry on and pick up what others have to say.
Randy
RandyForgive my tardy reply, I have had a series of crisis's lately. I too am a wanna be professional wood worker, and the part of wood working I enjoy the most is the design. That's why I enjoy CAD so much. I'm currently reading a good book on the Golden Ratio (not Ration!)and the Fibonacci formula, Most of it is just interesting Theory, but there is some creative math regarding calculating Golden Triangles. I would like to start a new strand on proportioning systems in design, just not sure how as I'm fairly new to this blog. Dave
Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Dave,
I didn't wait for 20 years, just a couple days, no problem! I hope everything is back on the bubble in your life.
I am not an expert on proportions or design, but I have made a bit of a study on the topics. I want to hear what others have to say, and I am happy to toss in the little bit that I think I have discovered. I am sure that I will learn something. I am brand new to this site, but a long time Fine Woodworking fan. I will start a new strand in the Project Plans catagory and call it: "Proportions In Design?". Talk to you there!
Randy
Sounds good see you thereDaveGenius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
For all those interested in using Sketchup there is a new blog on FWW.
http://blogs.taunton.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=fw-designforum&redirCnt=1
See you there....
thank you for the information
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