Replies

1. 
   DaveBarker | Feb 24, 2004 06:09pm | #1

   I've been playing around with SketchUp for a couple of weeks and I like it. It's not a conventional CAD tool and works more like the way you doodle around with pencil and paper. I think it's good for visualizing ideas quickly - conventional CAD is geared towards designing for manufacturing, where every dimension has to be specified.

   Take a look here: http://www.sketchup.com

   Regards,

   Dave

1. 
   JanuszB1 | Feb 25, 2004 01:49am | #3

   Thank you Dave. I'll try it.

2. 
   stephengaal | Feb 24, 2004 06:44pm | #2

   I use DeltaCad.  Cost is about $40.00.  It is a 2-D not 3-D system but it is very easy to use and quick to learn.

   see http://www.deltacad.com

   Stephen J. Gaal

1. 
   JanuszB1 | Feb 25, 2004 01:50am | #4

   Thank you Stephen. I'll try this one too.

3. 
   Telemike | Feb 25, 2004 08:10am | #5

   I use TurboCad 7. It was cheap (about $30) and is a very powerful CAD program. It AIN'T simple!!! It is also very hard to find CAD tutoring without spending bucks. It does 3D, but, again, it ain't simple. This seems to be all CAD programs in a nutshell.

   If you use CAD, expect a long learning period, but get real design power in return.

   I looked at the Sketchup 3D as suggested by a previous poster. It looks very good, but at $475 is a little out of my range. Perhaps we should look at this as another tool and not out of line in price.

   But, my drafting table has about $150 of Koa (1980 price), a piece of english walnut firewood (top veneer), and a third of a sheet of shop birch plywood in it, and I learned to use it courtesy of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, all for $2400 a year.

4. 
   beck4000 | Feb 25, 2004 05:42pm | #6

   If you own windows(we all do) use MSPAINT.EXE it draws and edits Pictures!

   I use mspaint every day,and well it's free!

   If nothing sticks to Teflon,how does Teflon Stick to metal. Huh