Replies

1. 
   edcross1 | Dec 17, 2003 02:44pm | #1

   A program I use regulary is Microsoft Visio. It allows everything from full building plans to floor plans to detailed engineering drawings. I've found it very easy to use as i didn't want to get into the time and learning curve that I think would be needed to master programs like Autocad.

   Hope this helps

   edcross1

1. 
   jditzler | Dec 18, 2003 10:30pm | #2

   edcross1,  many thanks.  I'll check it out.  Glad you said what you said about Autocad.  Looked at that once and came away with my head spinning.  Jim

2. 
   Buzzsaw | Mar 16, 2005 05:08pm | #9

   EdCross1,

     Have you used Visio to design furniture.  I already know it so I'm thinking of at least trying to use it for designing furniture. I'd rather not buy another package and have to learn it.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

2. 
   mtolle | Dec 19, 2003 05:24am | #3

   Jim:

   a great CAD package I use - costs $895 but worth every penny - is called Rhino 3D... they have a fully-functional evaluation copy you can download to get a flavor... if you know windows already, it takes about 8 hours to get 90% up-to-speed

   http://www.rhino3d.com/

1. 
   jditzler | Dec 19, 2003 06:05am | #4

   Michael,  thanks for your suggestion.  Price is a bit stiff for church volunteers but I'll take  a look.  Thanks!!     Jim

3. 
   bwitte9 | Dec 20, 2003 12:58am | #5

   Jim, if you want a cheap program to get your feet wet, take a look at Broderbund's 3D Home Architect (http://www.broderbund.com/Product.asp?OID=4147877&SC=1105635&CID=20). If you can find a non-current edition (try Wal-mart and the likes) of the software, it will even be less expensive. It is true you get what you pay for, but this little program might surprise ya'.

1. 
   jditzler | Dec 22, 2003 07:38am | #8

   B9,  I've seen it on shelves at places like Staples so I know it's available nearby.  Thanks,  I'll give it a try.  Appreciate the tip.   Jim

4. 
   davidh | Dec 20, 2003 01:27am | #6

   Jim, I have no suggestions on what to buy but I would warn you against TurboCad. I bought a copy for about $100. It sounded as though it could everything I needed. When I opened it there was no manual and none was available; no books, nothing to help you learn how to use it. The only way to learn was to buy tutorials, many of them, all costing tens of dollars apiece. trying to figure it out alone resulted in all sorts of traps and pitfalls. Good luck. David H.

1. 
   jditzler | Dec 22, 2003 07:32am | #7

   David,  many thanks.  I feel properly warned.  Jim