Replies

1. 
   Ed_Zappen | Nov 11, 2001 06:07pm | #1

   *
   Steve,
   That is a nice offer. Thanks. Here is my question.
   I am fairly computer literate but I have never been able to figure out how to use a CAD program. I've tried many of the "lite" programs but can't seem to get much out of them.
   I would like a CAD that lets me draw furniture plans in 2D, the traditional top, front and side view, and then produces a 3D picture of it. It would also be nice if it had a library of furniture type drawings like an ogee shape, dovetails, mortise and tenon etc.
   I've been using pencil and t-square since high school drawing class (many years ago)but would like to update.
   Any suggestions?
   ed

1. 
   Steve_Wargo | Nov 12, 2001 01:07pm | #2

   *Ed, If you're looking for a Nice CAD Program, that will alow you to reproduce a 3D image from isometrics, you're going to have to shell out some money. Anything that produced good 3D images, costs money. As for comeing with a library that has dovetails, mortises, tenons, etc. Onve you draw them you save them as blocks and just insert them into your new drawings. So, the amount of time that you spend drawing something the first time is actually the only time you have to draw it. Just make sure you come up with a nice system for storing all of you blocks, ie. a good folder labeling system on your hard drive. I've had guys I work with, that couldn't find anything on their machine after they drew it. You need to make sure that the software you use has blocks. I use AutoCAD 2000, but it's pricey ($3000). But I've found if you're not concerned with the 3D AutoCAD LT is everything anyone should need. If your producing an drawing with all of the views. Top, and maybe bottom, and your the one creating it, Why would you need the 3D. The only way that I could see how you'd need it is if your client requested it. And then you can log on to a certain web site (I'll check when I go to work on Tuesday) up load your side, top and other views, pay $9.99 and they'll convert you drwing to 3D right on line for you in about 45 sec with they're rendering software. I've used it before and it's quite nice. And the amount of time it takes to create a drawing from scratch in 3D is 4 times that it takes to create one from iso's. I hope this helped. If not, drop me a note at: [email protected]

1. 
   John_Condolora | Nov 15, 2001 05:45am | #3

   *Steve, I have AutoCad 14 and I'm fairly competent at using it. I have never bothered with 3D drawing because it was way too time consuming and for the most part unnecessary. But there have been a few times that I thought it would be nice. So I would love to find out what that web site is too. - John

1. 
   Steve_Wargo | Nov 16, 2001 05:07pm | #4

   *O.K. guys. Here goes. The last time I was researching this topic was about 8 months ago and the prices were $9.99 to render uploaded files under 20MB. But after I spent a couple hours researching this topic I've that the market for this type of procedure is suddenly flooded and apparently has caught on big. The cheapest rates that I could find now were $50 for a 24 hr rendering turnaround of files 50MB and smaller. That's quite a hike in just half a year. Other place offer the same services for up to $500. I'll include a links for you guys to look at if you want. My old partner told me that he has used them and had excellent results, and his file was returned to him in less than 24 hrs. Here are. Good Luck.www.aspire3d.com

1. 
   Jim_Lewis | Nov 26, 2001 06:15pm | #5

   *My 2 cents: After trying off and on for several years to learn to use CAD programs with manuals, free demo downloads, etc., I finally sat in on a CAD course at a local college. The gates finally opened, and, as someone said, there comes a point when you finally GET IT, and then things fall into place. I think it mainly has to do with learning how to use the tools.The CAD program I learned was Minicad, now Vectorworks. It's available for PC and Mac, and costs $900, or considerably less if you can get an academic price. It does 2-D and 3-D. (I don't know how Autocad works, but w/ VW you work in one 2-D plane at a time, until you have top, side, back done, then you render in 3-D, where you can twist the object around in any direction, print, etc.You can DL a fully functioning VW (won't save/print) atwww.nemetschek.net/vectorworks/index.htmlSteve, why don't you give it a whirl and say what you think. Not having used Autocad, I have no basis of comparison, but I've heard people who used both say they like VW better. It certainly can handle everything I need, whether house or furniture plan.

2. 
   Steve_Wargo | Nov 27, 2001 10:33pm | #6

   *I've used other Vector works software before and I feel that they put out an excellent product. But I think that when people say they want something that is affordable they aren't planning on spending $1K on software. The reason I speak primarily of AutoCAD is because that is the #1 Selling, used and repurchased CAD software on the market. Even the LT version is steep $400-$500. If you want an excellent CAD program for little dollars and has the same command routines as AutoCAD and can save in DWG and DXF format then buy IntelliCAD for under $75. You can even download a shareware version of it for free and then spend $25 on an AutoCAD book and go to work. Thanks for the Input and I do agree that MiniCAD is a good (not great) CAD software package. Now if you want to get into 3D modeling you really have to fork over the dough to get a quality product. Go Browns!

3. 
   Len_Rutherford | Dec 03, 2001 10:08pm | #7

   *I bought Intellicad a few months ago as a recommendation at CompUSA. I still can't get the darn thing to work for me. I've emailed Intellicad several times to get a manual, but they have yet to answer. Do you know where I can order one? I hate to have the program, and not be able to use it. Thanks, in advace, Len

4. 
   bobl_ | Dec 03, 2001 11:17pm | #8

   *have you checked outhttp://www.icadusersgroup.com/discussion_toc.htm

5. 
   Steve_Wargo | Dec 03, 2001 11:20pm | #9

   *If you have any specific questions you can e-mail me.

6. 
   Guy_Perez | Dec 04, 2001 12:48am | #10

   *You might want to try TurboCad. The price is right, ranging from FREE to $400 depending on your preferences, and it packs plenty of punch for most woodworking drafting and design tasks.Here are the details:b My ExperienceI've been using TurboCad 6.0 Professional (from IMSISoft) for about a year. I started using their free version (based on the price), and found it to be great for 2d drawings. I've played with the 3d features of TurboCad Professional 6.0 but haven't used them enough to be able to evaluate this feature. b Cheap from e-baySince Turbocad is currently in release 7.0, the 6.0 version is available at a tremendous discount, so you can use a full-featured version without shelling out the current retail price of the most up-to-date version. I bought mine from ebay for about $30, and a quick search shows that there are still some available for $35-$40. Go to http://www.ebay.com and search for "turbocad professional" to see what's available.b FREE from IMSISoftIf you want to try it before you buy it, go to http://www.imsisoft.com/free/ where you can download TurboCad LT or TurboCad LE for free. You can also download a 15 day trial of the latest version if you want to experience the top offering from IMSISoft. Be prepared for a long download if you're on a modem connection.Email me with question or commentsGuy

7. 
   Steve_Wargo | Dec 04, 2001 05:07am | #11

   *TurboCAD is a great program. In fact that's what the majority of the guys in the office use. I was just not aware that the evaluation version was free. The only thing that you have to beware of when you purchase software on e-bay is that if it's registered already you cannot get technical support for it. And if it's licensed to another user then you're actually using it illegally. Autodesk is real big on enforcing this. Just something to look out for. But all in all TurboCAD is great. If you can find the pro version unregistered for $40 then that's for sure the way to go. Thanks for the input.

8. 
   Guy_Perez | Dec 06, 2001 10:46pm | #12

   *Your point about buying used or potentially used software is important. I shopped around for a new, unregistered copy and have since registered itwith IMSISoftb Update on TurboCad LEI downloaded the TurboCad LE (Learning Edition) package to see what this new offering was all about and have some additional information:First, unlike their earlier free offering, it is not a stripped out version that's meant to lure you into buying the real thing. It IS the real thing--just a couple versions old. In fact, it's Professional version 4.1. It has all of the cool features that make TurboCad so nice to use. What's more, you can also download a Quick Tour demo that provides a great introduction to CAD for novices, and you get the complete 4.1 User's guide in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. Software plus documentation! I'd urge people who are thinking about this to take the time to download and try the LE version. I don't think you'll be disappointed.Have fun!Guy

9. 
   David_A._Brown | Dec 18, 2001 05:54am | #13

   *I'm well versed in AutoCAD, and teach it to college students.But for small projects, with my drafting table always "booted up" and ready to use, the old pencil and T-square seem more efficient. BTW, I also teach pencil and T-square to college students. The learning curve is much longer with AutoCAD, and not all students "get it". But AutoCAD and most CAD programs can do amazing things with your drawing once you've put it in. I prefer to draw everything in 3D, and then simply compose a page with top, front side, and whatever 3D (perspective, oblique, isometric, etc.) view of that 3D entity I need. You can plot a detail full size for use as a pattern. You can query the drawing for area, dimensions, angles, etc., that you would need a calculator and a math degree to find otherwise.Before you invest in a CAD program, make sure you know the fundamentals of drafting. The students of mine who can't figure out how to compose a useful drawing using pencil and t-square also never figure out how to do the same using CAD.Lastly, you can buy a VERY NICE drafting table and all the drafting tools for considerably less than you'd pay for AutoCAD software. Lets assume you already own a CAD-capable computer. If you don't, add on another $2000 or more. You'll want the fastest processor, greatest amount of fast memory, fastest video card, fastest hard drive, and largest monitor you can afford. Every one of my students brings such a beast to their studio desk. They share a university owned networked plotter, but you'll have to shell out thousands more to get something that will plot an 18"x24" or larger drawing.Food for thought.Dave

10. 
    Steve_Wargo | Dec 19, 2001 08:18pm | #14

    *Actually plotters are one thing that are readily available on the web for a few hundred dollars. I've purchased two plotters, both e-size (36x48") and both pen plotters. When all your plotting is line drawings then these plotter work fine. The most I paid for them was $190. In fact I just sold an older HP D size plotter for $135. They work great, but they're slower. Pens are pricey new, but they can also be obtained for an inexpensive price on the internet. I do agree that drafting on a drafting table is very quick especially on a small project, but it sure is nice not having eraser marks on the plotted pages. I find myself making changes often.

11. 
    Bill_Lindau | Dec 23, 2001 11:12pm | #15

    *Steve, What is the difference between VisualCadd and TurboCad? They are both produced by IMSI.Bill