Replies

1. 
   daverichards | Feb 27, 2009 07:11am | #1

   Do you need a true CAD program like AutoCAD? What are you going to be doing with it?

   Someone will say so I might as well. Have you looked at SketchUp?

1. 
   mmur | Feb 27, 2009 08:11am | #2

   I'll be building cabinets and furniture from my own design. I have looked at the Delta although it is not 3d. Something simple to use any suggestions?

1. 
   daverichards | Feb 27, 2009 02:32pm | #4

   As the oher Dave indicated, for 3D, SketchUp is probably easier to learn than true CAD programs like AutoCAD and its ilk. You can also make 2D drawings if you wish. And you can make nice perspective images when you need to show the project to someone else for approval. And it's kind of hard to find a better price concerning there is a free version.

   You might want to look at Design. Click. Build. too.

   Here are a few examples.

    

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   Edited 2/27/2009 6:33 am ET by DaveRichards

   Edited 2/27/2009 6:54 am ET by DaveRichards

1. 
   mmur | Feb 27, 2009 07:16pm | #5

   Wow, thanks for the info this is what I'm looking for! The name of the program is Sketch Up. How do I purchase this.

1. 
   daverichards | Feb 27, 2009 07:23pm | #6

   You can get the program from Google. There is a pro version but I would 'buy' the free one if I were you. At least until you've learned how to use it.

   Dave

    

2. 
   mmur | Feb 27, 2009 09:16pm | #7

   Thanks a lot Dave. I did get the free one from Goggle right after I read your posting. It does look simple to use.  I have the time tonight after work to use it. Again thanks for the advise.

2. 
   davcefai | Feb 27, 2009 10:38am | #3

   It's been said before, CAD is difficult to learn because of a steep learning curve. 3D is more difficult than 2D

   Both of these are good:

   ProgECAD: http://www.progecad.co.uk (3D)

   QCAD: http://www.qcad.org (only 2D)

   Note the very low price of the latter. It is Open Source and, if you are up to compiling source code, the source is free. QCAD is multi-platform so you can have the same program on whatever machine you use.

   A viable alternative to 3D CAD is to use sketchup. No 3D CAD program is as simple to use. I haven't done more than look at it but as far as I can tell you can do 2D work on a CAD program then export the DXF file and build on it in sketchup. (All CAD progs can export DXF).