Thread: Cad Software

I don't think CAD is that easy to lean but good luck to you if you want to try. Sketchup is used by quite a few members of the forum with good results. Free download too.

Hi Mike,

I would highly recommend Google Sketch Up as well. There are lots of tutorials to be found online, the program is free, & it is extremely easy to learn. It has only been recently that I have come across sketch up, & within a couple of hours of using, I produced a basic overall concept that my wife could visualize.

I use CAD programs everyday with work, yet I would use sketch up over more expensive software available to me for producing furniture plans.

Give it a go. You won't regret it.

Sketch up is the way to go!

Google SketchUp

G'day Y'all
Sketch up is a 3d modeling program. If you want a real 2D CAD program
go Free CAD software * for your DWG files: DraftSight - Dassault Systèmes
and download their free program,
Tutorials for Acad will apply also.
It runs in (UGG) Windows or Linux.
Regar ds
Joe

Here is a link to a tutorial that I found extreemly helpful for creating a side table in sketch up.

Google SketchUp

Regards,
Ryan

This book on using Sketchup specifically for woodworking design should be very helpful: SketchUp Guide for Woodworkers (eBook) by Tim Killen - Woodworking - eBooks - Fine Woodworking Store . When I was designing furniture I used TurboCad, but it is fairly hard to learn, especially the 3-D features. If this book had been available at the time I would certainly have used Sketchup instead.

Rocker

in regards to CAD programs, if you want to use it in a future career, a lot of what sketchup does is not compatible with other CAD programs.

If you were looking at getting right into the CAD world, or forwarding your designs to drafting companies, look at a real product as they will save as DXF which are fairly compatible across the board.

in saying that, sketchup is simple, effective, can be accurate and very common. i have used it myself at home for simple designs and concepts where it is extremely quick to visualise, however, anything serious, i use AutoCAD, as it is a program i use every day for work and is extremely powerful.

Thanks for all the replies.

I took your advice and I had a look at Sketchup. I just did not like the look of the interface. In the end I went with Alibre. Everything is fairly easy, except for the assembly side of things. I got some great help on their forum and I got there in the end. It has a nice clean look and is quite logical. There is a 2012 version out soon. It is around $200. I am pleased with it and the help. I was tickled when I finished my first design - a balance bike. I build it this weekend. You have to persevere with it though. I gave up but went back to it. I'm glad I kept trying. The drawing result attached. I am not affiliated, I just like it. My first ever CAD drawing.

Mike

Still looking at CAD software. I am having a second look at Sketchup 8 and it is growing on me. Thank for your suggestions. I will give it a good go. There are so many tutorials out there for it and it does seem very popular for woodworking.

Mike John