Hi all I came across Google Sketchup 6 years ago. A client showed me what they wanted. He brought me a diagram of how the studs were to be layed out and how he wanted the rafters to look. I was amazed, I had been using pencil and paper for years and I had never been able to use 3D as it was very complicated and time consuming. I found that one of the biggest problems with wood work and building for clients is communicating how the finished product will look and to my amazement here was the solution and on top of that it is free!!!!
here is the link Ruby Sketch, Downloads, 3D Model Directory (click on download "google Sketchup free")
Now Sketchup will take you about 1 hour to learn how to use and another hour before you can confidently draw a 3d building to scale. TIP do the tutorials that come with it
I have to say it is a must for any wood worker or builder who wants to see if something will work before you go to the trouble of quoting the job or purchasing the material you can do Kitchens , carvings (harder) and even see where the sun come is in the morning and how far the shadows will shade.
As I mentioned I have been using it for years now I like it that much I actually learned how to use all of it. I won an invitation over to Google and they taught me the ins and outs of all the features and I must say now I can not do without it.
From this experience I have been creating an add on that will short cut 90% of the learning and will draw what you want including Studs, window heads, brick work , windows and rooves. This is still in BETA stage and I am working hard to get it out to you in the very near future (February 2012). I will post again for a lucky winner to get a free copy.
If you would like to see some examples of what can be done you can check out my YouTube channel and see examples of what I show clients. If you want to be updated on the latest information or get tutorials subscribe to my posts and make sure you write in that you are an Aussie and I will give you priority.
Just so you know I make nothing out of this it is a genuine offer. I am not affiliated with Google "I just know a good thing when I see it".
While you are at Ruby Sketch, Home, 3D Model Directory type shipping container and down load I won $10,000 for this and got a lot of work out of it ( You need to download Sketchup free (link above) to view the file.). Good luck and all the best for 2012 Kind regards Andrew Dwight