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Thread: Software

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
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    Burleson, Tx
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    57
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    Default Software

    What is the best yet easiest software to use for woodworking, meaning furniture, cabinets, and smaller items such as solid wood wall decor? I am looking to upgrade my business to the 21st century, finally. I am not great with a computer, but do have some limited ability. Any help would be very much appreciated!!!

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
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    Somerville
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    Default

    Are you just looking to create plans and figure out issues, or do you want to drive CNC etc? Or do you want to do customer-ready renderings?

    I use sketchup. You can get the old version for free, and there are some good tutorials online.

  4. #3
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    Jul 2020
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    Brisbane
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    Sketchup is used by many of the folks I follow on youtube etc. Fusion 360 also seems popular with the CNC crowd.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
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    Default

    I use

    -- Sketchup to finalise plans in 3D for clients. --> Sketchup.com

    -- Cut List Plus for parts layouts for sheets --> CutList Plus Cutting Diagram Software: Sheet Layout Optimizer for Plywood Panels and Lumber

    -- LightBurn for lasering things (when I HAD a laser!) --> LightBurn Software

    -- Inkscape when working with 2D vector art --> Draw Freely | Inkscape


    By now your thinking, OMG no! .... but it isn't that bad. They all deal with the same SORT of thing. The functions we use as woodworkers are quick to learn and it isn't heavily esoteric.

    All are fantastically powerful, so when you have finished your designs and quandary "hhmmm... I wonder if..." the answer in invariably yes. A quick hunt will find the solution.

    There are absolutely gobs of great youtube tutorials, sites and forums to assist for all these suggestions.


    Now, if you are wanting to do CNC, there are other options.

    I still prefer paper to get the ideas roughed out.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Location
    Westleigh, Sydney
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    77
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    9,542

    Default

    For designing, I use ViaCad. I like being able to easily swap between views, duplicate parts, dimension things etc. Takes a little bit of learning, but if you're used to drawing by hand, it's fairly intuitive.
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