Replies

1. 
   fgcook | Jun 11, 2008 05:29am | #1

   I am a serious hobby woodworker.  I also enjoy and work with computers most of the day for my real job.  I have also contracted and built some rather large buildings.  In all of these cases CAD has come in very handy.  HOWEVER,  CAD is usually something you have to use on a very regular basis to get good and not frustrated with. I use TurboCAD which is a more advanced/powerful version of the DesignCAD from the same company IMSI.  I bought DesignCAD to try it out, but went back to TurboCAD because I already had some history with it.  I have downloaded Sketchup and have to admit that with all the buzz about it - and direct recommendations from a few friends, I think given the time it would be a good system (especially the free version which I understand is all that is needed for the work you are talking about. Hope it helps...

   
   

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   Edited 6/11/2008 8:14 am ET by fgcook

1. 
   k7keith7 | Jun 11, 2008 09:02pm | #2

   thanks for the input - one always wants to use the most useful tools based on cost, learning curve and utility  - it's great to get other's perspective to make the best investment - especially if the investment is time...

2. 
   user-1119429039 | Jun 16, 2008 04:00pm | #3

   Dear k7keith7,

   Before investing in a CAD program, I'd give Google SketchUp--the free version--a try. I've used it for a couple of years, and I find it ideal for rendering furniture pieces in 3D and generating  tight, dimensioned drawings to use in the shop. I'd also highly recommend spending some time in our blog about SketchUp, "Design. Click. Build." Tim and Dave, the two SketchUp wizards who maintain the blog, show you all manner of techniques, tricks, and shortcuts that are tailored for the needs of woodworkers.

   I don't want to demean CAD; those programs certainly have their uses, and they can do things not possible in SketchUp. However, Tim our SketchUp blogger, has used CAD in the past, but he's forsaken it for SketchUp--compared with CAD, SketchUp does more of what he needs in his teaching and woodworking, and does it faster and easier.

   David Heim
   Managing Editor
   FineWoodworking.Com

1. 
   k7keith7 | Jun 16, 2008 04:54pm | #4

   Thanks David;

   I will follow your advice and try SketchUp first and see if it works for me.  Silly to ask for advice and not follow it...

   Thanks for your time!

3. 
   4runner | Jun 26, 2008 02:03pm | #5

   I have a lot of experience with drawing and drafting and I too was looking for something to seamlessly design with. I tried several cheap versions and they just took to much time with little results. I downloaded Sketch Up and was initially frustrated. Then I bought the book Sketch Up for Dummies, that has changed everything. For the price of a book and a few hours you can make a better decision.

1. 
   k7keith7 | Jul 01, 2008 03:33pm | #6

   thanks for the advise 4runner!  I'll follow your suggestion and get the book and download - thanks a lot!  best - kk

2. 
   user-1119429039 | Jul 02, 2008 08:32pm | #7

   Dear 4runner

   Glad you're finally liking SketchUp; I now use it all the time for working drawings, concepts, floor plans, you name it.

   Be sure to check our blog on SketchUp, "Design.Click.Build." The two SketchUp gurus who maintain it for FineWoodworking.Com never cease to amaze me with their breadth of knowledge and their ability to come up with useful, informative new stuff every week.

   Best,

   David HeimManaging EditorFineWoodworking.Com