Replies

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Jun 03, 2003 12:58pm | #1

   Steve,

   I have been using AutoCad 2000 for my design inklings and can't really speak about anything else that's available although there are a good many less expensive ones out there. I recently ordered QuickCad from Amazon for $39.99 primarily for it's printing options but haven't received it yet so I can't comment on it. A recent issue of some magazine whose name eludes me at the moment (Popular Woodworking perhaps?) had an article on inexpensive CAD programs which prompted this purchase.

   Don't be put off by CAD programs being terribly complicated and involved. While AutoCad is anything but intuitive at first, it doesn't take long to start making lines, intersections, arcs, angles and learning to trim, extend and offset lines which is most of what you'll need to design furniture. Many if not most of the functions that the program is capable of doing you will probably never use and those can be learned as you might need or want them. The less expensive programs obviously will not include so much functionality but according to the article (wish I could remember where ... old age ... sigh) they will all handle furniture design needs.

   HTH,
   Ken

2. 
   woodshaver | Jun 03, 2003 05:18pm | #2

   Hi steve,  check out this website  http://www.ecabinetsystems.com    its free

          and put out buy the thermwood corp.  you can design kitchen cabinets or

         furniture.   good luck.

                 

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 03, 2003 08:29pm | #3

   I've received my copy of eCabinet, but haven't figured out how to design furniture with it yet.  Can you give me a push in the right direction?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   woodshaver | Jun 04, 2003 12:33am | #7

   HI forest girl, Im still learning how to use  the program.  ecabinets has a online forum and support base try the web site.

            good luck.  hope your garden is ok after the caterpiller attack.

                                                            mark

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Jun 03, 2003 11:34pm | #4

   Steve,

   I've wrestled with several design/CAD programs these last few years and, based on that experience, can give two recommendations:

   1. Dig out your old drafting equipment.
   2. Sign up for a CAD class at your local community college.

   Jeff

4. 
   jc21 | Jun 03, 2003 11:55pm | #5

   Ditto what JeffK said. I've been using IntelliCAD and it's quite similar to AutoCAD. It has solid modeling capablity in some versions of it's newest release, IntelliCAD 4. Free trial versions are available  http://www.intellicadms.com/  or  http://www.autodsys.com/ or  http://www.cadopia.com  The price is resonable-less than $300. If that is more than you're looking for and want something easier to learn, take a look at AutoSketch http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2753027 

5. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 04, 2003 12:08am | #6

   Check out DeltaCad (http://www.deltacad.com).  It is a basic CAD program that will probably do all you need, and only costs $50.   The big professional programs like AutoCad can do darn near anything.  Because of that they have a longer learning curve, and a higher price.   DeltaCad will let you download a trial copy for free.