Howdy folks,
Can anyone recommend a good software package for funiture design? … not necessarily a CAD package but one that allows for some creativity and is easy to use for furniture projects and supports mortise and tenon joinery, dovetailing, etc.
Replies
Google sketchup.
Hi,
Funny, I thought someone might suggest that. I have tried it but gave up (it took so long to create a board!). I may have to try it again if there are no other good alternatives.
Thanks
Softouch-"I have tried it but gave up (it took so long to create a board!)."If it took long to create a board, then you are doing something wrong. Use the Rectangle tool to draw the length and width, then the Push-Pull tool to pull the rectangle to the desired thickness.There are numerous tutorials for Sketchup, and there's plenty of help available on this forum.
I think that Google Sketch Up is great even though I had a rather hard time learning to use it. Go to http://WWW.aidanchopra.com which is videos that go with the Dummies book. I got Sketchup for Dummies at Library. This Finewoodworking site also has a complete course in SU. Amazing program for free.
Smitty
Edited 7/19/2008 5:50 pm ET by jlsmitty
Edited 7/19/2008 5:52 pm ET by jlsmitty
Edited 7/20/2008 2:23 pm ET by jlsmitty
I'd like to see this site, but I'm not able to get there. The normal "page is not available" message keeps coming up. Is it expired?
Jerry
I think that was a typo.
You'll find it at http://www.aidanchopra.com/.
Enjoy,
Mike D
Thanks, guys, just what I needed. I've got the book, but haven't had the time to really work on it. Planning on that real soon, as I think it's a fantastic program.
Jerry
If you have the self-discipline for it, (and I didn't) it would be well worth your while to go through many of the tutorials before you start on a serious project with it. The reason that I say this is that Sketchup is very easy to just noodle around with, and make sketches of stuff SHOWING JUST THE OUTSIDE SKIN of the project. But when you decide to design something with it using exact measurements, made up of parts that you will want to make in the shop, and in enough detail that you can take the drawing apart in order to make it's various parts in wood, it gets very balky, unless.....For me, that "unless" was that I clearly understood the concepts and use of "components" and "groups" in Sketchup and then became skilled in moving components around, attaching them correctly to one another, and later detaching them as the need arose. Mike D
I can relate to what you're saying. It's a matter of just doing it, and being determined tojust do it. I'm going to have some time to invest in it, as I just got back from the ER. Ran a finger into the router bit, and mangled it up pretty good. Just one little pass, didn't need the push block. Yea, right. Learned an expensive lesson. It just grazed the bone, and I don't think there is any nerve damage, but I lost a little off the side, and it looks like 2 or 3 weeks out of the shop, at least.
Push blocks will be my new best friends.
Jerry
Well, I hate it that an accident gave you the time!
Heal well and quickly.
Mike D
Jerry, feel free to ask if you have questions. I'll be happy to help if you just drop me an e-mail. In the meantime, take a look at the Design. Click. Build. blog here on Fine Woodworking. In particular, start with personalizing your settings.
Dave
Edited 7/21/2008 4:05 pm ET by DaveRichards
Thanks for the offer, Dave. I'll check that out.
Jerry
I sent you an e-mail, Jerry.
Heal up soon.
Dave
Edited 7/21/2008 8:12 pm ET by DaveRichards
Creekwood,
Sorry about the mistake, Mike is correct.
But Mike is grateful for the recommendation. I had not seen it before, and though I have the book, I had missed the videos. I'm going through them one at a time, now, to re-acquaint myself with some of the principals of Sketchup.
Great program, by the way, and well worth the learning curve to become somewhat proficient in it.
Mike d
Google SketchUp is definitely worth the investment of time to learn it. The blogs found on FWW are fantastic learning tools. You should follow the examples and don't expect to be an expert right away. It took a few weeks for me and getting through two simple projects to feel comfortable.
Next comes the really cool stuff. There are many useful Ruby Script plug-ins for SketchUp. Once you learn to use Components correctly you should try Cut List. Oh wow, is that every a dandy utility.
I tried several and came away with Sketchup. Before you download it run to the bookstore and buy the Sketchup for Dummies book and it'll make things a lot easier.
4Runner
Thanks ... I will look for the book ...
Softouch:
In general most CAD and CAD-like programs need to be learned; similar to Photoshop. Your experience and intuition will not help that much.
I downloaded Sketchup and played around with it, but, without some investment in learning the program, I didn't fare too well.
I use Design Intuition for Mac and PC. I got it because it was less than $100 and compatible with OS X. It's OK and it allows me to draw up something quickly and will give me measurements but it has no curves or diagonals!
You will find more information at:
http://www.gizmolab.com/software/index.html
Hastings
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