Replies

1. 
   vkl | Mar 16, 2006 10:05pm | #1

   I have not a clue for the Mac but would love to know of one that is not going to cost an arm and leg for the PC

2. 
   woodlark | Mar 18, 2006 01:08am | #2

   I've used MacDraft for years, and love it. It is a 2d drawing program that I find pretty easy to use. I've designed furniture, including planning joints. I've also used it to produce blueprints for a major house renovation, and have used it for shop layout - moving around the little machines.

   The product currently is owned by Microspot. I own the PE (personal edition) version that sells for about $90 on Amazon. I think the professional version is about $300. I have been happy with the PE, though the drawing size is limited to about 14x20 when printing, and it does not support layers like the professional version.

   They also have a PCDraft version. I haven't used it.

3. 
   giametti | Mar 18, 2006 04:11am | #3

   Of course it all depends on what you are wanting to do with CAD. That said, most of the low cost programs for Mac can be downloaded and tried out and compared. Check out High Design, TurboCAD, CADintosh, and MacDraft. All are under $150, some much less. You can look them up at a site like MacUpdate or VersionTracker. Read the user reviews, download the demos and play with them for a while.
   Also check out Architosh, a web site devoted to CAD programs on the Mac for architects. A number of reviews and discussions there on mac CAD programs.
   I use Vectorworks. It's a pricy program, but I got a good deal on an academic version on eBay a couple years ago. It's a first rate program.
   Of the low end programs, I like High Design the best. It has a lot of good features, is reasonably intuitive to use, has excellent tech support. One feature I look for in any CAD program is it's ability to easily enter precise lengths and coordinates from the keyboard rather than try to coax and tweak them with the mouse. It should also have a good amount of snap ability--so I can quickly start or end a line or figure in reference to an existing line or shape.

   Jim Eddy

   http://www.jameseddywoodworks.com

1. 
   rubydog | Mar 18, 2006 04:39am | #4

   If your using OS 9 on a g3 or earlier get a copy of Claris CAD. It didn't survive beyond v2 in 1990 but it's still the best drafting program I've ever used. I keep an old laptop and an older 8500 around just for drafting. Great great program.It'll work on any machine that can run classic, but it gets quirky on a g4 and quirkier on a g5. A ppc is best.Steve

4. 
   tangomike | Mar 18, 2006 06:26am | #5

   I have been looking at this program, http://www.gizmolab.com/software/index.html

   What makes this one interesting is that it is designed for woodworkers.

1. 
   giametti | Mar 18, 2006 03:24pm | #6

   I've also found Design Intuition an interesting program. Unfortunately, except for drawing out simple casework, it doesn't have enough drawing tools to be useful to me. It can't do curves, cylinderss or spheres yet. At some point it will be a very useful program, and a good one for working out ideas in 3D. Also take a look at Sketchup, a much more full featured 3D drawing program, but with a much higher price tag.Jim Eddy

   http://www.jameseddywoodworks.com

1. 
   tangomike | Mar 18, 2006 05:49pm | #7

   agree. Most of what I use this program for is casework and working out dimensions. I've tried sketchup for more complicated work, or DesignCAD on my PC. BTW, I posted here earlier in the week that Sketchup is being acquired by Google.

5. 
   sparrow | Mar 19, 2006 02:47am | #8

   I'll put in a second vote for Mac Draft by Microspot. I have the professional version and i paid $280 for it last year. It's great for 2D work and not at all hard to get the hang of.

   Chris