Replies

1. 
   Bill_Conner | Dec 17, 1998 08:26pm | #1

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   Maybe Sean could start a folder on cad. Seems like one of those subjects which isn't integral with other building issues.

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   Guest_ | Dec 17, 1998 08:32pm | #2

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   perhaps i will. that's the best thing about this software; i can add and modify 'folders' to create and manage brand-new sub-discussions. will make some folders up today, most likely.

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   Guest_ | Dec 17, 1998 10:01pm | #3

   *I think Bill has a good idea. How about seperate folders on venting, concrete, framing, cabinets, weatherization, etc. This would make it much easier to find topics of personal interest.Thanks for all of your hard work Sean, this board is a great resource.Woodrow

3. 
   Bill_Conner | Dec 17, 1998 11:00pm | #4

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   Jim - I have to disagree. So many of the issues are so interrelated that too often a topic with a bearing on one issue would fall into another category and many readers would end up having to read them all anyway - only with more levels of links. The categorization has hurt other boards and was resoundingly criticized on this board when attempted a long time ago (well, in computer time it was long - several months at least).

   How can one separate insulation from weatherization from framing from venting from mechanical sytems? They're all part of a system.

   I just thought perhaps CAD might stand alone.

   So, with all respect for your desire to make this board better, I urge restraint from too much sub-division.

   Best Wishes for the Holidays, Bill

4. 
   Guest_ | Dec 18, 1998 06:50am | #5

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   I agree completely with Bill on this one, the new board is already taking more of my time than the old one, and the older I get , the less time I want to spend hunting for stuff. I still suffer from the delusion that computers are supposed to speed things up, when they don't I just turn em off and walk away. I drifted over to the Journal of Light Construction board while this board was on hiatus and found it not as 'nice' to use as the old FHB board, but infinitly 'nicer' than this new version. They too have a seperate folder for Computer topics, and another for Business topics.

   Holidays? You get Holidays?

   Sean, is there no hope for all those threads that have gone missing between late Nov. and mid Dec.?

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 22, 1998 03:24am | #6

   *I just upgraded to LT98 but don't find much different from LT97. Can somebody clue me in on this one -what features I should look for.

5. 
   tim_Myers | Dec 22, 1998 10:12pm | #7

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   would like to get into cad. can anyone suggest the best software to use that won't take me a year to figure out before drawing a simple line?

6. 
   Guest_ | Dec 23, 1998 03:36am | #8

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   Tim - I don't know what your long term goal is. I've used Autocad since 1982 and don't know any other way. (I changed to Autocad LT 7 or 8 years back - basically same as Autocad except limited 3-D; bewqare Autosketch is not the same and is not on a trade-up path to full Autocad.) I think its great, easy, flexible, and can see no reason it consider another program - for me. I also work as a consultant to architects and engineers - 75 to 80% which use Autocad - another reason for me not to change. AutocadLT98 is around $500 - don't know what discount you can get. Autocad (the full version) is around $4000 - I think it can be had for around $3000 - but there is a student program - much less - but not upgradeable as I recall.

   So if you want to work in architects or engineers office, you'll be better prepared with Autocad experience but it isn't necessarily right for everyone.

7. 
   tim_Myers | Dec 23, 1998 03:45am | #9

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   Bill, thanks for the advice. What about Turbocad which is supposed to be able to work with r14 autocad files? would that be a good starting point at a mere 90 bucks?

8. 
   Guest_ | Dec 23, 1998 03:58am | #10

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   I have been using TurboCAD for several years and find it quite sufficient.....at less than 1/2 the price of AutoCAD LT. How often do you have to give your files to someone who uses AutoCAD? From what I've read some have complained about the filters transferring T-CAD to A-CAD and the reverse. I'm a great proponent of T-CAD, but if you have to share files with A-CAD users would probably recommend you stick with A-CAD products. You can try T-CAD for free. Go to the TurboCAD web site and download TurboCAD 2D. Try it and if you like it you can use it forever or take them up on their upgrade offer to T-CAD v5, which includes 3D tools.

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 23, 1998 07:22am | #12

   *allaround - good advice - but in answer to "How often do you have to give your files to someone who uses AutoCAD?" frequently. Sometimes email back and forth on same day with changes. Plus on large projects I can't imagine a better system then the x-refs and paper space for coordination. But not every one needs this - including most home builders I suspect.

9. 
   J._D. | Dec 23, 1998 07:22am | #11

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   I can't seem to find the archives for a discussion on AutoCad LT. I would love to see talk start again, I got good info from last thread.