Replies

1. 
   nuvue | May 16, 2002 05:52am | #1

   Hello! anybody out there? I need a drawing program for the iMac that will do houses and details for a builder. I am not an Architect, just an old carpenter who wants to git the message across to clients and fellow builders.

   Maybe I posted in the wrong folder....

1. 
   CloudHidden | May 16, 2002 06:18am | #2

   >Hello! anybody out there?

   Sorry that 1 hr 38 min was such a big inconvenience for you. I had to put my daughter to bed, go to the bathroom, set the garbage out. I know, I should have delayed all that to answer this question promptly so that you could arrange midnight delivery and not be further put out.

   I use DenebaCAD running on an iMac in Classic 9.2 mode. I like it. I paid less than $500 for it.

1. 
   nuvue | May 17, 2002 12:06am | #3

   Thanks Cloud

   Does deneba take forever to learn? I will look for thier website....Have you tried Softplan or Chief Architect?I Don't know squat about CAD but want to learn and try to use it...

1. 
   CloudHidden | May 17, 2002 01:44am | #4

   Learning software is different for different people. I don't know if you'll find it easy or hard. I put a lot of time into learning it in detail. Some parts are easy and some parts less so. I've tried several others and like this best. They have a demo version that lets you try before you buy. Good luck.

2. 
   MikeCallahan | May 19, 2002 06:21pm | #5

   I use Turbocad by IMSI. It is an object based program and pretty easy to learn. I print to scale on an injet printer and paste the 8x11s to 36"x25" velum. Then I go to a printer to print I have printed complete sets of plans this way. There is also a 3D function that I haven't learned yet. The software cost about $125.00 about four years ago. It took about a month to learn but it is much better than hand drawn. I can save every permutation. I use it for everything from dog houses to home design. I also use it to visualize tile layout among other things.

   Mike

   We may be slow, But we're expensive.

1. 
   darrel | May 19, 2002 06:31pm | #6

   Check out http://www.architosh.com/ - a site dedicated to macintosh CAD software. A quick scan of their articles turned up a review of a nice-looking $300 app: http://www.architosh.com/news/2001-08/review-macdraft.phtml

   It may be overkill for you, but the Macintosh app. most widely used by architects is VectorWorks: http://www.nemetschek.net/vectorworks/

   I'm sure it's well over $500, though.

   Edited 5/19/2002 11:34:36 AM ET by DARREL510

1. 
   ahneedhelp | May 23, 2002 07:03pm | #7

   I am not an architect.

   Nor am I a builder.

   But for several years I've been wanting to teach myself drafting and rendering.

   Being a Mac user, I noticed all too soon that choices are somewhat limited.

   I got to try MiniCad, which is now Vectorworks.

   With zero background in this, I had no idea what I was doing but it is suppose to be the most Mac friendly app that one can grow into.

   For me, that would be with a steep learning curve.

   Currently I believe it costs around a grand, but I think the rendering part is included. It used to be around $599 with extra for rendering feature. (I may be getting the jargon wrong here.)

   Anyway, I'm figuring on needing additional features as I become more familiar with this stuff.

   Going ahead with something like Vectorworks may be something to consider.

   I do appreciate the web site for Mac applications.

   Alan

1. 
   darrel | May 23, 2002 07:26pm | #8

   I just came across another new app the other day:

   http://www.lemkesoft.de/us_cadabout.html

   It's $32. Can't beat the price.

   I played with it a bit last night. The interface is robust, if a little clunky. But, for the price, it seems like an excellent option for someone just trying learn a bit about CAD.

   I've done a bit of work with AutoCad and SolidWorks, which are two high-end CAD systems and from that experience I can say that there is no consistent interface for CAD software. The concepts are the same, but CAD software seems to be industry that loves to come up with proprietary interface elements. So, it probably doesn't matter what application you learn now. At some point, you'll have to learn another anyways.

1. 
   CloudHidden | May 23, 2002 08:01pm | #9

   >but CAD software seems to be industry that loves to come up with proprietary interface elements.

   One of the best things about DenebaCAD is that they follow the Mac interface guidelines as good or better than anyone. They had history on this with Canvas, and it paid off.

2. 
   diddidit | May 23, 2002 11:44pm | #10

   Mac cad is sadly lacking. Hopefully some of the UNIX/Linux folks will port over to OS X, but I wouldn't count on it. I use ProE (on Win 2000) at work; its learning curve is basically a vertical wall of infinite height. I blame it for my dandruff and my gut. I've used SolidWorks, too - much nicer. But it's still $4000, and not, as far as I know, available on UNIX/Linux.

   The really important question is: what's YOUR Mac setup? We have a 700mhz/combo drive Flat Panel iMac (the new one, mid-range model), running OSX 10.1.4. We love iTunes - all our music is migrating to the computer, and I'd like to get some SoundSticks. Our previous Macs were a vintage 1991 Classic and a 1994ish LCII, so the FP iMac was a heck of an upgrade!

   didI have

   misplaced my pants

3. 
   CloudHidden | May 24, 2002 12:56am | #11

   What's missing? What can't be done with CAD on a Mac that needs to be done?