FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

CAD software and 24″ printer

alfie | Posted in Business on May 8, 2008 06:24am

I am looking for current opinions on CAD software and large format printers/plotters. Over the years there have been many, many posts here on these topics, and I have read most if not all of them. Products evolve and change and new products show up. Opinions based on recent experiences would be particularly helpful.

Based on my research and what I have been reading, I am gravitating toward Chief Architect and an HP Designjet T610 24″ printer (the HP Designjet 500 came out in March 2000; the Designjet T610 came out in July 2007; both are 24″). I flirted with the idea of AutoCAD because it is so much more capable. However the AutoCAD learning curve causes the concern that learning it will take the focus away from my primary purpose.

My goal is to take a set of hand drafted drawings for a house and create them in CAD, so I can have consistent and accurate drawings prior to construction. It is possible that I don’t do another house in CAD after this one. I’d also like to be able to play around with the design, even though the overall layout and design are more or less set. I’ll enjoy doing this. I have had training on drafting quite a few years back, though no CAD experience. In general I am pretty good with computers and software.

Getting up and running efficiently, and being able to produce decent working drawings is important. Take-offs are secondary.

I would be grateful for current opinions.


Edited 5/8/2008 1:01 pm ET by alfie

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. CAGIV | May 08, 2008 06:45pm | #1

    Did I understand that is probably the only house you will design in CAD?  A personal project for yourself?

    If that's case my advice would be to skip spending 5500 on a program and plotter and work with an architect or home designer, from a financial perspective, it would be cheaper and their input may be valuable.

    If you have your heart set on doing it I'd buy Chief, Autocad is LESS capable then Chief for home design.  At least in an efficient manner anyway.  I use AutoCad and have recently purchased Chief though I haven't had any time to actually use or learn it yet. 

    The little I played around with Chief so far it seems pretty intuitive, though I've been working with AutoCad for 12 years now.

    AutoCad is great if you have years to learn it and want line drawings, for 3D renderings for a house it stinks, mechanical design is something different.  Chief is object based and much easier to "build your house" 

    As for the plotter, forget it if this is one time deal.  If you want larger drawings look at a HP Officejet Pro K8600 or an Epson Stylus Photo 1400, either will print up to 13x19 and cost around $300.00

    That will be large enough for you to look at and edit, for the final set of plans take the files to a copy store and print as large as you wish.

    That's my 2cents anyway

    Team Logo

  2. User avater
    boiler7904 | May 08, 2008 07:52pm | #2

    I've used AutoCAD for about 13 years so I know how to work around the flaws in the software for home design projects.  We use it at work on commercial jobs everyday.  I use it for stuff on my own house - just finished designing all of our landscaping and new patio.  3D is a complete PITA and I avoid it.  I use SketchUp for quick visualizations.  If you don't have CAD experience and want to do renderings, AutoCAD is not the program for you.

    If this is a one time thing, I'd buy Adobe Acrobat Pro to make PDFs of your drawings and then send them to a digital printing company.  Also lets you email the drawings to anyone you need during bidding and actual construction.

    If you have your heart set on a plotter, look into the costs of the all of the consumables like ink/toner and paper and any maintenance that needs to be done on a regular basis.  We have a big Xerox at work - toner is $255 every 4,000 sheets or so, paper is about $30 a roll for 250 sheets (less if you buy it by the 44 roll pallet like we do), it is constantly needing to be cleaned (makes the monthly service agreement worthwhile).

     

     
    1. DickRussell | May 08, 2008 08:22pm | #6

      For creating .pdf files for emailing to a print shop, you can use one of the GhostScript engine-based freebies out there. The one I use occasionally is called PDF995. You can download it free, pay them $9.95 for the popup ad-free version if you find it useful.

  3. FastEddie | May 08, 2008 07:54pm | #3

    I have a HP 9000 or similar printer (not close enough to see the number) and it does 11x17 paper.  Might do bigger, but 11x17 is a stock size at Office Depot.  Does a great job.  I agree with the jayhawk:  be realistic in what you buy.  You can do an overall floor plan at a small scale, and have additional pages that show enlarged areas.

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

    1. CAGIV | May 08, 2008 08:00pm | #4

      ever found a source for 13x19?  I havent looked in a while, last time i did it was 50 bucks for 500 sheets.... seemed a bit much

      1. alfie | May 08, 2008 08:17pm | #5

        Thanks for the input. I'd like to have a 24" printer around for a variety of applications. My need is low volume, but when I need it, it would be handy to have such a printer around. I have a 13"x19" printer, but I am tired of running out to print larger stuff. So the question is "which one", rather than "if", as regards a 24" printer. I'd love to have an even bigger printer, but they seem to get much more expensive once you go beyond 24".The software for a one-time application is a bit of an indulgence. Still, I'd like to get it. My AutoCAD-using friends look down at other programs, so to speak. But, they are in to commercial and institutional work. My argument is that most people who post on the topic in this forum seems to use Chief Architect, SoftPlan etc, and that tells me something. Efficient drawing is of interest to me, renderings are less important. 3D is highly desirable.OK, it is a valid point that one could print out smaller areas on 13"x19", and I'll think more about that. Yeah, that size paper is hard to find and expensive last I looked.

        1. brownbagg | May 08, 2008 08:47pm | #7

          if you want something that last forever, think about autocad lite, its the basic without all the whisles. But same commands at autocad. autocad will be here forever.

  4. User avater
    BossHog | May 08, 2008 08:54pm | #8

    SoftPlan Lite is a good program for about $1,000. That's what I use.

    If you aren't sure about the printer and/or how much you'll use it, try looking for a used one. I found a used one through someone here at BT pretty reasonable.

    Or you can email PDF files to a print shop, as someone already mentioned.

    I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who believe it. [George Carlin]

    1. Piffin | May 09, 2008 01:39am | #13

      Shhhh....!Keep that quiet. We want him to buy the brand spanking new printer and then sell it slightly used to us here for half price in a year.;) 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. alfie | May 09, 2008 02:20am | #14

        Nice try. In about 15 years I'll consider giving it to you. Not any sooner. That too only if they don't have a trade-in rebate at the time. You can exhale now.

        1. Jim_Allen | May 09, 2008 06:43am | #16

          Alfie, I'd go over to Chieftalk.com and do a search about printers and plotters. I think you'll find a lot of information there. Chief ships their programs with the PDF995 software. It's a painless free PDF writer program as mentioned earlier in this thread. I'd send the 9.95 in to stop the popup every time I print, but I"m just too lazy to go find the credit card and it's easier to just x out the popup LOL! Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          1. alfie | May 09, 2008 02:36pm | #17

            Thanks for all the input folks - it is very helpful.I've got Adobe Acrobat and use it all the time, so that should do fine for creating PDFs.

  5. JonE | May 08, 2008 09:08pm | #9

    I can't help you with the architectural program.  I use Autocad Civil 3D and a bunch of other very expen$ive engineering software for my business.   

    I have been looking into a new color inkjet, as my old one is an HP650C and somewhat antiquated, almost impossible to get parts or service for it.  It's less then 15 years old, but in the computer industry, that's an antique for sure.  At least I CAN still get cartridges and printheads for it, so I'm still good to go.  As for a new one, I've narrowed my choices down to the 610 which you picked out, and the smaller and slower 110.  The 110 will do 24", and for occasional use you'll save yourself a LOT of money.  The other thought is to look around for an older model.   You can find decent older models, used, on eBay or craigslist for less than $500.  I'd be willing to let mine go for a few hundred, for that matter.   

     

    1. alfie | May 08, 2008 09:30pm | #10

      The thing with the lite versions of all the CAD programs is that they take away useful features (hence the lite) that I'd want.The printer search started when I noticed a flyer at my print house advertising printers for lease. The least expensive was the "HP 110plus nr" and it caught my eye. Of course the lease price is high, if I want it I'd buy it, which is a much better deal. Then I started to research printers. Eventually started to talk myself into the T610. Y'all know how that goes.For anybody in the market for a large format HP printer (24" or bigger) - they currently have a trade-in rebate. All you have to do is turn in a 24" or bigger printer, and buy a new one. It doesn't even say the trade-in has to work. Check HP's website - as I recall the rebates go from $250 to $2,000, the latter being for pretty expensive printers (the classic spend more, save more). For the T610 there's a $250 rebate.

      Edited 5/8/2008 2:35 pm ET by alfie

      1. FastEddie | May 08, 2008 10:09pm | #11

         they take away useful features (hence the lite)

        We just upgraded/updated to Lite 2008 last month from Autocad 2004 or similar.  I think you would be very surprised at what little is left out.  There is also AutoSketch which is very good but much more basic ... maybe that's what you are thinking about.  Now if you want 3d, then SoftPlan or Chief is a good choice."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

        "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

        1. MikeSmith | May 09, 2008 01:21am | #12

          the latest version of chief is  11  ( X1)

          but a lot of people are still using  10  and even 9... both are excellent versions

          i have 11, but work in 10

          you can find legal versions  for sale on ebay, on the Chief User's group ( yahoo ) and on craig's list

          make sure it is a legal license and it is transferable

          and

          our plotter is an HP 500 x 24" roll feed....

          i would think the new version of the HP 500 that you are looking at would be a good deal and you could resell it if you no longer needed it..make sure you buy the stand, the roll feed, and any additonal memory  that they sell

           Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      2. User avater
        BillHartmann | May 09, 2008 11:30pm | #21

        Chief also makes the Better Homes and Garden Home Desinger.The last time I looked I think that they had 3 versions. The top end was a $500 "pro" (which you can buy for $450) and you can trade that in on the "full" blow version if you want to.Some place on BH&G or Chief's website they have a comparision chart showing what features each version has.Even in the full blown version are several versions that include more features..
        .
        A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

        1. jeffwoodwork | May 10, 2008 02:29am | #22

          I was just going to say what BillH did, I have the Home Designer Pro, it is a Chief Arch lite version in a way.  Paid like $450 through Amazon you can try that out and see if it does what you want then upgrade to the full Chief program for $2000 or so and get your $500 back.  I also have Auto Cad Lite great for my mechanical projects but too slow for house plans, learning curve there.

          Jeff

  6. RichMast | May 09, 2008 02:27am | #15

    We have the Designjet 500 and it works pretty good.  you can get cheap paper from cdw.com (i think around 15/roll) for most stuff.  the cartridges are around 240 for a full set, and printheads are around the same, but last longer.

    it is much faster than the old 450 we had.  i havent looked into the t610.

     

    Hope this helps.  Rich
  7. BryanSayer | May 09, 2008 04:44pm | #18

    If you really want a plotter, you can sometimes find a really good deal on e-bay IF you look at the ones that are pickup only. I scored an HP 750C out of Cleveland (NASA) for $195. I did have to do a belt replacement, but belts are $16.50. And I payed $50 to have someone deliver it for me.

    1. alfie | May 09, 2008 05:46pm | #19

      Thanks. I'll look around for a plotter. I am not in hurry, so can wait.

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | May 09, 2008 11:25pm | #20

        In place of generatoring a PDF you can install a PDF printer drive on then use that to "print to file". And then take that file and copy to a PDF printer.Now this does require a PDF printer, but I think that most of them in this class are PDF. The PDF printer file is similar to, but different from a PDF file..
        .
        A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper

Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Fine Homebuilding's Author Guidelines
  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data