Just curious what you guys are using to draw some of the diagrams that I see posted here. I really do not need a full fledged cad program, but would like to get some type of software for doing simple drawings both for work and personal use.
Any suggestions would be appreciated,
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md
Edited 1/29/2006 3:59 pm ET by MrBill
Replies
You know I've been hearing here and at JLC so much about sketchup I finally looked into it. Kind of in your boat, my need for blueprints is pretty limited, but I'd certainly gain from being able to do conceptual drawings.
I have to say, the program is pretty stinkin cool. I really like their hassle free test drive. You can go to http://www.sketchup.com and download the files. You get to try it out for 8 hours for nothing. You can even save and print. If you want to buy, purchase online, enter the code, and you're in business.
Whats better, if you just want to see what it does, they have tons of tutorials on their website as well. You don't even have to download the program, you can just watch and see what it does. They're pretty helpful.
I haven't bought it yet. Still playing around with my demo version, but it's so easy, I keep coming back and seeing if I can try something new. My time is running out.
It retails for 495 which is a darn sight cheaper than Vector, Softplan, or Chief. And like you said, you don't need cad. FWIW, it seems like the tutorials say if you want / need to, there's plug ins that let you (for free) import into the cad software of your choosing.
"A bore is a man who, when you ask him how he is, tells you." -Bert Taylor
bill, are you referring to the diagrams that, for example, Joe Carola ( Framer ) uses ? .. those are pretty neat. i wonder what he uses also
i have Chief but it is a lot more detailed than simple diagrams
Mike,
I have seen guys put drawings of wall cross sections, trusses etc on here. I just downloaded the free trial version of Turbocad, will see how that does. I took a lot of drafting classes in college, many years ago, and do quite well with paper and pencil. But it would be nice to be able to do a quick drawing and have a jpg file to post on different forums without having to draw it, scan it and the post it. What started all of this was I wanted to ask a question about sheathing details and thought it would be nice to include a drawing.Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md
"bill, are you referring to the diagrams that, for example, Joe Carola ( Framer ) uses ? .. those are pretty neat. i wonder what he uses also"Well, Thank you Mike. Everything I draw on here is from Paint.That's all.Joe Carola
Just got back from my 2 day intermediate training class on the new Cheif version 10.
Sweeet!
damn.. now you know more than me...
where did you go ? who was your instructor ?
i've been to Maine for Steve Blake's classes
vs. 4, vs. 7 , and vs. 8..... since then i've been doing self taught with the training CD's.. but nothing brings you up to speed like one of those 2 or 3 day classesMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
damn.. now you know more than me...
Not really. The two day program really isn't long enough. Plus I just got the software a coupla weeks ago and have just been playing with the training videos. That's a nice system. Pick the little class you want on whatever topic is of interest, and a quick few minutes, it makes sense.
Mike Nuess did the deal here in Denver. They have a nice listing of their programs on their website. He's the primary voice on the two tutorial DVD's. I haven't yet got to the 7 training DVD's.
There were 14 of us. A mix of design builders, Int designers, Kit & Bath designers, as well as some basement specials. 4 were ladies.
Mike I should say thanks for your insights RE: Chief. I think, like I mentioned, I found the widget that fits what I'm after. But I sincerely appreciate the phone time."A bore is a man who, when you ask him how he is, tells you." -Bert Taylor