Replies

1. 
   JMadson | Mar 07, 2008 12:20am | #1

   Are you familiar with Sketchup?    http://sketchup.google.com/
   It's free becoming more and more popular.

   They have a huge, free library of equipment. Even if you don't want to use Sketchup for you layout, you may still be able to export the equipment to AutoCAD

    

   
1. 
   rus7755 | Mar 07, 2008 02:15am | #2

   Thanks for the input.  I am exploring the Sketchup models online.  Several folks have uploaded their shop layouts with similar equipment to mine.  I haven't figured out how to export them into AutoCAD yet - except as a jpg or tiff image.  I would rather have them in a CAD format for editing.

   I wonder if Delta, Powermatic, Jet... have libraries of their machines for downloading?  The Delta website has plans for woodworkers, but I didn't see any drawings of their equipment.  Seems like there would be a need for these in their customer base.  I haven't been able to find any 2D or 3D CAD models (except for the Unisaw - 2D only).

   I use AutoCAD in my work so if I have to create them from scratch, I will, but I don't want to re-invent the wheel, you know?

1. 
   JMadson | Mar 07, 2008 07:04am | #3

   Sketchup has a pro version (not cheap) that will export your whole drawing to AutoCAD. I believe you can get it on a trial basis though.

   if so, download the trial version of the pro-sketchup, get all the tool drawings you want and then finish it in AutoCAD.

   Give sketchup a try too, you might be surprised how well it works.  

2. 
   TomT226 | Mar 07, 2008 02:21pm | #4

   Ask CapnMac.  He's the AutoCad guy here.  I do AutoCad too, but I've never seen stuff like that.  I just usually use a square for a piece of equipment that generally fits the size of the unit.

   Few rules of thumb:  Put the jointer near the TS for repetitive cuts/joints.  Put the chop/slider saw near your unload point so you can cut stock to length as it's unloaded, if not needing thicknessing.  Leave plenty of room in back/front of TS for long rips.  If possible, make the BS and planer mobile so you can adjust space as needed.

   I know there's more, but I've only had one cup of coffee...

    

3. 
   hughmus | Mar 07, 2008 07:21pm | #5

   Try this link. It has lots of sketchup tool models.

   -h

   http://www.yda-online.com/shopmodels.htm

   
   

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   Edited 3/7/2008 11:22 am ET by hughmus