Good CAD program?

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'm starting a new hobby...building stuff. My primary goal is to learn how to build things and work with wood, secondary goal is to do this without losing any fingers or other body parts...

Anyway, we started with something small this weekend, a sub box. That went okay, made a few first time mistakes along the way that won't happen the second time.

However, one thing I learned is that I'd like to have a decent program that I can use to draw up simple diagrams. I got the job done with a pencil and scratch paper this time, but would like to have something better going forward.

I know of AutoCAD, I've seen the program used in my step-dad's shop where they build airplan tools and such. I know that program will work, but I think it's overkill for what I'm needing.

Does anyone know of a simple CAD program that I can use to draw up things like boxes, cabinets, bookshelves...little things like that?

I'm not going to be doing anything complex anytime soon, so something simple will probably work the best...

Thanks

Spawndn72

Autocad is pretty much the standard in 2D CAD. They do have an LT version which functions pretty much the same, just a few less features; most of which you would probably never use. Both might be expensive for your use however.

At one time there was a program called intelicad that was pretty good. It was released to public domain. Since then people have picked up the "engine" and expanded on it and are selling it. I did find a link to the public domain version which is Intellicad 2001.

http://www.simsystems.com/products/intellicad.htm

Try it at your own risk, I did not check it out.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I have free access to either version of AutoCAD should I choose to go that route...hoping to find something I don't have to learn how to use, something a bit more intuitive.

I'll check out that intellicad link, thanks.

I also found a program called DeltaCAD that seem to be what I'm looking for...gonna try that as well...

michael_w

I use an older version of autocad to do my drawings. (autocad r14) It's a little hard and slow at first to figure out the basics of how to draw something but once you get the hang of it it's pretty nice.

billbillw

AutoSketch or QuickCad are stripped down versions of AutoCad that are somewhat easier to use. I think they quit making QuickCAD though.

Grimster74

If you really want to get fancy, let me know. Not supposed to but I may be able to get you a copy of Architectual Desktop. I have four licensed copies of AutoCad at my house and yes they are licensed in my name.

gmorris

If you want to spend some money, the undisputed King of ALL CAD systems, Pro/Engineer, can be purchased in the Student Version, for I think about $250.

Of course, this is a very complicated, in depth 3D modeling software. I use it everyday all day here at work. My understanding is that the Student Version has all the basic functions, but is not compatible with non-student versions.

Assuming you don't want to spend that kind of cash, I would agree with those who suggested AutoCAD (or AssCAD as we call it here at work). I haven't used AutoCAD for about 7 years, but it is not hard to use at all.

I have already done this for another forum member, and I'll offer you the same deal. If you tell me the basic overall dimenions of whatever you are designing, I can model it in Pro/E, then create 2D drawings, export them as .PDF's, and email them to you. Free of charge. I like to do that kind of stuff, and if I can help out a forum member, even better.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by gmorris
I have already done this for another forum member, and I'll offer you the same deal. If you tell me the basic overall dimenions of whatever you are designing, I can model it in Pro/E, then create 2D drawings, export them as .PDF's, and email them to you. Free of charge. I like to do that kind of stuff, and if I can help out a forum member, even better.

Awesome, I may take you up on that if I don't end up with AutoCAD. I'm leaning towards that because I can get it for free, I've heard that it's difficult to use though...we shall see.

gmorris

Originally posted by Polkmaniac
Awesome, I may take you up on that if I don't end up with AutoCAD. I'm leaning towards that because I can get it for free, I've heard that it's difficult to use though...we shall see.

No problemo....

It sounds like there are quite a few of us here that can use AutoCAD, so I'm sure we could help you figure it all out. I'm sure one of us could even draw up a simple box drawing and email it to you, so you could get an idea how things are done.

One more option I have, I could draw up your design in Pro/E, then export the drawing in AutoCAD, that way you could modify it later, if you needed.

Jim Shearer

In my last venture into design (couple years back,) I used a program called TurboCAD.

--Disclaimer: I'm an analytical chemist (infrared spectroscopist) doing a wide variety of consulting work; no engineering background.--

TurboCAD is much cheaper than AutoCAD, but suited my needs--design a sampling accessory for infrared spectroscopy that a machinist could then manufacture. The 2-D version was easy to use. The 3-D version I couldn't manage w/ a mouse--ended up hand calculating spacial points & typing them in--clumsy way to do it, but the result was good (helped make sure the machinist made exactly what I had evnisoned.)

Cheers, Jim

gmorris

Originally posted by Jim Shearer
The 3-D version I couldn't manage w/ a mouse--ended up hand calculating spacial points & typing them in--clumsy way to do it, but the result was good (helped make sure the machinist made exactly what I had evnisoned.)

Cheers, Jim

:eek: :eek: Did you use an abacus to do those calcs?

Just kidding around, I can't imagine calculating & manually entering points. 3D CAD has certainly come a long way.

And by the way, welcome to the forum....:)

Jim Shearer

Never learned to use an abacus, but I still occassionaly use a slide rule (almost as ancient) to calc gas milage when I fill up my car.:D (can't seem to manage to do 3 significant figure division in my head any longer--brains may be going, but my ears are still good, thank heaven!)

Cheers, Jim