Any AutoCAD substitutes available?

[ironhat]

Most of us woodchucks don't need a full version, thousand dollar program for knocking together some plans for a project. It sure would be nice to have a program that made the allowances for joints, etc, and spit out some dimensions before I have that wonderful surprise that I cut something too short and I'm out of wood. Yea, I know. I'm supposed to plan - gottcha! Is there a reasonably priced ($50) program that can do this?
TIA,
Chiz

[scorrpio]

Google for 'Woodworking Software'. Foe example, I came across 'Cabinet Creator 3.25' for $49, and has a free trial. Then, there's Cabinet Cruncher also for $40-50, Then there's CutList Plus thats $30 for a light version, or $80 for a 'silver edition', than a whle lot more.

[BobSch]

Or type CAD FREEWARE in Google and knock yourself out.

If you don't mind paying a bit type CAD SHAREWARE instead.

[ironhat]

I'm trying CAD Std Lite right now. My learning curves tend to be long. I was hoping for an experienced opinion on a particular program so if you folks have any info I'm definitely listening.
Thanks again for the info. Sometimes I get brain constipation about the obvious (like search engines!!).
Later,
Chiz

[gjat]

I'd go to PCWorld and look around there, then go to download.com and see what they got for free. If you can use a basic program, you will see if it's worth paying $$ for better.

[Stytooner]

Turbo Cad version 9.2 is about $19.50 shipped on Ebay. It is a full blown cad package and can render some nice 3-d stuff too. That the one I'm learning and I'll never need to know all of it.

[dlminehart]

Most of these really take days to learn . . . and you'll forget half of it in a week if you don't keep using it. One exception is Design Intuition on the Mac, aimed specifically at woodworkers. You can create a personal database of materials (e.g., 1/2" 4x8 plywood, 1"x4"x6' cherry), and it'll prepare cut lists and diagrams as you create your furniture or cabinet design. So far, there are no curves included, just 3D rectangles. But the entire program is 3D. PC version is on the way, I understand. Check out http://www.gizmolab.com/software/ for more info. It's not as cheap as Turbo Cad, but worth it once you factor in the ease of use and woodworking focus. (Full disclosure: I'm saving up to purchase my copy, having played with the demo and loved it.)

Here's a sample image:

[ironhat]

That's more like what I'm looking for, David. Can you also get 2-D working drawings with dimensions from it? What is that pic called. orthographic? It does give you a nice feel for the relationship of the dimensions, though.
Later
Chiz

[dlminehart]

Here are a couple more images. One is the coffee table above, done in 2D plan view, with the measurements visible. On a separate window, you'll find the parts list, generated automatically as you draw. The second is a picture of a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired picnic table designed by a 7th grade class in Arizona.







I should emphasize that this program is REALLY easy to use. You can drag and draw rectangles after specifying the material (so it knows the thickness, for instance). Or you can select the object you've drawn, go to the appropriate place, and type in a dimension if you'd rather not fuss with the mouse. You can switch views from side to bottom to top or wherever, moving the parts into place. You can colorize different components different colors so the transparent 3D view makes more sense. Or you can do opaque 3D views, with more realism. You'll be working productively within an hour. If you have a Mac, download the demo.

[drumpriest]

I mentioned this a couple of weeks ago, but you can now download truespace 3.2 for free. It's a general 3D modelling and animation package, I use it to pre-visualize my projects. You can also use it to display dimention marks...

here's an example of something that I did a pre-vis for, choosing colors for my desk.

http://keith.getjazzed.net/house/Sho...Desk/desk.html

Here's a link to the free download.

http://forms.caligari.com/forms/ts3all_free.html

[ironhat]

Keith, does this program produce the type of dimentioned drawing that David shows from his? I'll download it and check it out anyway but sometimes it takes a certain guy a week or so to sort out what a program can do.
Thanks for the help, folks!
Chiz

[ElRay]

For the Mac Folks, there's also LemkeSoft's CADintosh: <http://www.lemkesoft.com/en/cadintosh.htm> If you don't already have GraphicConverter, get that while you're there too,

Ray

[BobSch]

quote:Originally posted by Stytooner

Turbo Cad version 9.2 is about $19.50 shipped on Ebay. It is a full blown cad package and can render some nice 3-d stuff too. That the one I'm learning and I'll never need to know all of it.

I use TurboCAD both at home and work. There's a bit of a learning curve, but it'll do just about anything you want.

[drumpriest]

Truespace does provide a dimentioning tool, but as I don't really use it, I'm not entirely familiar with all of its workings. I just reference the model when I'm building.

[ironhat]

Hey, Keith, I downloaded Truespace so the race is on to learn it. I haven't gotten to investigate it much but I'm hoping that there's a tutorial to shorten the learning curve a bit. Unlike you, I will want the dimensioning feature since I'm prone to 'forgert certain allowances and then have to go back to resize some parts.
Later,
Chiz