Computer programs for woodworkers?

[BarryC]

1)- I'm looking for the best way to figure out what sizes/dimensions of lumber to buy for a particular project. i.e. I need 4 pieces of 1 X 2 X 36", 3 pieces of 2 X 1.5 X 50' etc.. Anyone know of a computer program (or other method) to figure buying list giving the least amount of waste, other than trial and error?

2)- Any suggestions for a computer program (CAD-CAM?) to do simple drawings of projects? Would like something that allows drawings to be inserted into MS Word documents if possible.

Thanks!
Barry C

[Lustreking]

Cutlist Plus

-S

[25]

Cutlist plus is a pretty nice program.

Here is a site with a decent list of wood working software:
http://www.woodbin.com/

[mschrank]

2)- Any suggestions for a computer program (CAD-CAM?) to do simple drawings of projects? Would like something that allows drawings to be inserted into MS Word documents if possible.

Thanks!
Barry C

One of my all-time favorites is now free (I paid nearly $500 for it a few years ago ):
SketchUp

[Wood_workur]

there is a program called cutlist (its free)(not cutlist plus), don't know the website, but I'll search for it.

[mschrank]

there is a program called cutlist (its free)(not cutlist plus), don't know the website, but I'll search for it.

Is this the one?: http://delphiforfun.org/Programs/CutList.htm

I just downloaded and tried it. Not bad at all...especially for free! It definitely beats trying to do it w/ graph paper or Excel.

[drumpriest]

Not CAM == computer aided machining. I always suggest the free version of Caligari's trueSpace, version 3.2

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

I model most of the projects I build using it. It gives me a great idea of the amount of which lumber I need to build something, also allows me to play with different textures to see what types of wood I want to use. Fairly simple to use for a 3D modelling and animation program.

[Ken Massingale]

Cutlist is great for sheet goods, but IMO it's not that special for board stock.
k

[Wood_workur]

Yeah Mike, that's it.

[dlminehart]

The free version of SketchUp is not the same as the $500 one, unfortunately. The free one, for instance, is only 2D. For 3D stuff, I recommend Design Intuition, available for Mac only right now but for PCs soon. Not free, but not as pricey as SketchUp, and specifically oriented toward woodworking.

[beetee3]

The free version of SketchUp is not the same as the $500 one, unfortunately. The free one, for instance, is only 2D.

Hmm... the freebie Google download of SketchUp DOES support 3D.

[mschrank]

Hmm... the freebie Google download of SketchUp DOES support 3D.

Yes, it is 3D (unless they've changed it since I downloaded it a couple months back. There are a few limitations in the free version, but nothing that I really miss.

[dlminehart]

My bad . . .

Yes, it is 3D (unless they've changed it since I downloaded it a couple months back. There are a few limitations in the free version, but nothing that I really miss.

I misremembered. Here's a more thorough description of what the $495 "Pro" version adds:

SketchUp Pro 5

SketchUp Pro 5 is a powerful 3D modeling tool whose robust feature set empowers designers and planners to explore and communicate complex 3D concepts. It casts real-time shadows, allows customization of keyboard shortcuts, and comes with a large library of pre-made components like trees, cars, and people. Specialized suites of tools enable you to model organic shapes and simulate movie camera placements. You can import models from other applications and export SketchUp Pro models to 2D, 3D, and movie applications as well as to Google Earth. SketchUp Pro supports interactive presentations and large-format, high-resolution printing, as well as the creation of add-on programs using the ruby-script programming language.

SketchUp is available in Free and Pro versions. SketchUp Pro is approved for commercial use and the Free version is licensed for personal use only. SketchUp Pro 5 is approved for commercial use and is available to purchase.

You need SketchUp Pro if you want to:

Use your models in CAD programs.
Use your models in rendering programs.
Use your models in image editors.
Make movies from your models.
Print attractive drawings at scale.
Use Pro Extensions (like the Sandbox).
Email professional technical support.

I suspect most of us could get along fine without these features.

[ART-EDNA]

Home Plan Pro

I use this program-Home plan pro-$39.00 visit www.homeplanpro.com