Software design
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Hi.
I don't know how 'professional' this program - that I am about to mention - might be considered to be, but it certainly is well-heeled, and also VERY cost effective (free). The name of this program is Google Sketchup. I am getting my feet wet with it, and really loving it. You may want to give it a shot, as it could very well be something quite workable for you. I find that I (also a woodworker) need no other program for my product design efforts.
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I agree, one may start out on the free version, learn the program and, if it appears to work out, switch to the paid version and gain a few extras. I've been working with it for months now and it does everything I want it to do.
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As one who has also recently gotten his feet wet with Sketchup, let me mention that, in addition to the Help menu - which just takes you to online help - which is pretty good - there are a number of YouTube tutorials. You might want to take a look at these and see if this might be what you're looking for.
Dave is absolutely right. YouTube has a treasure trove on the use of Sketchup. In fact, just about every single thing that I have learned, on this amazing program (aside from what little had been gained just by my playing around with it) came from YouTube. I now have a host of them saved to my IPad, and they are SO helpful as a sidearm to my learning process, as I sit before the program within efforts to grow stronger with it.
What else is amazing (to me) is the fact that this great program is FREE. Sure, the paid version offers LayOut - as well as some other goodies but, frankly, the free version more than suffices. At least for ME :smile:.
What else is amazing (to me) is the fact that this great program is FREE. Sure, the paid version offers LayOut - as well as some other goodies but, frankly, the free version more than suffices. At least for ME :smile:.
Wish that I did. But I have been hearing a lot about two other CAD programs: EasyCad, and DeltaCAD. Don't anything about them, personally, but I am sure that you could download their respective trial versions, and kick their tires a bit.
Good luck.
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There are two versions of SketchUp
The free version is great for semi professional work.
The Pro Version is a bit more costly (Around $450) and is very full featured design program. Its 3D intersection capability for combining externally designed parts is fantastic. The ability to extrude is enhanced in the pro version. But if you are looking for 3D design tools, I think you should at least look at SketchUp 8.0. And read up on the Pro version. I have used both and I find them imprtessive.
It is not CAD or CNC oriented, but I think you can get bolt-ons. You would have to check.
The free version is great for semi professional work.
The Pro Version is a bit more costly (Around $450) and is very full featured design program. Its 3D intersection capability for combining externally designed parts is fantastic. The ability to extrude is enhanced in the pro version. But if you are looking for 3D design tools, I think you should at least look at SketchUp 8.0. And read up on the Pro version. I have used both and I find them imprtessive.
It is not CAD or CNC oriented, but I think you can get bolt-ons. You would have to check.
One of the biggest benefits of Sketchup is actually the availability of downloadable models - for example hinges - you can actually import an accurate model of a real hinge that you may use in your project and integrate it into your design.
I remember working with full blown CAD programs in highschool and although they were certainly better for architectural design, I've found Sketchup to be the ideal CAD program for home projects and other simpler designs. Creating details like mortises is super simple with sketchup.
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Here is one link for G-code and Sketchup (CNC)
https://sites.google.com/site/sketchuptogcode/
If you get version 7.1 of sketchup and install that version before you install the newest version you will have DXF import ability in the free version. They took it out in version 8.0. Only issue is, if you have 8 or higher already installed, 7/1 will not go on...
Other than some not so good CAD importers (that I am aware of, not saying they do not exist) you need the native importers that exist within the PRO version of sketchup
Hope this helps
Paul
Although, I wonder if G-code will eventually give way to the 3-D printer language.
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While I don't want to discourage you from learning some kind of design software -- it's a fantastic tool to know, and I wish I had the time and energy to put in to learn it! -- but is there a good reason not to do your design work with pencil and paper?
I've done quite a lot that way, including room layouts, layouts for builtins, and things like that. It's not cheaper than the free version of SketchUp, but it's a lot cheaper than the full version.
Can you be more specific about what type of help you need with "tools and design?"
Where are you located?
George
In a way - maybe, but there is nothing wrong in sharing the feature set benefits of such a program when (especially) there is NO outlay of 'greenbacks' required. What I am about to add has nothing to do with the OP, because he had already made it clear that cost was no concern for him. But, everyone doesn't have the financial wherewithal bu which to avail themselves of what they might be needing. Additionally, it doesn't always take a mega-bucks program to allow for one to do what one might wish to do.
Oftentimes, people will not raise voice unless something is wrong with whatever they might be referring to. But I, for one, believe in giving credit where credit is due. Sketchup (again, to ME) is one heck of a program which is more than worthy for a 'design' minded someone to have in their software stable. It not only does a great job, with its functionality, but it saves a few bucks - to boot :smile:.
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I'm not sure how much experience you have with design software, but I use DraftSight for a majority of my planning. It's free and very similar to AutoCad, in fact you can import .dwg files into the program easily and manipulate them.
I do like sketchup for the fact that you can import items and work very easily in 3D, but personally I stick wiht draftsight for all my designs.
I do like sketchup for the fact that you can import items and work very easily in 3D, but personally I stick wiht draftsight for all my designs.
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