CAD experts?

[RonL]

I need a Cad program that outputs to standard file protocols that I can take to a blue print shop for blue prints. As I understand it Autodesk is in bed with Microsoft and their products are tightly intertwined with Windows XP. Since Windows 2000 is the last Microsoft product that I will ever buy, I'm not sure if the current autocad product would be a wise choice for me. Are there any good CAD programs that run on WinNT or 2000. More preferable would be a CAD program that runs on Linux. I don't need internet interoperability, I just need to output to disk. I will be making working drawings for building my house and for submission to code authorities for approval.

RonL

 

[RoyJackson]

Since you're doing 2D drawings only, I'd look into AutoCAD Lite. That's a fairly cheap (for CAD) program.
If you use the 2000 version, it should be compatable with Win 2000. AutoCAD has been pretty good at keeping updated drivers too. The last version I used was AutoCAD 14. We're still running WIN 98SE, however.
There's a host of cheaper architectural CAD programs. I've never used one of these, but I've seen 'em (do a web search). These weren't for professional use..just for a guy wanting to design his own home.

You might want to try eBay too. That's where I got my copy of AutoCAD 14.

Another, older program that may do what you want, and should work with NT based OS's is IntelliCAD. This was sold through VISIO and is pretty easy to use. Since VISIO got bought by Microsoft, IntelliCAD became an orphan. There is still some support...again, do a search to find this. It was, at one time, a free download, from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.intellicad.org>here</A>. Apparently, that's no longer the case, but it might be a good starting place.

The biggest problem I've had with any of these programs were printer drivers. They're not really designed to be used with home sized printers...and plotters are extremely expensive.

As far as Linux versions....good luck!

BTW, when you say "outputs to standard file protocols ", are you asking about ".igs", ".dwg", ".dxf" files (can't recall the ProE or Solidworks extensions).

 

[hayden]

I've been using Autocad Lite for surveys and it's growing on me. Autocad is clearly the gold standard in CAD so it's hard to go wrong, and the lite version is much less that the full blown version, but still pricey at about $700.

Learning it does take some time and patience. It's not a "standard" windows app and many things are counter intuitive for someone used to windows behavior.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Ron,

I’ve dabble with CAD programs for a few years… but I’m certainly no expert… everything I know about AutoCAD, I can put under my pinky fingernail…

How much experience do you have using a CAD program…? When do you want to start building your house…? The only reason I ask these basic questions is because after all these years of using the program… I’m not even close to design a house with it. Also the latest cost for AutoCAD is about $4k… not including upgrades and annual fees. The little brother is AutoCAD LT and about $600… Remember AutoCAD defined the standard…

For a quick learning curve on designing houses take a look at 3D Home Architect for about $30… and you can output to dwg/dxf or a compatible format for printing purposes… Something more substantial is Chief Architect about $1k…

Good luck with your decision…

 

[Anonymous Poster]

For about $100-150 you can get a 2D CAD program called IntelliCAD. It is compatible with Autocad. They even have a free evaluation copy. Go to www.cadopia.com to view all of the offerings available.

 

[dmccarty]

RonL,

How many drawings do you have to do? If its only a one off thing then the
old fashioned T-square and pencil is most likely the fastest and cheapest
route.

There USED to be decent 2D CADprograms that were under 100 dollars.
Generic CAD was THE Cheap CAD software. Great function and price. They
got bought out by AutoCad and the product was killed. So now you get to
pay 500 dollars or so for AutoCad Lite.

There is a small startup trying to do a Generic CAD product but they dont
have a product as of yet.

I have Generic CAD but it only works in DOS and the printer drivers are just
to old at this point. I have access to a REAL nice wide color printer at work. I
tried out AutoCad Lite but it just did not work the way Generic CAD did. Close
but not the same. It was taking me to much time to figure out how to get
walls to intersect correctly. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

For my house plans I'm using the old T square, pencil and scales.... Its much faster
for a one off set of drawings that trying to learn AutoCad and a heck of a lot
cheaper! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Good Luck,
Dan McCarty

 

[RonL]

Roy

My thoughts are that I need to be able to output to a file protocol ( .dwg ? ) that is generally accepted at blue print shops. Also I want to archive the drawings onto CD-R's for future reference. I'm seriously considering an 11" X 17" laser printer for the smaller working drawings, but the larger drawings and those that need to be submitted for Permits will have to be done by a blue print shop. When I'm old and dotty and have forgotten where I buried my septic system I may need to reference my drawings.

RonL

 

[RonL]

John

From the looks of it I'm going to have to put off building for a year. I have too much I have to finish on my house in the city to consider starting on my property in the mountains right now. I have some experience with CAD programs and will spend the extra time experimenting.

RonL

 

[RonL]

Dan

My father was an engineer. When I was a young lad he brought me to the graphics art store and bought me a board, t-square, angles, eraser and erasing shield (important!) and all the other drafting gear. My father tought me drafting. I still have a tilting table and drafting machine ( remember those ). I use this for small projects. The graphics art store we went to 40 years ago is still around. Its changed hands and location several times. If you go in now and ask for a 30 60 triangle they look at you with a blank stare ( " Hey Mike, do we have 30 60 triangles?" ).

RonL

 

[dmccarty]

Ron,

LOL!

I KNOW what you mean. I was going to mention some similar things in my
first note but figured I would just let it go. But now you gave me an opening! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

A year or so ago I was in one of the office supply big box store and noticed
that they still had the drawing tables, boards, etc. Well I started looking
for a usable and cheap CAD program. Failed at that task. I went back to the same
stores and could not find the tables and boards. I have a really good Engineer
supply store that is also a Survey company I use. So off I go to see them.
Figured the would have the stuff I needed, really just a drawing board for
the size paper I needed as well as the vellum. I walk in and most of their
drafting supplies are GONE. Start chatting with the sales lady and sure
enough they are getting rid of the old stuff.

The store does education for CAD, surveyors, lasers and other survey
equipment as well as a mailorder store. But they are doing computer
stuff only now... /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

Ended up at Home Depot and bought a piece of MDF and had them cut
it to size. Only spent a few dollars. Heavy but flat and cheap. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I checked one of the big box office supply store that also has a printing
business to see if they have a blue print machine. Nope. They can COPY
blueprints but not make 'em...... /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

My builder/PE is of the old school and does not have a computer. So one of
the reasons I'm doing the ol' T square and 30-60-90 is him. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif And
its cheaper and faster at this point.....

On the other hand, right now I'm modifing a floor plan. Put on new paper
over the other and started tracing away. It sure would be easier to just
COPY the thing in a CAD program! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Generic CAD was excellent. I really miss the program but the drivers are
history and it only works in a true DOS environment.

Later...
Dan