CAD software

Rowski · May 20, 2001

I'm looking for some CAD software. I don't need anything to fancy, just accurate with dimensioning and scaling. I would like it like a "microsoft style" (shortcut key strokes). Right know I need it for designing a deck for the house. I will need it in the future for designing and redesigning things to be fabricated with steel (tractor stuff, etc). Anything freeware or shareware or store (internet) bought programs?

Many thanks.

Derek

AndyR · May 21, 2001

I have used IMSI's TurboCAD on and off for a while for such things. They do a good job for a cheap price. Last I knew you could get the basic version for about $30. Don't waste your time on the additional symbol libraries though - they are hardly worth it.

Andy in NH

RobS · May 21, 2001

Derek, I've used Autosketch for a number of projects. It's made by the AutoCad people and is very powerful, yet fairly straightforward. I'm just now looking to get an upgrade to match the new PC at home. Hope this helps /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

RPM · May 21, 2001

I'd go with TurboCAD for now ... I was trained on AutoCAD and a confirmed AutoCAD junky years ago - and then moved away from needing it. Since then, used TurboCAD extensively outside of work up until a year or two ago and liked it (haven't needed it since). It occasionally requires a little more fiddling than AutoCAD did (for me, anyway) - but is a good product.

I have always been a little concerned about AutoSketch. It never seemed to me that AutoDesk (producer of AutoCAD and AutoSketch) really had its heart in that product. I know it's on release 7 - that's just the feel I got from the AutoCAD dealers I worked with. I guess a good analogy would be that they regard it as a lawn tractor vs an Ag tractor (AutoCAD)!!! If you don't have CAD training you'll probably find TurboCAD easier by all accounts ... they have put more effort into making their user interface easier to use.

One thing - stay away from the 'Home Architect' type products - I've found them to be a real waste of my money. Go with the CAD program.

Anonymous Poster · May 21, 2001

Derek,

For "quick and easy, & down and dirty", I use Broderbund 3D Home Architect. The learning curve is very short, unlike TurboCad and AutoCad.

There are some "dedicated" deck design programs out there, but I've never used them...

I started with Generic Cadd many moons ago {DOS based}, went for an upgrade mid-90's... Autodesk bought them out, then they sold me AutoCAD LT and finally got AutoCad 14 for Windows. I'm certainly not that proficient with it...yet?

Remember, if you have to spend alot of time "learning" the software, your deck could be built in the same amount of time.../w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Wheeldog · May 21, 2001

Derek,

I've been using a program called CadStd Lite. The CadStd web address is http://www.cadstd.com/. It is pretty easy to learn and the price was right (as in 'free').

Rob

Edited by Wheeldog on 05/21/01 08:19 PM (server time).

Ingo · May 23, 2001

Like John (Miller, III), I used Generic Cadd many moons ago and more recently 3D Home Architect. My version's a few years old, but it was very easy to design my house with it, at least for the floorplan and basic stuff. Simple to move walls, doors, etc. I don't know if they've enhanced later versions, but it does not do rooflines, exteriors, and is worthless for drawing "things"--as it names implies it geared towarded house plans. In any case, great software for it's purpose.
I used to use Generic Cadd for drawing up woodworking projects and such and loved it--cheap, simple and easy to use. Wish they had a Windoze version!

John

scruffy · May 24, 2001

take a look at www.learningco.com (Parsons Technology) they have a few programs that may be of interest.

Rowski · May 27, 2001

RPM

I went with TurboCAD Designer v7, TurboCAD Professional v7 was more money and and had more 3D functions (I don't need right now). Seems like a good solid program with good tech support. I do need to LEARN the CAD lingo. Are there any generic books out there that deal with the terminalogy? Also a book on steps for designing stuff in CAD software? I'm only interested in 2D stuff. My designs would range from carpentry to tractor gadget, mostly tractor stuff /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

Thanks for the help.

Derek

Rowski · May 27, 2001

Remember, if you have to spend alot of time "learning" the software, your deck could be built in the same amount of time...

/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif John you are 100% with that! I just hope it is as easy as learning the binary system!

Derek