project planning programs for the diy'er

[stevecobb76]

Here are some of the programs that I use on my computer to plan my projects and to see what they will look like before I make them!

1. Google Sketchup
price: Free
video intro: Getting started with Google SketchUp - YouTube
download: Google SketchUp
Description: This is a great program from google that lets you plan and design objects and view them from all angles. Great for beginners!

2. blender 3d
price: Free
blender.org - Home
video into: Blender 2.6 Tutorial 01 - The Basics - YouTube
Description: If sketchup wasn't enough for you then this might be your next option. This Free 3d app I have used for years and is one of the best out there. And lots of tutorials on youtube! It is a real 3d design powerhouse!

3. Free Cad options
Price: Free
Search Results for “cad”: SourceForge
Description: This is a list of free cad programs if you don't like sketchup or blender.

I hope you guys enjoy. Please add your own programs below!

 

[boggen]

good apps / links!

paint that comes with microsoft windows. free and already there. it may be quick and dirty and ugly. but it beats going through a few pads of paper...

 

[Rustyiron]

I've downloaded sketchup and played with it, but I'm just too stupid with the computer part. Frustrating, as I can see it would be very, very helpful.

 

[stevecobb76]

goto youtube and type in sketchup tutorial... hundreds of tut's for it there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rustyiron]

Thanks, I'm in the sticks with only Hughes net service and can't handle the friggin "buffering" deal on videos.

 

[creekbend]

Thanks for posting the Links.

 

[LD1]

I like beamboy for designing stuff out of steel. ENGINEERING.com | Downloads

It takes the pen and paper out of sizing beams and calculating stress and deflection. And it has a pre-programmed list of some i-beams (s and w type), channel, angle, etc. So you dont have to look up the specs of individual beams.

I will note that this really isnt for a beginner. All it does is calculate stress and deflection given different loads, supports, and beams. You still have to know what is acceptable and what is not.