Architectural Woodworking

You are not logged in. [ Login ] Why log in
(NOTE: Login is not required to post)

Drawing Software

6/13/15       
Gary

I am looking for a simple drawing software like "Sketchup" or similar that an old school sash & door guy can learn easily. I don't need to draw the Sistine Chapel (although I would try if asked !) just simple elevations and details. I tried AutoCad but it had so many bells and whistles that it made learning the basics very frustrating. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

6/13/15       #2: Drawing Software ...
Rob Scaffe  Member

For 3d sketchup.
If 2d I would recommend autosketch. E bay may have bargains on it, but not terribly expensive from auto cad. It is by far the easiest to learn and use

6/13/15       #3: Drawing Software ...
Larry

Sketch up has some great tutorials and even I learned to use it. You can use it as 2D or 3D. Price is right also.

6/14/15       #4: Drawing Software ...
AzFred  Member

Careful when considering Auto Sketch. Great software I ran through version 10, the last available. It is not relly compatible with Win 7 or Win 8. If you still run XP or earlier, it may be an option.
I learned Sketch-up and am now spending time with Draft Sight which is closer to Auto CAD and there is a free version.

6/14/15       #5: Drawing Software ...
Rob Scaffe  Member

I am using version 9 of Autosketch with win 7 with no problems, Mackbook air with boot camp. Don't know about win 8 or 10 or whatever they are up to now. Microsoft does a great job of rendering expensive software obsolete, in the process of milking their Upgrade cash cow.
Autosketch was originally Drafix by a company called Forsight Resources it was windows based when Acad was still DOS.
Autodesk gobbled it up and sold it as Quickcad ($60) then as Autosketch, about the only thing they have improved on is their bottom line as they keep raising the price, now $236. I just checked the Autodesk site and they list V10 as comparable with XP, Vista, and 2000. I suspect AzLarry is correct about Win 8-10. Apparently Autodesk is finally killing it, I wonder only what took them so long. A lot of good innovative affordable software has been destroyed by the big players, which is why I switched to the Mac.
Sorry for the rant...
I should mention another program, Turbo Cad. The 2-d version is just over $100 last time I checked, and go up from there (you can download it for free to try for about 30 days). It is excellent for tracing imported images such as moldings. I do most of my work with Sketch up, but if my need was 2d I would probably go with Turbocad given the compatibility issue with Autosketch.

Good luck
Rob

6/14/15       #6: Drawing Software ...
AzFred  Member

I too started with quick CAD. The Autosketch 10 was the answer to Vista and some had success with Win 7, but the work arounds became less predictable and reliable and 8 killed it. I still have a 9 in the box on the shelf just in case AUTO-CAD comes with an upgrade. I think the Draft Sight is a good option and others have verbalized that sentiment as well..

6/14/15       #7: Drawing Software ...
Richard

I would also recommend Draftsight for 2D drawings. The free version has all the basic tools required but is a little leaner than AutoCAD which will assist you with the learning curve.

Draftsight will also allow you to view 3D DWG models created elsewhere if someone else sends you a file. It just doesn't have the 3D features for creating 3D models.

For 3D I use Solidworks, but from what you have said I would not suggest it. I have seen Spaceclaim and that looks interesting if you don't want to be bogged down with so many features. I have dabbled with Alibre before and it's a little more stripped down and cheaper.

Good Luck.

6/15/15       #8: Drawing Software ...
Charles

I strongly suggest IntelliCad. The guy who 'started' AutoCad came up with this one. Almost identical to AutoCad. But at 10% of the price and none of the BS. YOu can easily share drawing with AutoCad or most other big time programs.

6/15/15       #9: Drawing Software ...
JeffM

If you want something "like sketch up", then use sketch up. It will draw anything you can imagine in about any format you want. It's also free and very easy to learn. Go to youtube and spend a couple of hours watching the tutorials. I used to wonder why guys wasted their time with this goofy free program until I understood it's power and capabilities.

6/15/15       #10: Drawing Software ...
B.H. Davis Member

Contact your local tech high school or community college. Both often offer CAD classes at reasonable prices. A 6 week course of one evening a week will give you all the basics that you can build on from there.

These classes tend to be very affordable and well worth the time and investment.

AutoCAD is really not all that difficult to learn. You'll be amazed at what you can do after a single clasee.

Once you learn on AutoCAD (or what ever product they are using in the course) you can switch over to Draftsight free basic edition which is nearly identical in features, looks and operation to AutoCAD LT ........which has more features and capabilities than you are likely to ever need.

BH Davis

6/16/15       #11: Drawing Software ...
Rick W

I heartily second B.H.Davis' suggestion to take a course in AutoCAD at your local community college or tech school. It made a world of difference to me. I never would have figured out AutoCAD on my own.
Rick W

6/17/15       #12: Drawing Software ...
Adam

Turbocad used to be the go. It did everything that Autocad did except for the engineering calcs. The layering system and user interface was more intuitive as well. Best part it was $100. There is also Autocad Lite.

Turbocad is 100% compatible with Autocad

6/22/15       #13: Drawing Software ...
ram kumar90 Member

Website: http://www.onlinemarketingcourse.in/

It will draw anything you can imagine in about any format you want. It's also free and very easy to learn. - See more at: http://www.woodweb.com/cgi-bin/forums/aw.pl?read=780909#sthash.qs77iHJO.dpuf

8/1/15       #14: Drawing Software ...
Gustavo Magas  Member

Website: http://www.zdraft.com

So you can imagine as a Principal with Zdraft.com and shop drawings as our only focus - I may have stumbled across "one or two " drawing programs.

I'm going to keep this short, but really , you should just commit a little bit of time and get to know AutCad. Bells and whistles aside , its the format you want to know. Its the format that will give you what you are looking for.

If price is an issue, then look at Draftsight ( free version available) or AcceliCAD - but don't waste your time trying to convince yourself that you don't need to do this.

10/12/21       #15: Drawing Software ...
paigeandrew Member

Website: https://www.techshout.com/

i suggest you use procreate on of the best drawing software but there are also many software similar to procreate that helps to create awesome graphics or drawings. you can check them out here

https://www.techshout.com/best-procreate-alternatives-for-windows-10/


Post a Response
  • Notify me of responses to this thread
  • Subscribe to email updates on this Forum
  • To receive email notification of additions to this forum thread,
    enter your name and email address, and then click the
    "Keep Me Posted" button below.

    Please Note: If you have posted a message or response,
    do not submit this request ... you are already signed up
    to receive notification!

    Your Name:
    E-Mail Address:
    Enter the correct numbers into the field below:
     

    Date of your Birth:



    Return to top of page

    Buy & Sell Exchanges | Forums | Galleries | Site Map

    FORUM GUIDELINES: Please review the guidelines below before posting at WOODWEB's Interactive Message Boards (return to top)

  • WOODWEB is a professional industrial woodworking site. Hobbyist and homeowner woodworking questions are inappropriate.
  • Messages should be kept reasonably short and on topic, relating to the focus of the forum. Responses should relate to the original question.
  • A valid email return address must be included with each message.
  • Advertising is inappropriate. The only exceptions are the Classified Ads Exchange, Machinery Exchange, Lumber Exchange, and Job Opportunities and Services Exchange. When posting listings in these areas, review the posting instructions carefully.
  • Subject lines may be edited for length and clarity.
  • "Cross posting" is not permitted. Choose the best forum for your question, and post your question at one forum only.
  • Messages requesting private responses will be removed - Forums are designed to provide information and assistance for all of our visitors. Private response requests are appropriate at WOODWEB's Exchanges and Job Opportunities and Services.
  • Messages that accuse businesses or individuals of alleged negative actions or behavior are inappropriate since WOODWEB is unable to verify or substantiate the claims.
  • Posts with the intent of soliciting answers to surveys are not appropriate. Contact WOODWEB for more information on initiating a survey.
  • Excessive forum participation by an individual upsets the balance of a healthy forum atmosphere. Individuals who excessively post responses containing marginal content will be considered repeat forum abusers.
  • Responses that initiate or support inappropriate and off-topic discussion of general politics detract from the professional woodworking focus of WOODWEB, and will be removed.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their real name when posting. Intentionally using another persons name is prohibited, and posts of this nature will be removed at WOODWEB's discretion.
  • Comments, questions, or criticisms regarding Forum policies should be directed to WOODWEB's Systems Administrator
    (return to top).

    Carefully review your message before clicking on the "Send Message" button - you will not be able to revise the message once it has been sent.

    You will be notified of responses to the message(s) you posted via email. Be sure to enter your email address correctly.

    WOODWEB's forums are a highly regarded resource for professional woodworkers. Messages and responses that are crafted in a professional and civil manner strengthen this resource. Messages that do not reflect a professional tone reduce the value of our forums.

    Messages are inappropriate when their content: is deemed libelous in nature or is based on rumor, fails to meet basic standards of decorum, contains blatant advertising or inappropriate emphasis on self promotion (return to top).

    Libel:   Posts which defame an individual or organization, or employ a tone which can be viewed as malicious in nature. Words, pictures, or cartoons which expose a person or organization to public hatred, shame, disgrace, or ridicule, or induce an ill opinion of a person or organization, are libelous.

    Improper Decorum:   Posts which are profane, inciting, disrespectful or uncivil in tone, or maliciously worded. This also includes the venting of unsubstantiated opinions. Such messages do little to illuminate a given topic, and often have the opposite effect. Constructive criticism is acceptable (return to top).

    Advertising:   The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not an advertising venue. Companies participating in a Forum discussion should provide specific answers to posted questions. WOODWEB suggests that businesses include an appropriately crafted signature in order to identify their company. A well meaning post that seems to be on-topic but contains a product reference may do your business more harm than good in the Forum environment. Forum users may perceive your references to specific products as unsolicited advertising (spam) and consciously avoid your web site or services. A well-crafted signature is an appropriate way to advertise your services that will not offend potential customers. Signatures should be limited to 4-6 lines, and may contain information that identifies the type of business you're in, your URL and email address (return to top).

    Repeated Forum Abuse: Forum participants who repeatedly fail to follow WOODWEB's Forum Guidelines may encounter difficulty when attempting to post messages.

    There are often situations when the original message asks for opinions: "What is the best widget for my type of shop?". To a certain extent, the person posting the message is responsible for including specific questions within the message. An open ended question (like the one above) invites responses that may read as sales pitches. WOODWEB suggests that companies responding to such a question provide detailed and substantive replies rather than responses that read as a one-sided product promotion. It has been WOODWEB's experience that substantive responses are held in higher regard by our readers (return to top).

    The staff of WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at WOODWEB's Message Boards. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB's Message Boards after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages it deems inappropriate. (return to top)


  • Forum Posting Help
    Your Name The name you enter in this field will be the name that appears with your post or response (return to form).
    Your Website Personal or business website links must point to the author's website. Inappropriate links will be removed without notice, and at WOODWEB's sole discretion. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    E-Mail Address Your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable. Forum participants will be able to contact you using a contact link (included with your post) that is substituted for your actual address. You must include a valid email address in this field. (return to form)
    Subject Subject may be edited for length and clarity. Subject lines should provide an indication of the content of your post. (return to form)
    Thread Related Link and Image Guidelines Thread Related Links posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should point to locations that provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related Link that directs visitors to an area with inappropriate content will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Thread Related File Uploads Thread Related Files posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. Video Files: acceptable video formats are: .MOV .AVI .WMV .MPEG .MPG .MP4 (Image Upload Tips)   If you encounter any difficulty when uploading video files, E-mail WOODWEB for assistance. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related File that contains inappropriate content will be removed, and uploaded files that are not directly related to the message thread will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links, files, or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Doucet Machinery
    Sponsors

    Become a Sponsor today!