Computer Aided Design

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

Paperless shop questions

12/22/15       
Gavin Member

I’ve found lately that I’m in need of some soft of way to view cad models on the go. I make working drawings for every job I do, but sometimes I forget to include a dimension, or I just need to visualize how some detail goes together. In the past, this would be where I would walk into the draftsman’s office and sort it out. Now, I have no computer at my shop, so if I forget to document something, I have to put off the work until the next day, or drive back to my house. I'm thinking of buying an iPad to have all my shop drawings and 3D model accessible electronically.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what software to get? I have a program which can generate 3D PDF’s, which I could view in the full version of Adobe Acrobat. Another way to go would be with a DWG viewer, any recommendations?

Also, in a more general sense, I was wondering if anyone could comment on the concept of using a tablet as a complete or partial substitute for paper plans. I’ve heard of shops where every cabinetmaker has a tablet at their bench. I’ve suggested this at a couple places I’ve worked at in the past and it’s always been dismissed as ‘too techy’. Maybe so, but I would imagine there would be some big advantages: the ability to mark-up documents and have them update everyone’s copy, and the ability to snap dimensions wherever you want. Just curious if people have done this, and how it worked out.

12/22/15       #2: Paperless shop questions ...
Sam  Member

Website: http://www.dukecustomkitchens.com

Gavin,

This is something I am working towards. I bought a few cheap tablets off amazon to try it out. So far, I would give it a 6/10. I didn't get big enough screens...

I know some software packages like KCD and Mozaik have shop modules that assemblers can view drawings in real time. If Cabinet Vision did this I would buy it immediately!

I have a Autocad viewer on my Ipad that works reasonable well if that is what you are currently using. Try it on a cheap tablet first. We got some 7" ones for $50. but I would recommend something larger or a older generation Ipad.

Let me know how it shakes out!

12/23/15       #3: Paperless shop questions ...
Gary B.

Gavin,

Please see this thread here:

http://www.woodweb.com/forum_fdse_files/business/787593.html

I'm still very happy with our move towards a paperless shop floor. And with our surface pro 3's.

1/2/16       #5: Paperless shop questions ...
Doug

Gary,

what is your experience with ProjectPak? As a 3 man shop was it overwhelming to set up at first? How long have you had the software? What modules are you using?
We have 14 employees and may have a mix of 25-40 small to mid size jobs, orders and or projects going on at the same time. Chasing materials and scheduling can become overwhelming. Keeping up with changes in these jobs on the fly is also an issue. I have always been under the impression that we are a bit on the small side for such a software. Would love to hear your thoughts.

1/3/16       #6: Paperless shop questions ...
Rufus Cooke  Member

Website: http://www.shorelineparametrics.com

Gavin,
you may want to consider a remote desktop app like "GotoMyPC". There may be cheaper options, but I've had emergencies where clients need sketches emailed to them on my day off when I'm out of the office. This remote desktop has even enabled me to modify a SolidWorks model and email off the sketch from my iPhone in a parking lot (though it was a pain and I wouldn't do it normally). Still, it offers lots of uses - especially with tablets and mobile devices and best of all, you use your native CAD applications and your files remain in the same locations.
Good luck.

7/15/16       #7: Paperless shop questions ...
Gavin Member

Okay, here’s my report on the ‘paperless shop’ concept I was keen on, for anyone who might be interested. Note that this is a single person shop situation.

I ended up buying an Android tablet for a couple reasons:

1. I thought that if I could view 3d models on the tablet, then that would reduce the drafting workload and save me time. The idea was that I could make bare-bones shop plans to show the client, and then build the job using the plans, in combination with the cut-list, and occasionally viewing the 3d model on the tablet to get dimensions and details that I didn’t bother to document in 2d.

2. I’m just generally disorganized, and run around with an ancient flip phone, giving one word text replies, and returning emails in the evenings.

I tried this all out on a bed and a couple nightstands I’m making, and as far as I can tell there’s no 3d CAD viewer on the market (for Android at least), that has snaps, layer control, and dimensions in 3d. Please correct me if I’m wrong. This reduces the 3d viewing to pretty pictures, and isn’t really what I was after. I was under the mistaken impression that I could find a 3d viewer with more features.

For the odd 2d thing you might need to draft on the fly, I found an app called BiiCADo to be the best, and I went through a lot of apps. It’s like AutoCAD from way back before my time, and the interface is such that I wouldn’t want to do a lot of work with it. There is also a promising app called Ares touch, but they want $250 a year, and bundle it with their AutoCAD clone.

I also tried viewing things like the cut-list on the tablet, to cross out pieces that had been cut etc. In the end, of course, simply using a piece of paper and a pencil is simpler and faster.

Ultimately, I do think a tablet has made me more productive, but more with garden variety tasks like documenting things with photos, to-do lists, and tracking my man hours on jobs – things most people do with their phones! Using a cloud service has also come in handy. I'm considering the whole thing a work in progress.

8/14/19       #8: Paperless shop questions ...
Rufus Cooke  Member

Website: shorelineparametrics.com

Gavin,
like I mention in the prior post, a remote desktop app enables you to access your computer and your files. You see exactly what's on your computer and the only problem is that you have to leave your computer on and your finger (or stylus) replaces the mouse when working on the tablet. The BEST thing is that if you DO have to make a change to a part or cutting list, etc., it's on your core system.
It's not complicated, it doesn't rely on 3rd party software, it works on any tablet, smart phone or computer and I've used this strategy when on a jobsite for field dimensioning.
I can't recommend it enough.
Cheers,
Rufus

8/14/19       #9: Paperless shop questions ...
Pat Gilbert

Rufus

That sounds good but $420.00 a year seems steep for that function

8/14/19       #10: Paperless shop questions ...
Rufus Cooke  Member

Website: shorelineparametrics.com

Hi Pat,
hope you're doing well. There are some free desktop sharing applications I've used since this post first started. TeamViewer and Zoom are a few.
I've used Teamviewer for remote desktop and it works well. Some clients I work with use Zoom and that works well, but haven't used it to access my own computer.
I suggest checking both of them out.
Best, R


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)