CAD Software

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Hello,
I shopping for CAD Software for designing furniture and cabinets. Can anyone recommend a user friendly software with 2D and 3D aspects? I thought I saw one advertized in one of the many woodworking catalogs I recieve, but, do you think I could find it...no. Your opinion will be very much appreciated.
Thank you,
Carolyn

[handi]

Carolyn,

I use DeltaCad. You can download a demo version and buy the rights for about $30.00.

I have used a lot of CAD packages in my job, but DeltaCad is still my favorite. It is very simple to use and works just the way you'd expect it to. It can save files as .dxf and open .dxf files so it is compatible with other CAD packages.

Check it out at: http://www.dcad.com

Hope this helps,

Ralph

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Thanks Ralph.

[Andy]

Carolyn, I have used TurboCad by Imsi Software for some time. I don't know how it compares with DeltaCad or others, but I have found it to be pretty useful and reasonably easy to use. Imsi has a whole bunch of free download options, including both a "light" version that can be used for an unlimited time, and a full version that expires after 15 days. The light version, which is what I have been using, has limited 3D capability, so you might want to check out the full version. I don't know how much it costs to buy it if you decide you like it, again since the light version has been adequate for my needs.

You can get your choice at Imsi's web page; click on the "Free Downloads" button: http://www.imsisoft.com

Hope this helps!

Andy

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Thank you, Andy. I will check it out. Am currently trying the Delta CAD. I have heard there are classes offered in CAD. I'm going to look into it.
Thanks again.
Carolyn

[Chris Knight (Guest)]

Carolyn,

I suspect that most comments about CAD in the frequent queries and responses on this subject are driven by the learning curve. It takes time to get comfortable with any package and once in that happy state with something, anything else seems inferior.

I have a background in the auto industry where high end CAD ( how does $30k a year rental for a software package grab you?) is commonplace. For woodworking however, the freebies are probably good enough. I tried many packages and whilst the artistic rendering in something like ALIAS blows you away, so does the price.

In the end I chose Turbocad and have not been disappointed. It was easy to learn (really the most important consideration if time is money). It offers in the paid up version - for about $90 - 2D and 3D, rendering and anything you could really want as a woodworker.

Couple this with a decent sheet layout program for cut lists and you have all you need.

Chris

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Chris,
Thank you for your response. I agree with you about the learning curve, and feel that I should take a class to better understand how to use the software. There may be many good programs out there,depending on the level of understanding of the user. I inquired at a JC near her as to wheather they offered a CAD class, and found out that they had but didn't get enough students to justify the offer. I also found out that this software for Cabinet Making and Furniture Design cost approx. $6,000. (There must be more to it than software ????) After talking to an instructor; he may consider offering it again in the spring.
Thanks again,
Carolyn