I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other version?.
I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS Publisher.
I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
working.
I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could do
that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
Any info would be appreciated.
Don D.
My experience with CAD started with TurboCac and the high end packages
selling for $2500+ in the 1980's. Then I found Design-CAD. It was
cheap, easy to learn, had conversion capabilities for exporting, and a
language of its own that you could add bells and whistles with.
Unfortunately, Turbo-CAD bought up the company and has modified it so
it doesn't work as well as the original version, but is available for
about $65 with 3-D capability.
Bugs
Don,
Have you looked at Delta Cad? Its not as advanced as TurboCad, which
I've never used, but it costs $40 and you can download a free demo
version to try out ahead of time. I used it right away without reading
much if any of the help section. I did take 2 years of drafting in HS,
but that was a long time ago and don't know how much it helped. If you
just want it to design projects, you may want to try the demo before
buying TurboCAD and you may not even need to take a class. Its pretty
intuitive. I use is to design all my projects(cabinets, drawers,
tables, joints, shelves, and cutting lists). If you have any
questions, feel free to email me.
Chuck
"Guess who">
>>Don, it may not matter which version you use if you do not know the
>>fundamentals of drafting or how to work with a CAD program to begin with.
>>Good CAD programs generally have a steep learning curve.
>
> You are bang on there. It's the great fallacy of computers in
> schools. All they have to do is sit a kid in front of a computer, and
> there are no limits. Learning is still hard work where I come from.
> I did a bit of "perspective drawing" a long time back, and got hold of
> a good 3D CAD program through my son in law who uses it all the time.
> "All you have to do is this, this and this." he said. Sure. Months
> later I decided to just stick to what I knew... pencil and paper...
> and I've worked with computers for a long time now. For me, it's
> faster and easier.
>
> A good course of study is the way to go, if you think it's worth it
> for you in time and money. A better program won't make a better
> programmer in general, but some are a bit more intuitive. DeltaCad is
> simple and powerful enough for 2D. Solid Edge has great tutorials,
> but is still a steep learning curve before you start easily producing
> what you want. It will not come easy.
>
> Why a Cad? If you know joinery [how to bang two bits of wood
> together] then a sketch will do. DeltaCad will help for something
> requiring a little more detail, or to lay out an exact template for a
> curve. I'd use a powerful 3D CAD only if mass producing, or if the
> detail became very complicated, and stay away from a computer unless I
> really, really needed neat drawings for the woodworking book I was
> writing, or I'd hire my sister in law the artist for that part.
>
You know, I agree. I use Autodesk's AutoSketch for some of my furniture
projects. However, all drawings begin on the drafting table then move to the
computer if I plan on publishing or otherwise distribute the plans. As most
of my plans change during construction, making changes with a pencil and
paper make it easy and faster. That said, most of my favorite projects, are
only from the drafting table.
Learning a new CAD program is daunting. Not from the technical side, just
the time required is significant. Wood/metal working is my hobby. Not my
occupation. If it were, I would take the time and effort to learn AutoCAD.
Dave
Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
----------------------------------------------------------
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>> "Leon"
>> I think I used AutoSketch 1.0, 2.0, 2.1 and then moved up to AutoCAD LT
>> in
>> 1997. IIRC AutoCAD LT was a very easy move up from AutoSketch. Back
>> then there was little interface difference as far as command icons but
>> there were
>> many more that I instantly fell in love with. Moving up to the LT
>> version
>> of AutoCAD may not be much of a challenge for you if you are pretty good
>> with AutoSketch.
> "Swingman"
> My Architect uses AutoCAD LT and I use QuickCAD. Until I added another 128
> megs of memory to this old box I had trouble with his .dwg files because
> of
> the layers, but with more memory that hasn't been a problem with QuickCAD.
>
> I would love to have AutoCAD LT, but just can't overcome the reluctance to
> spend that kind of money when QuickCAD does what I need, lets me open and
> manipulate .dwg files, and I am used to it. Too bad it is no longer
> supported because IMO it is a pretty decent 2D program for the woodworker.
>
> I also have DesignCAD 3D MAX 16, but it frustrates the hell out of me just
> trying to use it in 2D.
>
> I took two years of mechanical drawing/drafting in HS back in the 60's
> when
> you actually learned something in school, so I am sure that knowledge
> helps,
> but even then there are a couple of things in QuickCAD that still baffle
> me
> (still can't dimension rectangles easily).
>
> Nonetheless, I often wonder how easy it would be to step up to AutoCAD LT
> from QuickCAD.
>
> --
> www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 12/13/05
>
Autosketch is the replacement for QuickCAD. They work the same so upgrading
to AutoSkecth is no problem for a QuickCAD user. AutoDesk reports they plan
on improving it in the future.
As to jumping to AutoCAD LT, I just can not justify the price. Although not
as complete or sophisticated, AutoSketch can create, read and modify DWG
files just fine. The Architects I use all use AutoCAD and are happy to get
my revisions back (for them to clean and incorporate properly) in a format
they can use.
Dave
Don D. schrieb:
> I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
> like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other version?.
> I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS Publisher.
Mostly version 6 professional and version 10 professional.
If you intend to do only 2d drafting, version 4 professional aka
Turbocad LE is sufficient. It's free.
There are many free 2d cad packages, but i haven't seen as many
tutorials for them as for Turbocad.
I think it's well worth the money. For 3d, get version 8 or better.
cheers
Gunther
I also got a card for DeltaCAD 6.0 upgrade for 29.95.
I am reading everything you all are posting and soaking it up.
Don D.
"Don D." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:2UcIf.57765$V.32235@fed1read04...
>I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
>like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other
>version?. I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS
>Publisher.
>
> I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
> working.
>
> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could
> do that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
>
> Don D.
>
I use both. Turbocad Pro and Intellicad.
"John B" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Not to knock TurboCAD, but when I went "shopping" for a CAD program about
4
> years ago, I found the best choice for me was Intellicad. It has gone up a
> bit, but still a bargain at about $50.
>
> http://www.intellicadms.com/
>
>
Don D. wrote:
> I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
> like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other version?.
> I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS Publisher.
>
> I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
> working.
>
> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could do
> that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
>
> Don D.
>
>
One more thing. I have used turboCAD for all sorts of projects. I find
though that its easier to rough design it on turboCAD so you can get a
sense of proportion, or how it will fit into the room. But dont
restrict yourself by your CAD design once you start making it. Feel
free to change stuff. The real CAD design will be taken from your first
"prototype."
--
Thank you,
"Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor
man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:16
Don D. wrote:
> I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
> like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other version?.
> I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS Publisher.
>
> I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
> working.
>
> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could do
> that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
>
> Don D.
>
>
TurboCAD is the dogs bollocks. I been using it over 10 years. I liked
it so much I owned stock in the company. Not sure if its still penny
stock or not. It has a nice user group and plenty of very helpful
people just like here.
I bought it for about $40. It was the cheap CAD program. It has only
improved. On my job I use AutoCAD which is the industries main CAD
program for dimensional drawings. But at home I would only use TurboCAD
because I find it much better than any autodesk offering. turboCAD is
more windowsy and behaves like other windows programs whereas autocad
has stuck to its CADiness.
As for which version, probably deluxe is good enough. I use
Professional version but nowadays pro is really just fancy 3d tools and
render which is not the strength of a CAD program. But its nice to be
there anyway. You can always upgrade when the next version comes.
also turbocad always has a deal going. Go to the usergroup and ask them
if any deals are going. These are often sent to current users, but you
can sneak in on the deal and they rarely check.
You can also get an old version like 8 from ebay so you can get the
lower upgrade price. You may even find v8 is enough.
do to the usergroup and tell them what your plans are they they will
tell you the truth about tcad. Tcad hosts the usergroup but they dont
edit out comments on other products.
--
Thank you,
"Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor
man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:16
"Don D." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:2UcIf.57765$V.32235@fed1read04...
>I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
>like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other
>version?. I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS
>Publisher.
>
> I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
> working.
>
> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could
> do that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
Don, it may not matter which version you use if you do not know the
fundamentals of drafting or how to work with a CAD program to begin with.
Good CAD programs generally have a steep learning curve. You are however on
the correct train of thought. Take a night class and you will never regret
it. The class will steer you in the direction as to which program and
version to buy. I had formal drafting in school about 34 years ago and 22
years ago learning CAD programs was no trouble at all for me with the
exception of TurboCAD. IIRC TurboCAD was the 3rd CAD program I had
purchased. Now I am on my 8th version IIRC and the last 3 versions have
been AutoCAD LT.
CAD program speed your drawing and speed revisions but do not teach you how
a draftsman draws.
Swingman wrote:
> "Leon" wrote in message
>
>
>>I think I used AutoSketch 1.0, 2.0, 2.1 and then moved up to AutoCAD LT in
>>1997. IIRC AutoCAD LT was a very easy move up from AutoSketch. Back
>
> then
>
>>there was little interface difference as far as command icons but there
>
> were
>
>>many more that I instantly fell in love with. Moving up to the LT version
>>of AutoCAD may not be much of a challenge for you if you are pretty good
>>with AutoSketch.
>
>
> My Architect uses AutoCAD LT and I use QuickCAD. Until I added another 128
> megs of memory to this old box I had trouble with his .dwg files because of
> the layers, but with more memory that hasn't been a problem with QuickCAD.
>
> I would love to have AutoCAD LT, but just can't overcome the reluctance to
> spend that kind of money when QuickCAD does what I need, lets me open and
> manipulate .dwg files, and I am used to it. Too bad it is no longer
> supported because IMO it is a pretty decent 2D program for the woodworker.
>
> I also have DesignCAD 3D MAX 16, but it frustrates the hell out of me just
> trying to use it in 2D.
>
> I took two years of mechanical drawing/drafting in HS back in the 60's when
> you actually learned something in school, so I am sure that knowledge helps,
> but even then there are a couple of things in QuickCAD that still baffle me
> (still can't dimension rectangles easily).
>
> Nonetheless, I often wonder how easy it would be to step up to AutoCAD LT
> from QuickCAD.
>
I used autoCAD for years at work before I found turbocad. My experience
is TurboCAD blows away AutocadLT and It used to cost less. Deluxe
version still does I believe. Full autocad is nice because of all the
fancy costing and inventory and database stuff that you can buy to go
with it. Its a corporate program really, but is probably taking a solid
thrashing from unigraphics, CATIA, et al.
I dont like autocad for home use. Try out turboCAD for free. It is
great with dimensioning. it can be scary since they do present a lot of
3d stuff at you that you probably want to do without. there is a 20th
anniversary sale going on now.
--
Thank you,
"Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor
man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:16
The dirty little secret of software is that the greater its capabilities,
the greater its learning curve. About the simplest CAD program available is
something called CadStd. It's available FREE from the website
(www.cadstd.com). Download it, spend at least four hours reading the
tutorial and attempting to make some simple drawings. If you like it and
it's useful (in you opinion) the full-featured version is available for $25.
Note that it's probably not as sophisticated as any of the other CAD
programs, but it's cheaper, takes less time to learn, and will probably
suffice for anything you ever want to do.
BruceT
"Don D." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:2UcIf.57765$V.32235@fed1read04...
>I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
>like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other
>version?. I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS
>Publisher.
>
> I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
> working.
>
> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could
> do that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
>
> Don D.
>
"Leon" wrote in message
> I think I used AutoSketch 1.0, 2.0, 2.1 and then moved up to AutoCAD LT in
> 1997. IIRC AutoCAD LT was a very easy move up from AutoSketch. Back
then
> there was little interface difference as far as command icons but there
were
> many more that I instantly fell in love with. Moving up to the LT version
> of AutoCAD may not be much of a challenge for you if you are pretty good
> with AutoSketch.
My Architect uses AutoCAD LT and I use QuickCAD. Until I added another 128
megs of memory to this old box I had trouble with his .dwg files because of
the layers, but with more memory that hasn't been a problem with QuickCAD.
I would love to have AutoCAD LT, but just can't overcome the reluctance to
spend that kind of money when QuickCAD does what I need, lets me open and
manipulate .dwg files, and I am used to it. Too bad it is no longer
supported because IMO it is a pretty decent 2D program for the woodworker.
I also have DesignCAD 3D MAX 16, but it frustrates the hell out of me just
trying to use it in 2D.
I took two years of mechanical drawing/drafting in HS back in the 60's when
you actually learned something in school, so I am sure that knowledge helps,
but even then there are a couple of things in QuickCAD that still baffle me
(still can't dimension rectangles easily).
Nonetheless, I often wonder how easy it would be to step up to AutoCAD LT
from QuickCAD.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05
Take a look at Intellicad. So much like Autocad that if you can use one, you
can use the other. Same commands, everything. Much better price. It would be
all I use if I could settle for flat.
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:bN6dndHqZo0N-
> Nonetheless, I often wonder how easy it would be to step up to AutoCAD LT
> from QuickCAD.
>
> --
> www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 12/13/05
>
>
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Leon" wrote in message
>
>
> I would love to have AutoCAD LT, but just can't overcome the reluctance to
> spend that kind of money when QuickCAD does what I need, lets me open and
> manipulate .dwg files, and I am used to it. Too bad it is no longer
> supported because IMO it is a pretty decent 2D program for the woodworker.
Yeah, LT had become expensive. You might inquire into an upgrade offer. I
was able to upgrade for under $200 in 1997 and upgrades have been in that
range since.
> I took two years of mechanical drawing/drafting in HS back in the 60's
> when
> you actually learned something in school, so I am sure that knowledge
> helps,
> but even then there are a couple of things in QuickCAD that still baffle
> me
> (still can't dimension rectangles easily).
With AutoCAD and LT deminsions are almost easier than drawing a line. Click
on the demension command icon press enter and then click on the line you
want demension. Press enter 2 times and do it again over and over.
>
> Nonetheless, I often wonder how easy it would be to step up to AutoCAD LT
> from QuickCAD.
Hard to say but I would be happy to get you going if you decide to go in
that direction. I do not know everything as a lot is not documented.
A neat feature with AutoCAD LT is that it checks for messages and tips on
the internet when you load the program and the tips can be big time savers.
On Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:30:44 GMT, "Leon"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
>> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
>> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could
>> do that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>Don, it may not matter which version you use if you do not know the
>fundamentals of drafting or how to work with a CAD program to begin with.
>Good CAD programs generally have a steep learning curve.
You are bang on there. It's the great fallacy of computers in
schools. All they have to do is sit a kid in front of a computer, and
there are no limits. Learning is still hard work where I come from.
I did a bit of "perspective drawing" a long time back, and got hold of
a good 3D CAD program through my son in law who uses it all the time.
"All you have to do is this, this and this." he said. Sure. Months
later I decided to just stick to what I knew... pencil and paper...
and I've worked with computers for a long time now. For me, it's
faster and easier.
A good course of study is the way to go, if you think it's worth it
for you in time and money. A better program won't make a better
programmer in general, but some are a bit more intuitive. DeltaCad is
simple and powerful enough for 2D. Solid Edge has great tutorials,
but is still a steep learning curve before you start easily producing
what you want. It will not come easy.
Why a Cad? If you know joinery [how to bang two bits of wood
together] then a sketch will do. DeltaCad will help for something
requiring a little more detail, or to lay out an exact template for a
curve. I'd use a powerful 3D CAD only if mass producing, or if the
detail became very complicated, and stay away from a computer unless I
really, really needed neat drawings for the woodworking book I was
writing, or I'd hire my sister in law the artist for that part.
"Teamcasa" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> You know, I agree. I use Autodesk's AutoSketch for some of my furniture
> projects. However, all drawings begin on the drafting table then move to
> the computer if I plan on publishing or otherwise distribute the plans.
> As most of my plans change during construction, making changes with a
> pencil and paper make it easy and faster. That said, most of my favorite
> projects, are only from the drafting table.
>
> Learning a new CAD program is daunting. Not from the technical side, just
> the time required is significant. Wood/metal working is my hobby. Not my
> occupation. If it were, I would take the time and effort to learn
> AutoCAD.
I think I used AutoSketch 1.0, 2.0, 2.1 and then moved up to AutoCAD LT in
1997. IIRC AutoCAD LT was a very easy move up from AutoSketch. Back then
there was little interface difference as far as command icons but there were
many more that I instantly fell in love with. Moving up to the LT version
of AutoCAD may not be much of a challenge for you if you are pretty good
with AutoSketch.
I just received TurboCAD Deluxe Version 9.2 today in the mail from an Ebay
seller. I will see what that looks like and see if it is upgradeable also.
But I will still try to see about going to night school at our college.
I have been getting info on Version 11. and 2 disc training for $100.00.
Not that I have cash coming out my back side.
Don D.
"Gunther Mannigel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Don D. schrieb:
>> I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I
>> would like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other
>> version?. I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS
>> Publisher.
>
> Mostly version 6 professional and version 10 professional.
> If you intend to do only 2d drafting, version 4 professional aka Turbocad
> LE is sufficient. It's free.
> There are many free 2d cad packages, but i haven't seen as many tutorials
> for them as for Turbocad.
> I think it's well worth the money. For 3d, get version 8 or better.
>
> cheers
> Gunther
>
There is a TurboCad Learning edition that is free. (Search around for
TurboCad LE)
Its a great program and the price is right - Plus it has several tutorials
that you can work thru things with.
"Don D." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:2UcIf.57765$V.32235@fed1read04...
>I have read in the past posts that some of you recommend TurboCAD, I would
>like the to know which Cad you use. Designer, Deluxe or what other
>version?. I would like to draw out my what I make better than using MS
>Publisher.
>
> I am going to make my work tables and other projects. Steel and wood
> working.
>
> I would like to take a night class to learn more in cad also just for
> personal use. It seams I am dumb as a box of rocks trying to use cad
> software at this time. I see what others have drawn out and wish I could
> do that also but I know they been using the programs longer.
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
>
> Don D.
>