Easy Software for Design?

admin

Good morning all,Wanted to see if anyone has experimented with using software programs for designing projects.  My pen and paper skills leave a lot to be desired, so I am interested in some of the benefits that a design program could offer.  Even something as simple as a table or a shelf would be much easier to see/manipulate in 3d.  Someone had suggested AutoDesk, but I am not familiar with where to get it, cost, etc.  There are tons of programs used where I work, but most are WAY over my ability level (Catia, SDRC, IDEA-s).Any suggestions?
Reply:AutoCAD is the easiest CAD package I've used.   Others like TurboCAD and WinCAD are simpler programs, and cost a lot less too, but I found they were not developed with engineering in mind.    They made nice pictures, but failed to give back accurate information. If you look on Ebay, you might find an older copy of AutoCAD Release 14 or 2000 for sale.   These are older releases and less likely to attract attention with the software piracy watchdogs.    Another opportunity is to find someone who is willing to "loan" you a copy to "evaluate".    In my opinion, release 14 should be easier to learn than any releases older or newer and it has all the functionality you'll need for 2D design.   You can do 3D with it as well, but it will bring most computers to their knees.   If you're completely new to CAD, and looking for both 2D and 3D capability, I'd suggest AutoDesk Inventor.  I've just started using it and it's the best I've ever used.   It approaches design sort of backwards from how you would if you used AutoCAD.  That said, persons with no CAD experience are at an advantage starting with Inventor.    Granted, it costs over $2000 for a new copy, but if you're a college student, or know a student to purchase it through, you can get it for about $300.     Good luck!There are no small projects
Reply:Check out SketchUp - www.sketchup.comPretty handy program for $400 and will do 3D and then spit out plan drawings as well with dimensions and notations.  I find that I "design" with it and then switch over to AutoCAD or VectorWorks if I have to submit construction documents on things.