Subject: Computer Cad programs Advice Needed!!

From: [email-masked] (Bill Davis Jr.)
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 14:57:35 GMT

All,
	I wont to buy a computer cad program for doing some furniture
designs and also doing some home remodling. Has any one had any
experience with any cad programs that are out on the market?

Any advice would be helpful

Thanks!

Bill D
[email-masked]

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From: "Daniel Le" <[email-masked]>
Date: 30 Mar 1997 04:22:37 GMT

I used a program by IMSI called Turbocad 3.0.  It sells for about $99.  I
have not used any other programs so I can't compare this program to others
for you, but I find it easy to use.

Bill Davis Jr. <[email-masked]> wrote in article
<[email-masked]>...

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From: "Peter Bonnell" <[email-masked]>
Date: 31 Mar 1997 13:29:59 GMT

I agree, TurboCad is easy to use an contains many features of high end (and
expensive) cad programs. I got my copy for $89 which includes a 3-D modeler
and have been very happy with it. The only down side is that the manuals
could be a little more complete. Thier Web sight http://www.imsisoft.com
used to contain a evaluation copy for download so you could give it a try.

Daniel Le <[email-masked]> wrote in article
<01bc3ca4$6997f240$LocalHost@danielle>...

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From: [email-masked] (Tim)
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 14:43:33 GMT

>[email-masked]

Bill, 
    I've used several packages ranging from basic "home" (Turbocad,
etc.) up to professional level.  I would strongly recommend Ashlar's
'Drawingboard'.  When I started using it for furniture and cabinet
design 6-7 years ago it was called Vellum, now Vellum is the
top-of-the-line 3D product and they've renamed the basic 2D product
Drawingboard.  When I first encountered it I believe it retailed for
around $2,000.oo.  Now it sells for $175.oo.  You have to use this
program to believe how easy it is to learn and use.  Comparing this to
the Turbocad genre is like going from a Corvette to a 63 Ford PU.
Clunker city.  You can get more info at http://www.ashlar.com.  And
no, I don't work for them.... :)

Tim

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From: "Paul Buerk" <[email-masked]>
Date: 31 Mar 1997 17:01:28 GMT

I use Visio. OK, it's not really a CAD program, but it is very easy to use,
does autodimensioning, and can be set to work in 100ths of an inch. There
are several versions of this package out there, but I only have experience
with 3.0.
-- 
It takes a big dog to weigh a ton.

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From: "John D. Beatty" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 07:08:55 -0800

> are several versions of this package out there, but I only have experience

The biggest advantage to the Technical version is that it takes in DWGs
(AUTOCAD), and it's got a BUNCH of templates that can be useful.

-- 
JD Beatty     West Allis, Wisconsin, USA
[email-masked]
Beatty's Maxim:  The only sources of historical truth are time machines
and faith.  The trick is knowing which one you're working with.

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From: [email-masked] (#10 Ox)
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 15:40:31 GMT

I'll put in my vote for "DeltaCad".  I haven't tried Turbo cad, it does
sound good.  My problem with many of the programs I have tried, especially
anything from AutoDesk is the high price, long learning curve, abstruse
help, when it is even available, and general difficulty in use.  It is
great to have a program that can do almost anything, but not if you have to
dedicate yourself to mastering the software, exclusive of accomplishing a
relatively simple drawing.  I like the simple powerful interface of
DeltaCad.  Using for about 3 hours I was able to complete a kitchen plan, 4
elevations, and skeleton views of the cabinets in all drawings, with
labels, notes, dimensions, etc.  I have not been successful in doing this
with any other proggy!  Don't get me wrong here tho, the help file is
fairly abstruse and it has a moderately limited feature set in ver. 2.1.
OTOH, it was available as shareware, prolly still is, and you can try
before you buy.  Also, I would suspect that TurboCad has many more
features, and prolly a greater existing market base.... TS

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From: Jack Juhola <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 12:02:51 -0800

> experience with any cad programs that are out on the market?

I've been using DrawingBoard for several months now, and after using
TurboCad, AutoCad, and TommySoft's program, have found this to be far
and away the most intuitive to use. Really easy to pick up the
fundamentals. It has a feature they call "Drawing Assistant" that pulls
up temporary construction lines for perpendiculars, parallels, squares,
etc. You can download their demo version, DrawingBoard LT, from MCE
Software's web site at www.mcesoft.com. Hope this helps.

Jack J.

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From: John Norman <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997 06:22:40 -0500

> Software's web site at www.mcesoft.com. Hope this helps.

Hi Bill,

   I want to cast my vote for DrawingBoard also.  Having used several
other programs, this one is fast to learn and easy to use.  Another
program to consider is 3D Home Architect, it has components that you
plug in and can modify the dimensions.  It will also give you a 3D view,
which is good for clients that can't visulize from a plan view or
elevation.

   I use both of there programs in my custom woodworking business and am
happy with them.

Let my know how you make out.

cya

J

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From: [email-masked] (Jim)
Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997 15:24:23 GMT

Hi-

My CAD input is as follows:
I have used  AutoCAD, Drafters Choice, TurboCAD, HP's CAD & Drawing
Board.

My choice for day in day out CADing is Drawing board.  It is a fairly
recent program Windows 3.1 and it doesn't have all that backward
compatibility problems that AutoCAD has for instance.

I own TurboCAD and found it to be a touchy program.  for instance, I
could never get TurboCAD to dimension dead air space, but Drawing
board does it readily.  

AutoCAD for commercial work is the King.  But, that $3500 price is a
little steep. Drawing Board is about $140.00 and if you don't use it
everyday, you will still be able to work it.  
At first glance, Drawing Board doesn't seem to be full featured, but
it is.  Many tedius tasks & setup tasks are automated by default;
which means you don't have to learn or remember as much to work the
program.

The method DB uses to layout is as modern as tomorrow.  My buddy's
large rocket engine company just upgraded its many CAD programs and
Drawing Board includes many of these programs latest features.  
As a tribute to DB's intuitive ease of operation, my buddy and I were
also able to work it with a great deal of success, straight out of the
box - without using the manual.

Of course, using the manual is better.  The tutorial is extensive and
pure delight.
The only thing I dislike about Drawing Board is the short file names
of Windows 3.1.

I don't work for these guys, but it is a pleasure to see a damn good
program for cheap.  Check it out, it is well worth your time and
money.  --> www.mcesoft.com

Hope this is of some help.  Let me know what you decide.

Jim - [email-masked]
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On Sat, 29 Mar 1997 14:57:35 GMT, [email-masked] (Bill Davis Jr.)