CAD For Zero Experience

joasis

I really need to learn CAD....is there a simple program that is user friendly, and perhaps can teach the user? Except for using a pc, I have avoided technology, and now I need it.

__________________

rbsremodeling

Does it have to be CAD or a software that draw and designs??

What do you want to use it for?


When I decided to start drawing plans, etc I looked at cad it is a beast of a program.

There are much simpler programs that can achieve the same results with a shorter learning curve.

__________________

mics_54

What do you need to draw?

Static Design

Cad programs are not that user friendly but it beats the hell out out of any other programs I have used, there are some free cad base software out there just google it for downloads. Once you get over the learning curve the possibilities are almost endless.

KentWhitten

I think you want to look into SketchUp at least for now. It's free, there's a huge online support community, there's free training videos, and Cole can help too!

There are lots of CAD programs. AutoCAD is usually considered the king, depending on perspectives, but there are plenty of AutoCAD knockoffs that are decent and way less expensive.

My personal favorite is Rhino. Love the program....and inexpensive compared to AutoCAD. In many ways, much, much better.

And if you want design instead of CAD, then look into what they call BIM (Building Information Modeling)

Revit and ArchiCAD are the two that are leading the way, but there are other great programs besides these. You are looking at 5K starting price though and not very easy to learn. But once you do, the skies the limit.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

Leo G

If you are looking for something to do line drawings and not much else I have been using a program called KEYCAD for about 15 years now. It is small and it does what I need it to do. It is a DOS driven program so you may have to operate it in a program called DOSBOX. I use Win XP and it functions fine within that. It is not sold anymore, so I can email it to you if you wish.

__________________
Sawdust Follows Me Everywhere

http://lrgwood.com
Custom Cabinets in Hartford County Connecticut

Zendik

I'm currently attending ITT Tech for Computer Drafting and Design. I'm in the middle of my first AutoCAD quarter and with a good instructor it is downright easy. Trying it your own, downright almost impossible. Here's a house we are working on after the second week. In AutoCad you build to your dimensions, a 20' wall is actually a 20' wall. Plotting it out can be tricky but again our instructor has set us all up for that too. I can help you out online but it won't be the same...

Attached Thumbnails

 

joasis

I am heading out the door to work while the weather is beautiful, but the short answer is this: The project I am working on right now needs 3d views.....elevation, roof, etc. I don't really know what I need, except I can put it on graph paper...and it would be great to add values (dimensions) and get the views I need.

__________________

Zendik

Sketch it out and I'll whip it up for you in AutoCAD for the practice. After I'll convert it to a jpeg so you can hve it if you want....

ScipioAfricanus

Hi joasis, are you looking for something to do 2D cad (all line work) or something that will do 3D renderings and such also, second picture?

Andy.

Attached Thumbnails

   

JGMConstruction

I've used a few different programs. I've used AutoCAD, both LT and Architectural Desktop, Sketchup, a couple free ones that I can't remember, and the Punch Architectural Series 4000. For basic line drawings, I use AutoCAD, but for 3D stuff I use the Punch. The punch can also convert AutoCAD DWG files to use in the program, but I haven't brushed up my skills on that yet on my new computer. It can do pretty much anything you need and is pretty inexpensive for what it does. It's not AutoCAD or other comperable programs, but it does the job for me.

__________________

timtim2008

have you tried using the FREE google cad software?
http://sketchup.google.com/

DrewD

If you need 3D renderings try out Sketchup like some guys have been saying. Its free and probably the most straightforward program out there. When you need to graduate to a more advanced program, Revit hands down. Autodesk owns AutoCAD Arch. and Revit. Both work in the 3D but in my experience Revit is far simpler and more user friendly. I just finished a Revit course last semester and am preparing for an adavnced course possibly this summer. You can have quick, roughed out 3D models to show clients in far less time than any other program (exception of Sketchup).