New to CAD question

[03Explorer]

I have an idea on a woodworking project that utilizes normal lumber (2x4, 4x4, etc.) I have limited use or exposure for CAD programs. What is a good cost effective program to use (cheap or free would be nice)? I was considering using Visio, but it seems limited and I would have to create the stencils for the lumber.

I found Blish and installed it last night. It seems too sophisticated for what I want... I want simple and easy to generate a project.

 

[ctopher06]

Try:

http://sketchup.google.com/

Do a Google search for others, there are several.

Chris

 

[03Explorer]

I found Sketchup Last night... Have you used it? Is it simple enough for a beginner? Example I would like to have a 12 foot 2x4 tied to a 8 foot 4x4 board. Would I have to generate the lumber along with bind them? or is there a 'stencil' for lumber that I just put in the length and orientate it?

 

[ctopher06]

I have not tried any type of assemblies with it, just simple stuff.
You would probably have to create everything. I do not know of any stencils.
Try download it and play with it.
Also try here:

https://www.ohyeahcad.com/download/index.php

Chris

 

[03Explorer]

Thanks, I will give 'OhYeahCAD' a try as well. I guess if I can make everything from scratch it is okay. But it seems that there shold be something like Visio where you grab an item and drag it into a drawing and it could be 3d. Hmmm maybe we are on to a new type of application.

Thanks Chris