designing your projects online

[Robert Wolf]

Hi I am interested in designing my own woodworking projects and creating a blueprint and cutlist, does anyone know the best program or website to use for this?

Thanks

Robert Wolf

[Ken Kortch]

It seems that most people seem to use SketchUp, which is available at no cost for non-commercial use (if I understand its licensing correctly).

Personally, I find the software complicated to use. I've used books to learn how to use it a few times, and the most recent time felt pretty comfortable with it, but I find that I forget how to use it in relatively short time with lack of use. Maybe it's just my old brain misfiring. Maybe I need to do more woodworking projects.

The latest book I used was "SketchUp A Design Guide for Woodworkers" by Joe Zeh. Very well written and highl recommended. I suspected that the book was written for a slightly older version, which meant that some of the information wasn't exactly the same as what I found on screen, but I was able to figure it out - even with my old brain.

[Robert Wolf]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Ken Kortch said:

It seems that most people seem to use SketchUp, which is available at no cost for non-commercial use (if I understand its licensing correctly).

Personally, I find the software complicated to use. I've used books to learn how to use it a few times, and the most recent time felt pretty comfortable with it, but I find that I forget how to use it in relatively short time with lack of use. Maybe it's just my old brain misfiring. Maybe I need to do more woodworking projects.

The latest book I used was "SketchUp A Design Guide for Woodworkers" by Joe Zeh. Very well written and highl recommended. I suspected that the book was written for a slightly older version, which meant that some of the information wasn't exactly the same as what I found on screen, but I was able to figure it out - even with my old brain.

[Glen S]

I learned basic drafting in high school. I just draw stuff on notebook paper & erase & add stuff til it looks "right".

[KregRep]

As Ken mentioned, SketchUp is a great option. That's what we use in our free project plans on buildsomething.com. Learn more here. You can download a free version called SketchUp Make here.