Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

Its free and a cool fab/design tool. Figured someone here might like to check it out
http://sketchup.google.com

Ive been ------ around with it tonight. Seems kinda cool.

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

oooo ---- ya!!! Thanks!

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

Sweet ;)

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

Yup, we use that all the time in the architectural business. We went ahead and bought the full version; I dont recall how much it costs, its a sweet program for the most part though.

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

30 day free trial ;)

http://www.microsoft.com/office/visi...nfo/trial.mspx

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

No thanks, I'll stick to my SolidWorks, Inventor, and real AutoCAD, and hopefully Catia(if I get this new Job!) but great for the people who are lacking

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

Sketch up exports to a ".dwf" ".dwg" format :P
On the side, just went to an Autodesk sales pitch/free lunch sketch up has been pledgorizied in the latest AutoCAD 2007, even the user interface looks the same.

PS the free version has the same features as the pay version, just no block/component directories and a limited resolution output, dont waste time or money on the pay versions

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

You are wrong sir, besides lesser resolution. You cant export to dwf or dwg format in the free version. There are quite a few tools that are missing from the free version. And yes there is a small database of components with the free version, but many more with the full.

Sketchup is much more a quick 3d modeler. You couldnt build anything off it. Its great for showing clients what stuff is going to look like before its produced, so they can make more educated decisions in the design process rather than the build process; which would be alot more costly. I can construct the exterior of a average house with a little bit of landscaping in about 4 hours; including adding materials to the model.

Just a few examples of what I've done...

6 hours
http://www.mjae.org/house.jpg
http://www.mjae.org/house2.jpg

15 hours
http://www.mjae.org/firestation1.jpg
http://www.mjae.org/firestation2.jpg

4 hours
http://www.mjae.org/house3.jpg
http://www.mjae.org/house4.jpg

I know they arent great, but you have to remember that these are 3d models. The interface the great, sometimes the AI for planes isnt, but most of the time its because a line isnt straight or there are too many lines, it gets confused.

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

If you guys are slick you could use a game level editor like Unrealed that comes free with unreal tournament.

Re: Sketch up. similar to auto cad. free
 

But I constructed all of those with the free version. I think its good enough for the average clients we work with. No point spending alot of time on a picture.