Replies

1. 
   butch | Feb 10, 2005 01:01am | #1

   This discussion has been talked about quite frequently here

   but I use a 50.00 program called Punch Super Home Suite.

   It's very limited but it beats drawing by hand, and it is very

   simple to learn how to use.  It will draw to scale and do 3-d

   renderings (I guess that is the correct term)

   For some one on a budget(me) it does okay

   and they have upgrades all the way up to about 250.00

   Others will be a long talking about there 500.00 and up

   programs but that is out of my league(price).

   Here is a link http://www.punchsoftware.com 

   edited to add

   checked the link and forgot to mention that they

   have like a 15 day free trial for super home suite.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/9/2005 7:27 pm ET by butch

1. 
   design | Feb 10, 2005 01:14am | #2

   Ted, as butch mentioned, some of us will be along talking about other programs of $500.00 and more. ;)  I grew up drawing by hand, got introduced to CAD back when version 10 was available. I run a few versions now and have played with Desktop too. 

   If you are looking for basic drawing... and compatible with your engineers, etc.  AutoCAD LT would be great.  I use it quite often, great for 2-D.  It really has no 3-d capabilities like butch mentioned, you'd have to spring for the full version (pricey). 

   I'm not too familiar with other products on the market (except maybe microstation).  If you are going to share files, I suggest something with dxf or dwg export capabilities. 

   cler (still a newbie)

   PS. Taught my old boss AutoCAD once... :) he almost forgot everything b/c he didn't use it all the time. ;)

2. 
   Piffin | Feb 10, 2005 07:20am | #3

   You really need to say more yourself about what you do and how you would use this program and what sort ofbudget you have to invest, as well as how much time you plan to invest learning.

   There is an advanced search button on the l;eft column that will let you find these discussions here under
   CAd
   Design
   Softplan
   Archicad
   Chief Architect
   Vectorworks
   Turbocad
   Autocad

   SP, Chief, and vectorworks are the big three of architectrual modeling CAD plans, actually creating 3D models from objects.
   Archicad also but it is higher in the stratosphere, pricewise.

   if you just want 2d drafting capabilities, AC lite can do that.

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Pinkard | Feb 13, 2005 07:26pm | #4

   Chief Architect makes a lower end version of their product. It is called Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer. It is considerably cheaper and has the same format and the same exact screen as Chief Version 9.5. I bought the Pro Version $499 and they also have other versions from about 59.99.
   I upgraded to Chief Version 9.5 and am now waiting on version 10. These are easy to learn programs with pretty fair results.