Is there anyone out there that has tried this product? I can not find any reviews for it anywhere, and there is not too much design software for macs (that is not close to 4 figures. Had Turbo Cad once for an older machine didn’t like it used a cheap shareware called key cad instead.
Thanks for any thoughts
Wallyo
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Replies
Punch software sucks. Have you tried Google SketchUp?
Never heard of it. Took a quick look at it will look more later. But some questions?
Do you run it on a mac?
Which version do you have and what is the difference besides one is free?
Is it for just for 3d modeling or is it for floorplans too?The 3d aspect is nice but not a high as a 2d floor plan.Wallyo
You can do a lot with SU but I've yet to figure out how to make it print something that looks like a traditional blue print. The free version has AFAIK all the tools you need for designing something but lacks expanded print capabilities (print to scale) and some import/export options.
Do a search here for SU and Chief Architect and other software. I'm impressed with what I saw of Chief. I use SU for working drawings and I like it a lot, but it has it's limitations.
But you're on Mac, does Chief support Mac? I dunno.
wallyo,
I am running SketchUp on a PC, but I believe a Mac version is available. I started out using the Pro Version as a free demo and then switched to the free Version 6. I am a woodworker and use it mostly in 2d for plans and design. It is a very complex program and I suggest that you run the tutorials to see if you can use it for your application. Also, check out the blogs over in Knots.
As to Punch software, a total waste of money. Worthless #### in a nice package.
Good luck with SketchUp!
-Nazard
Wallyo,I run Mac. Sketch-up does have a Mac version. Don't really know what's out there as far as low-level CAD for Mac. I run VectorWorks, but it's expensive. Try a site called Architosh. All things CAD and MacIntosh. There used to be something called MacDraft. Not sure if it's still around. I tried a few other things in the under 100 dollar range about 15 years ago. They all sucked then. I don't think I could even remember their names now.Steve
I seldom hear good about punch. One guy here threw his out from frustration - actuallly gave it away.
The guy he gave it too was pretty computer savy and could not make progress. He asked me some generic advice and descried problems he was having without telling the name of tjhe program he was using.
I said, "That sounds like what I have heard about a program called Punch"
And bongo, he remember that was it!
Punch tends to make adjustments for you on things like roof pitch or overhang, or it will move a wall without letting you control it, to try and make somethings line up. The controls don't exist to let the user control the output. Fine I guess for conceptual ranch houses, but nothing a real designer could depend on to get it right
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I tried Punch years ago with windows 95. I also had home architect. Together I managed to put together a floor plan and elevation but neither were good for both.Punch would be an adequate low budget program for a basement remodeler. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
email Gerrald Hayes. He frequents this place and is a MAC guru . Look him up using the search function. He has a site that may help you or give you some alternatives
http://www.mac4construction.com/
I have "PUNCH" it is not for professional program by any means.
But if you want to do general design work it is ok.You can render
pretty well and its easy enough to use.Some of the power tools get
in the way and the program errors are not uncommon (strange wall appearing out of no wheres). So I would not advise it for any
business purposes, but it draws houses cheaply.