CAD program called SKETCHUP 8 & home projects

[Gobysky]

Did a search on CAD programs but didn't find as much activity as I'd expect. I've been searching for a good program that would suit my needs and found Google Sketchup 8.
A free program, however I liked it enough to buy the Pro program. I used to play with other cad programs before including the King of all programs called Autocad. However, I'm not designing the Space Shuttle.

It's a lot of fun being able to design your project on the computer before building it. I'm in the process of learning the program, and have found that Youtube, and other support groups are awesome for this program.

Attached is a jpg export picture of a metal cabinet I'm building/welding to fit on top of my toolbox.

[snowbird]

I love it too, much simpler than autocad and also wayyyy cheaper.

good for shop layout and calculating angles of future projects, i do not feel like going back to chalk drawings on the shop floor. ;o)

[bobhdus]

Used to be a free program called heekscad. Maybe it's dot org or dot net. It was pretty good about 5 yrs ago. It is also open source and free.

[dzlweld]

Big fan of cadopia. Took me a bit to catch on but its all I use now. AND ITS FREE

[jimmy_pop]

I see Sketchup pro can generate a .dwg or .dxf file for having a part cut? Have you used that feature yet?

[Gobysky]

I see Sketchup pro can generate a .dwg or .dxf file for having a part cut? Have you used that feature yet?

No, haven't used that feature. But it's nice to know. Still in the beginning stages of learning the program.

[monte55]

I'm thinking i want to download the free Sketchup 8 program. What is the latest version? Also, there are so many places to download it from. Are they all the same? Do they have an official site?
Nick

[CharleyL]

Go to Google and get it from the source. Sketchup 8 is the latest version.

Once the Google page is open just search for Sketchup and it will take you to the right place to download it.

For learning, there is a site called sketchupforwoodworkers.com that offers great training videos free online. Although the site name implies that it is just for woodworkers it really does well for what we make too. Both Sketchup and this training site are free, so try them out.

Charley