I make complex displays with multiple compound angles. It was very expensive and may someday be worth the money. It has a module for building reception desk/nurse station type pieces that sort of works for us. It has 3D solid modeling, parametrics and is able to put downloadable machining information for saw and machining center into each part drawn.
We have had it for almost 2 years and are just beginning to use it properly-it is very powerful but takes a huge investment in time to learn how to use. We have a program called Virtual Systems, which is a third party AutoCAD-based product which is designed for architectural woodworking.
There are many add-ons, like Drawpower from Pattern Systems. Lt doesn't allow you to program it, unless you buy the Drcauto add-ons. I've seen decks, boat interiors, store fixtures, furniture and a lot more done in this type of software.ĪutoCAD is the best buy. Offering in some cases a seamless link to CNC equipment, the time and staff savings are incredible.
The advantage of a software like this is the time you save designing and producing. Most think that it is a software designed to build kitchens, but with all the advancements, it has become a very powerful tool in the woodworking industry. Maybe you should consider taking a look at Cabinet Vision. We had DesignCAD and DataCAD and stopped using them in favor of AutoCAD. You can also submit shop drawings via e-mail directly to the architect if you use AutoCAD. We ask for the architectural drawings on disc or e-mail transfer and then can use them for floor plans or details which we can modify. In today's market most architects use AutoCAD. If you are an architectural woodworker involved in the commercial market, AutoCAD is the only product you should consider. It has a program included in the box called "AutoCAD Learning Assistant" which has been a lot of help to her. My wife is starting to help me with the drafting work and she has learned the basics in about 2 1/2 weeks.
I have been doing architectural shop drawing for about 10 years (5 years in business for myself as an outsource drafting service). AutoCAD LT is fully capable of doing anything you need (except 3D.) Cabinetware or Cabinetvision are cabinet specific drawing packages that can be expanded to do much more than draw.ĪutoCAD 2000 is in the range of $2000 to $3000. If you’re willing to spend a little time in learning, AutoCAD is the most versatile. The program I use, Drafix CAD, is probably easier to learn, but it was bought out by AutoCAD about 2 years ago, so I've got a feeling that program has been dropped. If you do a lot of outside work, AutoCAD Lt is probably the best choice for compatibility.
I have found the "low end" product to be more than adequate for a millwork shop. I have used both a high end product (Draw base) and an inexpensive one (Drafix). My best advice is to buy a good 2D package.
I have been designing and drawing high-end traditional millwork and mouldings for about 7 years. We can get a sketch and in two hours we have our template and knives and are setting up on the moulder. Is there a CAD package that is focused on architectural millwork? If so, what is its name and what makes it the preferred package?Ībout five years ago we picked up CAD Lt.