(05-19-2024, 05:32 PM)MarkWells Wrote: Lots of people use SketchUp, but every time I try to use it I think, "I'd rather be in the workshop."  I prefer 2D.  I have a Mac and use MacDraft Professional.  The price is higher now than I paid.  I think when I contacted them to buy it they gave me an automatic discount, but that was right at the beginning of the pandemic when everything was crazy.

Mark

(05-19-2024, 01:05 PM)jteneyck Wrote: I've been using the free SketchUp Make2017 since it came out, and prior versions before that.  The new free version only works when connected to the web, something I didn't like, and has a poor interface IMO.  You can download Make2017 from the web, for free, but it takes a little looking around since Trimble no longer supports the product.  It works just fine though, so no support is needed.  There's an add-on extension called Cutlist that will create a cut list of every part you identify and also lay out the parts on your lumber and plywood stock, too.  

Some folks create incredibly realistic renderings with it, I think our member FS7 has shown some.  I never learned how.  

SketchUp can be used in 2D, but I don't see why one would.  Using it in 3D allows me to build a piece of furniture, etc, virtually, with as much detail as I want. I use it for just about everything I build.  I also can import the parts into my CNC software for cutting on my CNC desired.  

Here's a model I did for a table I recently built.  

 
John

(05-19-2024, 05:32 PM)MarkWells Wrote: Lots of people use SketchUp, but every time I try to use it I think, "I'd rather be in the workshop."  I prefer 2D.  I have a Mac and use MacDraft Professional.  The price is higher now than I paid.  I think when I contacted them to buy it they gave me an automatic discount, but that was right at the beginning of the pandemic when everything was crazy.

Mark