Computer or T square

[dicktimber]

Being one of the older forum members, I am self taught when it comes to computers.
In the early days we were taught to use technical drawing instruments to design projects. So things like drawing boards, 'T' squares, flexi curves and compasses were the norm.
Furniture was always drawn full size, within reason, usually on the back of wall paper rolls!!!

I have down loaded free drawing programs but find them time consuming and difficult to use to create drawings, so I revert back to the drawing board.
The main reason is that I can't seem to get perspective right on the computer, where as with a drawing done to scale and with the aid of rods etc I feel confident that what I make will 'look right'

I was also taught that when making furniture from expensive hard wood that it was good practice to make a 'mock up out of soft wood first'

It would be nice to know what method other members adopt, before commencing a project, and if my failure with the computer design programs is realy, MY LOSS?

Mike

 

[TrimTheKing]

Hi Mike

Might be a 'granny sucking eggs' question, but have you tried sketchup? You can set your scale to inches or mm and zoom in/out and I personally find that you can get a really good idea of perspective from the various views and renderings.

If you have already tried it then ignore this, but if not then I would suggest it. The learning curve can be a little daunting at first but there are some great tutorials and a master of the art over on the Design forum.... :lol:

Cheers

Mark

 

[CWatters]

Mike - I'm also old school - I did Technical Drawing as an A-Level in the 1970's - all on paper. A few months ago I discovered Google Sketchup and frankly I think it's brilliant for what I want. Very easy to learn and it's 3D. I've already used it to do the scale drawings for a Planning Application for a stable/shed.

I'm still learning but a great feature is the ability for other people to add scripts to perform different functions and improve the program.

It has a few weaknesses as standard...

1) Line widths and styles. You can easily transform a drawing so that it looks like a charcoal sketch or any other style you choose...but there doesn't seem to be an easy way to draw lines of different widths or styles eg no dot n dash "center lines" although doted guide lines are supported. It appears I'm not the only one to miss this but to be honest I don't find it a big issue.. See this thread. It looks like there is a script to add this functionality...

http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf ... &sk=t&sd=a

2) Text support. As supplied I find the way it handles text really dreadful. Text never seems to appear how I want it or it moves about when I zoom in and out. I'll have to look for a script to improve that.

Despite these issues I still find it a lot easier to use than the free 2D CAD programs I downloaded.

Colin

 

[dicktimber]

Have just downloaded it and will have a go tomorrow.
This is one I have not tried so I hope I can get my head round it!

How about making mock ups, and rods?
Do you do this or just risk the design in your chosen timber?

Mike

 

[wizer]

I prefer to use sketchup. I was not taught woodworking or design at school and to be honest am a little dyslexic. Using the computer can take longer, especially when your learning to use the application. Personally, if I was to use a pencil and paper, I'd waste a good few trees before I settled on a design. What I like about CAD is that I can make many many changes (mistakes) and not have to go back and re-draw the whole lot. It also works out much of the maths for me, which I struggle with. Being able to see my design instantly at all angles is a massive bonus. I can really get a feel for how a piece will end up looking. I can even see it in different wood species and try combinations to find what's pleasing. Finally, I sit in front of a PC all day and most of the night, so it's like an extension of my hand.

It's all about horses for courses. If you are happy putting pencil to paper, more power to your elbow.

 

[bobscarle]

Sorry to be a dissenting voice, but I tried sketchup and didn't like it. All of my projects are drawn using TurboCad, an older version which I bought off ebay. I produce a "technical drawing" on A4 paper which includes all the dimensions as well as 2 or 3 views.

Bob

 

[Tusses]

pencil and paper for me, for a rough idea.But not technical drawing, more of an artists scribble. I use a cheap note pad and will often sketch the space the piece will be going in, to see how it looks, all my thoughts and ideas get scribbled down as they come to mind with exploded details here and there. then I can go back to different thoughts without having to remember them.

then I go straight to mock up with whatever offcuts and bits of ply/hardboard are lying about the workshop. Hot melt glue is great here as it sets instantly so you can try out lots of ideas in a small amount of time.

 

[kmcleod]

Well,,,,I learnt technical / engineering drawing at school,,,,and if I had a drawing board I'd problably use that for drawing all my projects....but,,,

I've tried sketchup,,,I like it,,,had to revert to buying a book,,taught me a lot of the shortcuts and I'm now moving forward with it slowly,,,

I reckon I can still the entire design process a lot faster on mark 1 paper and pencil,,,but I reckon as I build up a library of parts, components etc in sketchup it'll get faster,,,

Guess its a case of what you are more relaxed with and whether you can be bothered to learn another new set of skills,,,I'd rather be learning more of the woodworking skills than being in front of the computer...

 

[woodbloke]

Sketch pad and drawing kit for me, I've had a look at 'Sketchup' and can't get on with it - Rob

 

[davegw]

Huge confession (as a former programmer and Current IT professional). I can't use Sketchup (or any other cad tool) at all!

It's graph paper and a 2b pencil for me.

 

[Tusses]

Huge confession (as a former programmer and Current IT professional). I can't use Sketchup (or any other cad tool) at all!

It's graph paper and a 2b pencil for me.

LOL - not just me then !

I have been a programmer, IT manager, I worked on CAD CAM for years , but still cant be bothered to learn these sketchup type programs !

 

[davegw]

Huge confession (as a former programmer and Current IT professional). I can't use Sketchup (or any other cad tool) at all!

It's graph paper and a 2b pencil for me.

LOL - not just me then !

I have been a programmer, IT manager, I worked on CAD CAM for years , but still cant be bothered to learn these sketchup type programs !

I wish it was just that I can't be bothered!!! I can't even LEARN how to use em (and I've tried). Mind you I do woodwork to get away from computers (this forum not withstanding)

 

[Jeff Gorman]

1) Line widths and styles. You can easily transform a drawing so that it looks like a charcoal sketch or any other style you choose...but there doesn't seem to be an easy way to draw lines of different widths or styles eg no dot n dash "center lines" although doted guide lines are supported. It appears I'm not the only one to miss this but to be honest I don't find it a big issue.

I'm one who would regard this as a big issue if I were to use Sketchup.

At present I find it most convenient to use the drawing board to produce a pencilled scale drawing that I scan and then import into Paint Shop Pro. This has quite a useful drawing section that with a bit of practice allows me to accurately ink-in my original with lines of varying weight and character, albeit unfortunately none with the slight irregular character one can get with expertly hand-drawn lines.

I think that if I were able to produce a perspective with Sketchup, I'd try to apply the same technique and possibly add some handwork to show grain with a more personal style that the computer programs usually offer.

 

[Smudger]

I really can't get on with Sketchup.

I use paper and pencil.

 

[StevieB]

I can do either sketchup or technical drawings on paper. I am not particularly proficient at sketchup since I find that unless I continually tinker with it I tend to forget how to do things. Very difficult to forget how to use a ruler though!

Personally I don't think you are missing out if you use one method over another, its horses for courses. For those of a professional nature sketchup lets you produce good looking drawings for clients quickly, and minor changes can be done very simply. Full technical drawings on paper do not have that luxury. For the hobbyist however it doesnt make alot of difference. I like technical drawing - I wanted to be an architect at one time, so am quite happy to spend several days drawing a design. Its almost as much fun as making stuff for me. I also like playing with computers when time allows, so sketchup satisfies my inner geek. I play with it on my laptop on the train to work to while away the time.

I wouldn't say not using a computer is a loss, although the end product is the same - a finished design, the methodology and skills and indeed enjoyment of getting to that design are totally different and everyone will experience those in terms of their own preferences.

Steve.

 

[newt]

Scale drawings on graph paper for me.

 

[wizer]

If only sketchup could print....(in wood)

 

[Paul Chapman]

Paper and pencil for me as well - I find these computer programmes just too much faffing about. It seems to me that all they do is draw lines (OK, bit of an over-simplification) and you can do that with a pencil.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[stef]

sketchup for me.. to get the proportion right.
then it's usually pen and paper for details of joints.

 

[Ian]

I used to be a rough sketch type person but after a few mistakes I bought an A1 drawing board and love it.

I make boxes, so I draw each box full size and take measurements directly from the drawing. I took this idea from Roberts Inghams book and the drawing stays on my workbench under clear plastic to prevent damage. I have tried Sketchup but like creating the full size drawing better.

cheers Ian