Woodworking plans- Software or services that can draw them

quote:

---

I have a Sketchup license, which I haven't learned out to use yet, more complex than I was expecting.

---

Sketchup is nice once you learn how to use it. I probably only understand 5% of it but it certainly is easier than using pencil and paper and scale.

If it’s something pretty detailed I’ll draw it out in a piece of paper. That’s pretty much it for me. Now it can actually take me quite a little while to draw it all out with measurements but never had an issue doing so.

To be honest, I only do that when my wife has to see what I have in my head.

quote:

---

Not trying to be a dick, but if Sketchup is too complex for you I'd stick to pencil and paper. Sketchup is a pretty simple to learn and pretty full featured, anything else will likely be more complex

---

Ha no offense taken, but I'm fairly PC literate and I wouldn't consider Sketchup simple. I've used several programs to draw up house plans that were far easier to use or figure out on your own. I don't find that to be the case with Sketchup. I need to watch some youtube videos as I'm sure that would help but haven't had time yet.

quote:

---

What are you building?

What level of detail are you trying to get out of the software?

Depending on the complexity of what you’re building, simple 2D sketches (to scale) can be very functional. SketchUp is useful for this but it’s much better suited for 3D drawings. I used AutoCAD to sketch up most of my designs, but not sure what’s the best cheap/free alternative to it.

A lot of software is out there that will generate cut lists, layouts to optimize sheet goods, etc. They can be pretty expensive for just a hobbyist though.

---

A few different things like a mobile woodworking/outfeed table, entertainment center type of thing, etc.

I don't need much detail, just something for initial measurements and helping me think thru everything in advance.

Get the book “sketchup a design guide for woodworkers” by Joe Zeh. Do the tutorials and watch YouTube videos.

The thing that is tough for me is not using it often enough to remember some of the little things to make the workflow faster. Keyboard shortcuts, etc.

Keep in mind you can search the sketchup warehouse and download things similar to what you want to build and then just resize the parts.

I would also suggest installing the last desktop version (2017) I think, instead of the online version. You may have to search to find it, but it’s out there.

quote:

---

A few different things like a mobile woodworking/outfeed table, entertainment center type of thing, etc.

---

ana-white dot com has a few plans for things like these.