Do it Yourself: Re: Fw: [DIY] Re:AutoCad and Alibre:

02 January 2013

Re: Fw: [DIY] Re:AutoCad and Alibre:

It has probably been 10 or 15 years ago that I really tried to use AutoCad and at that time the version I had was still using most of the hot keys which were a big pain for me to wrap my head around. I'm sure I had an older version as it had been given to me when a friend up-graded. What I wanted then and still need for that matter was a simple way to graphically express and evaluate some of my ideas, and Alibre was the first tool I found that really addressed this need. I'm no longer working with a bunch of engineers and physicists and so do not need to adhere to their disciplines. Having never had the advantage of a great degree of specialized formal education, I am sometimes at a loss for words, however I have enjoyed a measure of success as a "Big Picture" contributor to the R&D efforts I have been involved with. It is great to hear from someone who is current as much of my knowledge base in some areas is several years old.

Dale in the Flatlands.

J. D. Brown wrote:

Howdy Dale,

Have to disagree with you a bit on AutoCAD and many of it's other programs that are all written by the company, AutoDesk. We are living in a ever changing progressive and modernizing world. With that type of mankind structures, all AutoCAD programs will always be changing with the needs of the drafting companies. AutoDesk has now 6-8 different programs for different types of drawings applications. Yes, it's ever changing also as called for. Some of the programs are for structure drawings, machinery, landscape, surveying, electrical/electronics, and etc,etc,etc. As more drafting personnel continue to build better ways to do certain programs and submit these to AutoDesk, programs for AutoDesk's programs will be changing to what better serves the drafting needs.

The programs to list the main component's foe most family dwellings, is always growing. Example: doors, windows, roofs, slabs, steel work, trusses, etc are just pulled from your log of these pieces for your drawing. It's becoming more and more common for machinery, automobiles, airplanes, high-rise buildings, and almost any other type applications for a certain type drawing.

One of the best things that has happen to AutoCAD from it's inception is the cost is dropping most affordable for many ones wanting to get some type of drafting program. Then there are the spin-offs of AutoCAD programs that are much less in cost, but also in quality, however good programs.

Well that's my thought on this matter Dale. I do want to state that I'm not at odds toward you. I've really enjoyed your post on so many different subjects. Also I'm not at all trying to cause some sort of fight, disruption, anger, or argument between you and I, or with anyone in the DIY group. This group is one of the very few groups I use my personal time to read, be informed with, and insome cases trainned.

So, as long as I do not harm or offend you or any other member with my posting which is very small, I'll continue to be associated with this wonderful group.

AGAPE,

jdb, txredneck

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----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Dale S <dalu@hbcomm.net>
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 8:09 AM
Subject: [DIY] Re:AutoCad and Alibre:

JD, I'm afraid that over time AutoCad will go the way of WordStar and several of the other earlier "wonder programs" of their day, because like Studebaker, they just can't seem to get rid of the tongue in their wagon. I tried working with AutoCad for a while but it wasn't worth the effort nor the cost, especially since I was sure there had to be a better way. I still have a drafting machine and table in the attic where they are likely to stay for a very long time.

Dale in the Flatlands.

J. D. Brown wrote:

Howdy Dale and Everyone,

Dale just cought a part of your post about Alibre and was it still avalable. Yes it most certinly is and easy to get. Infact for the first 90 days it's on a free trial bases. I have reallyed liked it as it's much easer to use than AutoCad for small quick drawings. I've done and used full AutoCAD, when it first came out.(by cutting off a leg for the cost, and then a loan from a loan shark)

However though I use AutoCAD on some of my dwarings for professional projects, I will stay with Alibre for ALL my small personal drawings and for fast print-out drawings for friends.

AGAPE,

jdb, txredneck

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----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Dale S mailto:dalu@hbcomm.net
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 10:37 PM
Subject: Re: [DIY] Wood Cut Sheet

Let me explain a bit further about Alibre. This is a full blown mechanical CAD system which I purchased for some of my other projects and using it for building cabinets and furniture is like taking a 747 to the grocery store, it is so easy since I already use if for many other things and it gets dimensions down to 4 place accuracy. In fact I have quit using pencils in the shop, I use snap blade knives instead and have found that no matter how sharp the width of that that pencil line is a loose fit in the making. Nothing quite as satisfying as splitting a line created with a knife blade.

Dale in the Flatlands.

Dale S wrote:

I use a CAD package called ALIBRE which was at one time available for a one time offer of $99.00 and since it normally cost about 400 I jumped. I don't know if it is still available for that price but if so I'd get it. I simply make 3D drawings of all the individual parts, then assemble them and when I'm satisfied with the final unit, lay out the individual parts on a diagram of my stock and get my best fit.

Now that I have impressed you with how I should do it, I'll tell the truth. I usually get my panels pre-cut in 2 foot by 4 foot panels for ease of handling and then what would otherwise be waste becomes shop drawers, tool chests and all the other smaller niceties I decide to make later on. Since most of my work is cabinets and the likes, 2x4 foot panels work out just right. The lumber yard has a good panel saw and so their cuts are easier to make than would be mine. I'm getting too old to wrestle 4x8 panels on a table saw or through the radial arm, and I'm too cheap to buy a panel saw of my own when I can use theirs for free. I do however make drawings first of all of my projects since it is so easy to get all of the dimensions and angles just right.

Dale in the Flatlands.
John S Moss wrote:

I'm looking for a better way to layout a cut sheet for a woodworking project. I have my materials list, but need to figure out what sizes wood I need to minimize waste. Drawing the layout by hand can get tedious and prone to arithmetic mistakes.

What do others use? I found a bunch of software online, but would like recommendations.

Thanks,

John

Death, like photography, is simply a series of chemical reactions.

--Franchesca Woodman