Free/Cheap CAD software for Shop fit layout

[Strath]

Hi

Sorry about the title being a little all over the place, was trying to fit as much info in there as possible to describe what we are looking for

We're in the process of putting together our shop fit for a new store we are opening, i've done alot of drafts on paper and pretty confident the layouts ect will work, but i would really like to play about with some items on screen to try other ideas before we commit to the purchase of all the shop fit parts.

Ive tried downloading various CAD/design programs from the internet from basic goggle/yahoo searches, but so far have not found anything that is suitable, im finding myself forceing the program to do things that its not intended to do.

Can anyone recommend a program that i can buy/download that will do for this project? We're only talking a unit that is 7.7mtr x 3.5mtrs but i really want to play about with shelving space, counter space ect to give a good idea of what will/wont work.

Any suggestions very greatfully received

 

[estwig]

The problem is even the cheap/free cad packages, aren't really something you can just pick up and run with. They take time to learn and if you feel you are trying to force the program to do things it won't do, no offence but your probably using it wrong.

Nothing wrong with graph paper, pencil and a ruler.

 

[andy@telecomhelpcouk]

I use MS Visio for simple network design and layouts.

The obvious flaws are M$ and the fact it's expensive (compared to something free).

Found this free one tho' I bet it's pants...

Andy

 

[Strath]

They take time to learn and if you feel you are trying to force the program to do things it won't do, no offence but your probably using it wrong.

no offence taken. I totally agree its not my strong point, but must of the things ive downloaded for free have been more geared towards designing your kitchen or bathroom with pre-defined set ups for bath spaces/sink space ect. I was just hoping someone might know of a program more geared towards what i'm looking for or a basic CAD program thats not kichen/bathroom related.

No problem though i will keep searching

 

[Posilan]

Would Google Sketchup be any use?

http://sketchup.google.com/

You can download the free one or the pro one will give you 8 hours of free use without buying.

Steve

 

[Posilan]

Also you could try the 30 day free trial of progeCAD if you were looking for something more like AutoCAD.

http://www.progesoft.com/en/downloads

Steve

 

[estwig]

Google Sketch is poo for this kinda work, it is very poor at drawing to scale, it's a toy for visualising things.


Your gonna struggle mate, the time it'll take to try and find something and then learn to use it, your better off with pencil and paper.

I been using Autocad (just 2d, lines on paper) everyday for the last 12 months and everyday I find new things it can do. Very powerful piece of sotware.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Google Sketch is poo for this kinda work, it is very poor at drawing to scale, it's a toy for visualising things.

Not true, Sketchup is vector based, and you can export millimetre perfect views into other CAD programs.

It's being used by designers (who need the pretty pictures to sell to clients), but their work is not wasted as the SKPs can be used to manufacture.

Seriously I'd look at it more. Think how impressed your clients will be when you give them a 3D tour of their new extension.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Sorry, forgot to add you are dead right, any CAD program takes weeks/months/years to learn.

 

[paul1966]

if you want someone to do it for you, email me your diagram and i'll give you a fixed price for the work emailed back in pdf form.

 

[Strath]

Thanks everyone for their comments,

After an afternoon of searching the internet jobs done and enjoyed the learning.

Was only after a point in the right direction, thanks for all the contributions

 

[Calibre Designs]

PM or Email me the pics/diagram/measurements that you have...
I will return with a very competitive quote...
Thanks

 

[estwig]

Thanks everyone for their comments,

After an afternoon of searching the internet jobs done and enjoyed the learning.

Was only after a point in the right direction, thanks for all the contributions

The suspense is killing me!!!

What did you do in the end, did you get software, which one?