Making cabinet plans...

[Isometric Bacon]

Hi guys. I already have my cabinet plans on paper, but I'd like to make a professional polished and scaled computer version that I can easily print out and include in my school project, as opposed to some dingy sawdust ridden plans thought out on scrap paper.

Once I have put it through school, I also promise to upload them so everyone in the community can use them for their own benefit, whether just for research or to copy the design outright.

What I was wondering, are there any good programs out there that would be specifically useful for this process? I've seen some people use a program called Visio, is it any good? I believe my mum has it at her work.

I'd also love to make a 3D Model of the cabinet, but i'm sort of limited of time. I used Cadkey once a few years ago, but I fear I do not have the time to reuse it and make the plans, although I would love to use it (where to find it would be another problem... Is there a free trial demo?)

So any ideas?

[Sasquatch!]

Visio is okay (but not awesome) for 2-D.  It's what I have and have used, so hey.  The upshot of Visio is that it's a pretty easy program to use.

[zero-one]

I use Visio also. To me it's the best 2D, all purpose drawing tool around. I've used CorelDRAW, Illustrator, and a few other 2D CAD programs and I kept coming back to Visio due to its ease of use.

As for 3D drawing, I'm still looking for something suitable myself.

Cheers and good luck with you cabinet panels.

[Isometric Bacon]

Thanks. Looks like i'll look into Visio. I don't really need 3d images anyway, it would just be a nice way to spruce up my work. I think given extra time, (and less commitment) I would probably look into relearning CAD, but I just don't have the availability between now and when this is due.

Thanks for the help guys! 'preciate it.

[Isometric Bacon]

Erm. One more question... Where can I get Visio?  

I originaly was under the impression that it was available in Microsoft office, but it seems that it's only in the later versions, and not in Office 2000 that I have.

Bummer.

Is there a free downloadable trial out there anywhere?

I think i remember searching earlier, finding a 30 day trial version, but there wasn't one that allowed you to save... If I could get one that would save files, it would be ideal as I don't think it's beneficial to buy the program if i'm only going to test it out and possibly use once... If it's any good however, I think i'll look into getting it with an upgraded office package.

[Nyrine@Work]

My copy of Visio came with the copy of VS.NET my employer provided me with.

[Lilwolf]

TurboCad is free (old versions are)... 4.something.

Then there was a free version of 6 in a magazine... but the person who reported it, didn't mention the magazine it was in...

I would LOVE a good program... and I don't own Visio either (still running office95... runs GREAT here... I don't know why anyone would upgrade their word processor.... ohh... I can type SOOOO much better now.... I feel so POETIC... After upgrading, my word usage is good!  I'm SO Glad that I like have the latest Microsoft office... )

<< Ok movie trivia... What movie had the Fab line... I'm in broadcasting because -->"My word usage is good!"<--  
>>

[Tailgunner]

I use Rhinoceros for 3D modeling and general CAD work. It's easy to learn and cheap if you're a student. There's a demo available, it's fully functional though it's save function quits working after 20 uses.
you can check it out at: www.rhino3d.com