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How hard is it to use a cad program?
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Mark70:
which drawings you need is up to you and the project.

For example, you can have a skilled millworker whip you up a kitchen with just a verbal description (not that I'd try to do that since I am in the habit of using drawings more for contract purposes than to tell someone how to build it).  What I'm getting at is, assess the skill of your builder.  If it's you, and you've never built anything before and don't want to be making trips back to the hardware store for replacement materials, draw more, use the drawings for planning and purchasing materials.  If you build cabinets for fun and have a pro wood working shop in your garage, two elevations and a section will get you through.

Me, I'm a bit retentive when it comes to planning so I modelled it all in 3d, right down to the framing.  I made pattern drawings (dimensioned not actually used as layover patterns) for each piece, and I laid them out on 48x96 sheets so I'd save on material.
mccoy178:
Well, I just didn't understand what is necessary for the software.  I have built a ton of stuff, I just want to use the cnc router because it's really amazing.  I plan on powder coating this as well, so I want it as tight as possible.  I may end up building it the old fashion way due to odd angles.  I don't know how I would even begin to explain that to someone.  I will create a mock up and report back.  If I think I can properly draw the pieces and create a blue prints of sort, I'll go further.  I just know that based on how I've done things in the past, I won't trully be able to make it unless I just do it.  Does that make sense?  I've got some sorting to do.
eccs19:
May I suggest that if you do have a couple of volunteers here willing to help out with your cad stuff, you should find out for sure what program your CNC operator is working with.  If he's using Edgecam, then if someone can do it for you in edgecam, then your all set.  The problem with doing translations from one format to another, is you could potentially lose information.  Being as your probably just cutting out flat panels, your not going to be to bad, but.....

I will also volunteer my services.  I have access to Catia V4 & V5. (I prefer to work in V5)
M3talhead:
I too would be willing to give whatever you've got in mind a shot in SketchUp. I can export 3d renders into the following formats:

SketchUp (*.skp)
3DS (*.3ds)
AutoCAD DWG (*.dwg)
AutoCAD DXF (*.dxf)
FBX (*.fbx)
OBJ (*.obj)
XSI (*.xsi)
VRML (*wrl)
mccoy178:
I just found out they use Autocad.  I called the guy and he said he would be willing to draw it up for me.  What a stroke of luck.  He lives in Mass. and I live in Ohio, so this should be interesting.  He is coming to town next Wednesday, so I have a week to get my drawings ready and my design finalized.  Thank you very much for the offers guys.  I am also planning a cabinet very similar to the Golden Tee Live machine, so I will certainly be looking you fellas up.  I will keep this post alive or more likely link to the announcements page as my jukebox project just got thrown into overdrive.
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