Best non-commercial software for creating woodworking plans?

[Chris Lukowski]

What software would you recommend for a DIY hobbyist to use for non-commercial woodworking design? I briefly played around with SketchUp Make (since I don't want to shell out for their $600 Pro version) but it seems limited when it comes to converting the end-result 3D drawing into other views that would help with construction, like exploded views, multi-profile views for printing, and cut lists. Is there anything out there that does this without having to shell out big bucks?

[Andy Giddings]

Chris, about the only free software package I've used that does most of what you need is Autodesk Fusion. I switch between Sketchup Make and Fusion depending on the number of components in what I'm building. Fusion is better for me in producing component drawings. I don't believe either will produce a cutlist without some sort of addon. I use Cutlist Plus as a separate program for that purpose

[Matt Day]

Sketchup.

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[Chris Lukowski]

Sketchup.

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The Make or Pro version?

[Dave Richards]

I create lots of detailed furniture plans using SketchUp. Exploded views and three-views of the parts are easily created. Dimensions and labels can also be added (although that's much more full-featured in LayOut) and there's at least one free extension that will generate cutlists from the Sketchup model. I use SketchUp pro so I can use LayOut for the documentation part but it can be done with Make. You would just need to export the various scenes as images for the plan document.

[Daniel O'Neill]

I use AutoCAD at work and a little bit of Sketchup at home. It's hard to switch between the two sometimes but cost makes it so. I would say give yourself some time to use sketchup. I got some help here on how to make exploded views etc. and it turns out pretty well. Hope you get the designs you want.

[Chris Padilla]

Sketch Up is the best...mostly because it is free. It has a plugin available for it called CutList. It works pretty well...not prefect...but will get you pretty darn close.

[Richard McComas]

This may be of interest to some of you. It's is a copy and past of a post from another forum.

This is a copy and past from another forum but it's easier than me typing it all out.


I was looking at current 3D cad programs available today when I ran across a notice that said the Solidworks will provide a Veteran with the Student version of their CAD program. All that is required is the Vet upload a copy of their DD-214 (blacken out your SSN). I did that. They sent me an email with a link to proceed with the purchase. Total cost $20.00. That is not a typo – Twenty Dollars!!!
Solidworks is one of the premier CAD programs and when purchased by a business will run $5000+ for the first seat. The Student version is a fully functioning 3D cad program with incredible capabilities. You do need a newer Computer 64K operating system to run it. (It took 2 hours to load.) I am stunned by the offer. If you take the time to do the tutorials provided – you will have professional CAD capabilities at your fingertips for next to no cost.
I am not associated with Solidworks in any way, shape or form.

https://store.solidworks.com/veterans/de...mand=Step1

[Chris Lukowski]

Sketch Up is the best...mostly because it is free. It has a plugin available for it call CutList. It works pretty well...not prefect...but will get you pretty darn close.

Do you know if it works with the new 2016 Make version? I remember coming across that plugin and some commenters were saying it broke with the latest update.

[Dave Richards]

The cutlist extension works just fine in SketchUp 2016 Make.

[Matt Day]

Just to let you know, Dave is kind of the man at Sketchup.

[Chris Padilla]

Just to let you know, Dave is kind of the man at Sketchup.Not "kind of"....THE MAN! :D And 2016 and CutList work just fine together.

[Martin Wasner]

My experience with Sketchup is I could build something in less time than the drawing takes.