|
timber frame design software
#16365
07/30/08 07:58 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20
fordh
OP
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20 |
Hello. I am interested in designing timber frames. What are the software options for someone with a small budget? Thankyou, Ford
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: fordh]
#16367
07/30/08 08:20 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 961
Ken Hume
Member
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 961 |
Hi,
For a zero balanced budget try Google Sketchup.
This will provide professional level 3D results.
Looking back to see the way ahead !
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: Ken Hume]
#16368
07/30/08 08:58 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20
fordh
OP
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20 |
Thank you. Can I do structure prints on this program. Can I draw to scale or not. Do timber framers design everything they need to build a frame with on this program?
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: fordh]
#16369
07/30/08 09:48 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 850
mo
Member
|
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 850 |
The 45,45,90 triangle combined with the 30,60,90 works well too. In short whatever you use now can be used. The design medium is not the hard part.
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: mo]
#16371
07/30/08 10:03 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20
fordh
OP
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20 |
Hello Mo,
I don't quite understand what you are talking of. Could you elaborate a bit more. Thank you, Ford
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: fordh]
#16374
07/30/08 10:21 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 850
mo
Member
|
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 850 |
Howdy Ford,
Well, my point is representing a design of a machine and representing a design of a timberframe are one in the same. The hard part is making it work. Any type of designing program or even pencil will work if done with discipline. I have seen architectural drawings of one house that are at least a hundred pages all done on a drafting board with pencil and ink. But to jump off my soapbox and answer your question. Sketchup is a good start after pencil and paper. Cad is better but definetly not budget friendly for those concerned with anti-piracy laws.
p.s. search the software topic area. If you do not know how to use sketchup there are some great contributions in there for learning.
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: mo]
#16378
07/31/08 01:26 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20
fordh
OP
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20 |
Thanks Mo. I will certainly do some searching and I do not know how to use Sketchup (is this what you all use for your little renderings I see through out this forum?). I do enjoy paper and pencil. Ford
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: fordh]
#16383
07/31/08 10:37 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,882
TIMBEAL
Member
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,882 |
I may try Sketchup this winter when there is not as much day light. I am under the impression it is less costly than even pencil and paper which is what I use. Paper and Pencil is my no tech approach. If you have a computer already you don't need any thing else? How about a printer, you need to take the work to the shop. Printers are par for the course anyway.
I have two drawing boards, one a "lap top" version, and a desk top with a T-square. I am looking at one with cables. Drawing by hand is not the least expensive. It has it's advantages and disadvantages. Tim
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: fordh]
#16385
07/31/08 12:37 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 895
daiku
Member
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 895 |
Thank you. Can I do structure prints on this program. Can I draw to scale or not. Do timber framers design everything they need to build a frame with on this program? Ford: I use Sketchup for all aspects of timber framing. From an initial sketch for my client during the bidding/pricing phase, right through the detailed shop drawings showing every mortise and peg holes. But Mo's point is a good one: Given enough time and care, you can get the job done with penicl and paper. The converse is also true: Do a sloppy job with Sketchup, and expect sloppy results. For more information on using SU for timber framing, visit this page on my web site: Timber Frame Design using Google Sketchup
-- Clark Bremer Minneapolis Proud Member of the TFG
|
|
|
Re: timber frame design software
[Re: daiku]
#16388
07/31/08 05:44 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20
fordh
OP
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 20 |
Hello Clark,
Looking forward to learning the program and utilizing its tools. Agreed; just like anything, what one puts in is the results received.
Thank you, Ford
|
|
|
|
|
|
|