Kidney-shaped desk

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Alan Robert Blough
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Joined: Mon, Dec 31 2007, 8:58AM

Re: Kidney-shaped desk

Post by Alan Robert Blough »

Mike,
I was thinking that there is a version of Autocad that does support 3D rendering. Are you possibly using Autocad Lite? Otherwise, why do a lot of these drawing programs tout that they use the same platform as Autocad as the basis for their software?
Alan Robert Blough
New Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon, Dec 31 2007, 8:58AM

Re: Kidney-shaped desk

Post by Alan Robert Blough »

Guys,
Thanks for all your posts. I am going to bow out of this topic for now. After trying to work with the software for a couple of hours and not getting the results I wanted, I bit the bullet and built a scale model of the desk yesterday...something I was hoping to avoid doing, but at least I have a presentation. My customer has been looking for a visual presentation for a couple of months and is getting anxious. I don't want to loose this project. I should probably get on board for one of Thermwood's training seminars.
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DanEpps
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Company Name: Dan Epps
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Location: Rocky Face GA

Re: Kidney-shaped desk

Post by DanEpps »

Trying to create a complex project like that takes far more than just a couple of hours. As you can see from some of the questions about your project, there are many variables that have to be taken into consideration before creating the final design.

A training class will definitely get you up to speed a lot faster than trying to learn a new software package with a complex project like this on your own.

Stay active in both the software and this forum and you will learn a lot.
Mike Brannon
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Location: Alexandria, VA

Re: Kidney-shaped desk

Post by Mike Brannon »

Yes, I am currently using AutoCAD Lite. It does allow for some drafting in 3D, but no rendering. I have used the more powerful version of AutoCAD in the past, but I can't justify the time and effort required to work in 3D for the kind of projects I do. I suspect your needs are similar. If you want renderings to use as a sales tool, master eCabinets. It will render somewhere between most and nearly all of the things you normally do, depending on how much of your business involves clients like this one. AutoCAD is an excellent tool for producing 2D engineering drawings that your cabinet makers will understand. One feature my crew is hooked on is the ability to plot out details like this full size. Or you can export it as a DXF that can be read by a CNC or by a program like eCabinets.
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