CAD/ SKETCH help and advice

[evolution]

Hi guys,
I am in the process of some metal work and I have a friend who will cut/weld/glue/magic stuff it all together for me.
But being the tightarse that I am I don't want to purchase tons of steel that ends up being wasted.

Is anyone here good with these kinds of programs who could help out?
Also is it possible with these programs to end up with a cut list so I can purchase what I need without buying a heap that I won't use?


Cheers
Evo

[edz]

When you get your cut list together, make sure that you can be there when its cut as you pay before they cut it ....
 Seems the dopes that some steel companies use cant read a tape measure or dont give a stuff about accuracy and cut either side of the mark line you wanted or in some cases have a saw blade 10mm or more thick and you only find the short / long cuts out after its delivered.
Good luck .

[dazzler]

Download google sketchup for free.
YouTube mastersketchup and watch the tutorials for the basics.

For cutting lists the secret is to make each piece a "group" by selecting it right click make group.
When you build the model don't draw it but assemble it. So say you are making a trailer that is 2400mm long by 1500mm wide. you would make a side rail that is 50mm wide, 75mm deep and then 2300 long. Group it, copy it and place them side by side.
Then make the end pieces 1500mm x 50 x 75 and do the same.

Connect them and you have the chassis. Select them all and make a group.

People have trouble with sketchup when they try and sculpt it from blocks. So they draw a 7x4 box for the trailer and start cutting bits out.

If you pm me I can make a start on the chassis for you and email the sketch to work on.

[roughing it]

Im a draftsmen and dont mind knocking something up tomorrow if that suits?

[evolution]

Thanks guys, it's not a trailer I'm making. 
It's actually a steel tray, but rather specialized.

I'll try and finish up the drawings and measurements.  I know a couple of the panels will have to be lazer cut.

Cheers
Evo

[dales133]

X2 for sketchup.
I'm crap at it but I've seen amazing stuff done with it.
To be fair I realy havnt given it much of a go myself

[roughing it]

If you need any autocad, inventor or Microstation help just ask.

[evolution]

If you need any autocad, inventor or Microstation help just ask.

Thanks mate, 
I'll shoot you a pm.

Cheers
Evo

[Symon]

You can download AutoCAD student for free.  More than enough for what you need.

[WilSurf]

Hi Dazzler, never heard about that mthod.
Will give that a try as I have used the "block" method.

[dazzler]

Hi wil. If you make say a chassis rail 2100 long then make it a component (right click while selected) and then copy it whatever you do to either will change the other. So if you edit one and make it 2400 long the other one changes. Bloody clever.

[WilSurf]

I did some drawings for a storage system with sketchup, but never used your idea.