JohnH Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I'm hoping to design some photo etch artwork for some 16mm scale projects - window frames/strapping/signs/etc and was wondering if the forum could recommend a fairly easy to use programme. I know it's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question, but I'd be interested in your views. I've tried using Corel Draw and Autocad (via my son who uses them at University) but I'm struggling a bit...! The only other drawing software I've used is Sketchup, which I really like, but doesn't produce files that the etchers, PPD like. Thanks for any help or advice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flubrush Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I'm hoping to design some photo etch artwork for some 16mm scale projects - window frames/strapping/signs/etc and was wondering if the forum could recommend a fairly easy to use programme. I know it's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question, but I'd be interested in your views. I've tried using Corel Draw and Autocad (via my son who uses them at University) but I'm struggling a bit...! The only other drawing software I've used is Sketchup, which I really like, but doesn't produce files that the etchers, PPD like. John, I would stick with a CAD program if you want to get photo tools that are accurate. It can be a pretty steep learning curve but it will be woirth it in the end. :-) If you have some experience of AutoCAD then you might want to look at Draftsight, which is a free 2D CAD program which can be downloaded. It is a very close clone of AutoCAD LT. http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight/overview/ I also use CorelDraw, but not for CAD work. I know that some people do CAD work on it, but I would much prefer a good 2D CAD program if I wanted good and accurate drawings for etching. Jim. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarryscapes Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I still use TurboCAD 12 Professional. It's old, but has no issues with artwork for PPD so far (other than cock ups of my own making!). I have tried a couple of more modern free CAD programs, Draftsight may have been one of them, but all were so slow I gave up with them, not to mention totally non intuitive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I would suggest QCAD. I find it simple to use and it's free.http://www.qcad.org/en/ . I have used it for generating artwork and PPD accepted it without any problems. I have even started do a few video guides specifically for using it to generate artwork for etching. eg http://youtu.be/ff-bbx_-vt0 More listed over on Western Thunder if it helps http://westernthunder.co.uk/index.php?threads/qcad-getting-started-guides.3454/ I really must get the final few produced. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted November 26, 2014 Author Share Posted November 26, 2014 Many thanks for the replies and advice Gentlemen - it really is very much appreciated! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegavs Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I have used inkscape to send files to PPD which turned out well. https://inkscape.org/en/ and its free Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzler Fan Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 I have even started do a few video guides specifically for using it to generate artwork for etching. Very good! I was up until 1am following them. Given me the impetus to have a go. Thank you Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richbrummitt Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 I would suggest QCAD. I find it simple to use and it's free.http://www.qcad.org/en/ . I have used it for generating artwork and PPD accepted it without any problems. I have even started do a few video guides specifically for using it to generate artwork for etching. eg http://youtu.be/ff-bbx_-vt0 More listed over on Western Thunder if it helps http://westernthunder.co.uk/index.php?threads/qcad-getting-started-guides.3454/ I really must get the final few produced. Are keyboard shortcuts implemented? I've used AutoCAD from R13 to 2004 and struggled to find a replacement at a price point I'm happy with (don't necessarily expect free) that has keyboard shortcuts implemented as AutoCAD does them. Trying to work without them is a long-winded and a PITA. A9CAD is close but you have to click into the command bar at the bottom before it will take the shortcuts (and not all are implemented), which kind of defeats the object. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Are keyboard shortcuts implemented? I've used AutoCAD from R13 to 2004 and struggled to find a replacement at a price point I'm happy with (don't necessarily expect free) that has keyboard shortcuts implemented as AutoCAD does them. Trying to work without them is a long-winded and a PITA. A9CAD is close but you have to click into the command bar at the bottom before it will take the shortcuts (and not all are implemented), which kind of defeats the object. Hi, yes QCAD has keyboard shortcuts implemented for virtually all operations, the key combination is often shown in the brackets and is fairly intuitive, so to set snap to grid is 'S G', and no you don't need to have command line focus for them to work. Command line focus also has a shortcut! So press the space bar and it will set focus to the command line. So entering data points is a quick tap on the space bar and then enter the numbers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beatty 139 Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Is it not worth having a look at ebay for second hand copy of some thing like 2000LT it predates internet registration locks so as long as you have someone selling an old copy with a key you should be fine. It will do everything you want and are used too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 I would suggest QCAD. Thanks very much for pointing me to QCAD Adrian and for posting your excellent, easy to understand tutorial videos on Youtube. Within a relatively short space of time I have actually been able to draw something worthwhile! Pardon my ignorance, but I'm struggling to find how to find/use a 'fill' function to block in black or half etch red areas - is there an easy way? Thanks again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richbrummitt Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Is it not worth having a look at ebay for second hand copy of some thing like 2000LT it predates internet registration locks so as long as you have someone selling an old copy with a key you should be fine. It will do everything you want and are used too? I have a computer with a clean Win2000 install that just runs AutoCAD2000. One day the hardware will die and it won't install on anything too new - Windows 7 won't install it, for example - so I'll be stuck. Electronic components have a variable finite life and this kind of computer will, I think, have served most of that life. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Revolution Mike Posted December 1, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 1, 2014 Rich There are all sorts of workarounds to get Autocad 2000 to run on W7 - ranging from copying files from the installation disk to running it through a virtual machine. So you may well be able to bodge something together. Cheers, Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Thanks very much for pointing me to QCAD Adrian and for posting your excellent, easy to understand tutorial videos on Youtube. Within a relatively short space of time I have actually been able to draw something worthwhile! Pardon my ignorance, but I'm struggling to find how to find/use a 'fill' function to block in black or half etch red areas - is there an easy way? Thanks again. Hi, Spurred on by the interest in my videos I have just posted another couple of videos which deals specifically with filling in the areas, in QCAD you are basically hatching in with a solid colour. The first one is the straight run through to fill in. However as I'd done it a few times before I just ploughed through the task and it worked first time for me as I knew what I was doing ( I think!!). However there are a couple of pitfalls which may catch out people trying it for the first time so there is an update with a few tips on how trouble shoot hatch fill if you are struggling. I hope these help - if not then please let me know and I'll try to see what the problem is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 Adrian - many thanks for taking the time to post these further videos. They are indeed a great help! Very clear and easy to understand. Thanks once again. John. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGC Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 I have a computer with a clean Win2000 install that just runs AutoCAD2000. One day the hardware will die and it won't install on anything too new - Windows 7 won't install it, for example - so I'll be stuck. Electronic components have a variable finite life and this kind of computer will, I think, have served most of that life. Yes it will, get a computer with powerful enough capacity (ie decent processor (AMD not Intel!) and a goodly amount of RAM, say 8Gb), download Oracle Virtualbox which is free virtual PC hosting software, install virtualbox, build yourself a Windows 2000 or even XP virtual computer and install AutoCAD2000. Easy! Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beatty 139 Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 I hope it is that easy I have never really moved on from 2000lt, it does everything I need and although I have later versions of autocad at work I often do most work on 2000 as I find it much more user friendly than later revisions. just had my desk top that was running vista, power supply die and worse still it's killed the hard drive, have a friend rebuilding it but now need to find all my software to put back on it, until then I am reliant on an old lap top to design on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richbrummitt Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Yes it will, get a computer with powerful enough capacity (ie decent processor (AMD not Intel!) and a goodly amount of RAM, say 8Gb), download Oracle Virtualbox which is free virtual PC hosting software, install virtualbox, build yourself a Windows 2000 or even XP virtual computer and install AutoCAD2000. Easy! Phil Sounds easy but is not a solution that I will live with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzler Fan Posted December 18, 2014 Share Posted December 18, 2014 + No.8 is posted too.Great job Adrian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted December 19, 2014 Author Share Posted December 19, 2014 Thanks again Adrian! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymw Posted December 19, 2014 Share Posted December 19, 2014 Hi, I and many others use design-cad http://www.imsidesign.com/Products/DesignCAD .It's now owned by the same folk as turbocad, has been around for years, originally named 'pro-design'. Most likely the 2d version would do for etches. I've the 3d version, but normally only use it in 2d. You can configure keyboard shortcuts in more or less any way you like. There used to be, not sure if still there, a very good forum, plenty of help, if needed. You will only use a very small subset of its capabilities if doing drawings for etches. Best wishes, Ray Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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