Which tool you use depends to a great degree on what sort of work you wish to do and how you wish to approach it. I've tried to maintain a list of all the free/opensource CAD programs at: I don't mind popping for an updated version from time to time, but can't handle the monthly fee for things that I only use periodically. Sadly, software developers are all going to subscription models, which is hard on hobbiests like us.

Sketchup has been updated since then, but the fundamentals are still the same so don't let that bother you. Those DVD's are still available see link. I had some trouble learning sketchup too I bought the Joe Zeh tutorial DVD and worked through those lessons and now I feel pretty comfortable with it. Follow this link, scroll to the bottom and use Sketchup 2017.Įventually, we will have to upgrade but that won't happen for a number of years. You can still get the older non-web-based version of Sketchup I just downloaded it a couple days ago. April Wilkerson on her channel just released a couple of worthwhile ones, for example. Lots of Youtube videos on Sketchup as well. I took the Fusion classes from Udemy and they were very helpful. In either case google 'Sketchup for woodworking' or 'Fusion 360 for woodworking' for available classes.

Sketchup does have a pro version with a lot more features, but it will cost you $300/yr. If you desire is for simple 3-D drawings, Sketchup is still a great alternative. If your desire is to eventually get to CNC, I'd jump into Fusion. You can still get the older versions here. I still use Sketchup with an older downloaded version. I use both depending on the project.įusion is definitely a higher learning curve, but it is available for free.

It's parametric driven, which is different than Sketchup. Fusion 360 from Autodesk is the standard for a lot of makers.

Fusion 360 free for hobbyists