I spent 3 years as a unix/Linux sysadmin, so I'd have no trouble using Linux.  I just need something that will run the apps I use.

Does anyone have experience using FreeCad for woodworking design?  Any advice for woodworking design software that runs on Linux?

I realize that asking about Linux on WTO is a long shot, but I figure it's worth a shot.

Thanks in advance for any help!

For those who don't have a huge investment in Sketchup maybe it's time to consider a succesor or at least an alternative.  What would that be?

How would I go about creating this in Sketchup as a whole and then just one side?

Also, how might I cut the sides at the table saw?

Also I'm planning on using cherry as a main wood.  Maybe walnut or Sapele for an accent.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance, you guys are the best.  By the way this is designed in Solidworks.

The program looks like it would be easier to learn than Fusion 360.  It is not parametric, but somewhere between SketchUp and F.360.  I'm told, but can't confirm, that it will draw true circles. 

The free version is pretty limited, so if you like it you're looking at $300/year.

I need ti cut around it, shrink it and apply it to a sheet.

I can twist the top relative to the bottom face, but no matter what I've tried I can't create a curving side that appears smooth.  I am trying to depict a turning blank that I will use for a project and I want to try out different proportions and different degrees of rotation.  I could try another design program, but I am reluctant to have to put things on hold while I climb another learning curve.  

The Sketchup version taught in the Guild is the web-based version, 'Sketchup Free'.  Does anyone see a problem using the latest desktop version (2017), called 'Sketchup Make'? 

I can tell you what I've done that hasn't worked.  I copied the entire SketchUp folder onto a flash from the old HD using Windows Explorer.  Then I copied the folder from the flash to the new desktop.  When I run SketchUp.exe on the new computer it shows the welcome pade, but asks for license information. 

SU still runs on the old comuter, which on start up does not ask for license info, and I don't see any such info in any obvious place.  Any thoughts?

Thanks for any advice.

Jim

legs base and top are 6"by30"by3"  and leg-column mortises are 3"by6" are 2"-deep and are 2" offset at the face edges of the leg-base to attach a support for clamping at the side-edge of the tail-vise

bench-top apron are 3"by3" actual-size

I have invested a lot of time creating models in Sketchup 2017 (and older) and don't fancy having to pay the exorbitant prices that Trimble are now charging. I am a one man hobby woodshop not some big corporation. Looks as though I will have to stay with Sketchup Make 2017 for now until they start restricting access to the model warehouse too.

Probably the most frustrating thing is that single objects are not automatically grouped but sit there as parts collections.

What I'm running into is when things connect to other things at edges then re-selection becomes difficult if not impossible.

Is there a way to make a new item automatically its own group?

Of course making a group item is not hard, but I would like it to be automatic.

Actually I have found a way, but it means the stretcher ends up being composed of two pieces. I can draw a shape within a stretcher, but cannot then push to create a mortice.

Anyone knows how to do that?

Once you have a curve created is there any way to edit the curvature? Or length?