Guest Kilo Posted February 3, 2020 Report Share Posted February 3, 2020 Okay, I am getting back to woodworking after many years away. I am fairly computer literate but have never used any type of CAD system. I want to use a design/modeling software for furniture projects, built in benches, etc. I purchased the shop version of Sketchlist and have been trying to learn it. I am starting to learn the basics and I like some of the features but it is taking time to get proficient. Before I spend more time I want to make sure I am not using the wrong program. So many people post projects designed in Sketchup. I would rather invest a little more money and be on the right path if I am not already. Any opinions from people that have looked into both programs? I would love some advice. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 3, 2020 Report Share Posted February 3, 2020 Sketchup is a good choice for making custom designs, and the learning curve starts low, but gets steeper for advanced features. I never tried Sketchlist, so can't offer a direct comparison. A free alternative that has amazing functionality, but perhaps a steep learning curve, is FreeCAD. It is an Open-source option, comparable to programs like Autodesk Inventor. As I said, there is definitely a learning curve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimayo Posted February 3, 2020 Report Share Posted February 3, 2020 I haven't used Sketchup for a while but, I think version 2017 is still free. It has most of the functionality of the pay-for version. So, you can try it and learn it before buying. Do a google search for "Sketchup older version". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kilo Posted February 3, 2020 Report Share Posted February 3, 2020 Thanks for the feedback. I think Sketchlist may be a better overall program so I am going to invest my time in it for now to see if I can make it work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted February 3, 2020 Report Share Posted February 3, 2020 One of the great advantages of SketchUp is Bob Lang who has written a great interactive ebook on using the program. It walks you through all of the major functionality in a step by step fashion and you can follow along in your own version of SketchUp. Also, you might find some more discussion of CAD programs in the Digital Design section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 3, 2020 Report Share Posted February 3, 2020 Not to mention, Bob is a member here, and usually responds to questions about Sketchup or his book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roscoewoodworker Posted March 6, 2020 Report Share Posted March 6, 2020 I have used both Sketchup and, more recently, Sketchlist. They operate in very different way. The developer/owner of the software has been extremely responsive to me since I originally bought the Shop Version. Then, when there was a recent deal, I upgraded to the Pro Version for an additional $130. (I don't think that deal is available anymore.) Getting used to Sketchlist after using Sketchup for a number of years was a little difficult at first. Now, however, I think that it is a good match for my woodworking hobby. Pricing is also one of the big differences between the two applications. Sketchlist (both shop and pro versions) is purchased via a one-time licensing fee while Sketchup can be used via a free cloud-based application or purchased with an annual maintenance fee. That pricing for Sketchup can get expensive when added up over a number of years. For now, I have decided to stick with SketchList because I think it will serve my needs just as well as Sketchup for less total money over time. An additional SketchList benefit is that Dave, the developer, is running weekly online support session meetings to answer questions about user problems and to get feedback on the software. Can't beat that for support. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJK Posted September 12, 2020 Report Share Posted September 12, 2020 I’ve been using SketchList for about 4 years to design work tables with mortis and tendons, at torsion box work table and preliminary designs for bathrooms. In my opinion it has a few serious flaws from the stand point of basic CAD designing. A few short falls; you cannot use their attributes to place a cutout along the edge of a sheet of ply (a lap joint) without going to a lower level and movie points as you would in a Microsoft box tool; if you want a Tenon at the end of a board and with a chamfered tendon end the software will not allow chamfering the tendon, also the tool will not allow the placement of a hole through the a board and add recessed hole to recess a bolt. I’m seriously considering paying the fee and change to SketchUp because SketchList too many limitations for what I expect. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 12, 2020 Report Share Posted September 12, 2020 @TJK, I suggest you take a look at FreeCAD before dropping the cash for Sketchup. www.freecadweb.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danwrnr11 Posted July 11, 2022 Report Share Posted July 11, 2022 To all I am a woodworker that was away from the trade for awhile. I have tried sketch up, sketch list 3Dand both are "OK" but I think a parametric cad program is better as you work from a design tree which allows you to go back and edit features anytime during the design process. I would recommend designspark for free,as well as Alibre atom which is only $149 for a license for life offering which is unheard of. Alibre has no maintenance fee and has free upgrades for a year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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