Computer Drawing Tool for Guitar Plans

[Tom Krebs]

I'm looking for a cheap, basic computer drawing tool. Something easy to draw stuff in 2D. Thanks for any input you may have.  Tom

[FRANK]

you want something like CAD computer animated drafting ? they have several programs i have not seen one specifically for guitars no but any CAD program will work Google it you aught to be able to purchase it via internet maby go look to cnc machines and or laser machined

[Tom Krebs]

Thanks Paul.

I should clarify: I am looking for something lightweight and possibly free. I have Googled I am hoping that someone might have first hand experience with one of the many free / cheap program downloads. I have an electric guitar design that I need to draw and then produce variations of that design. It does not need much depth or detail. I am interested in presenting basic 2D outlines that do not need to be exacting measurements. Something for quick rough draft ideas.

Thanks - Tom

[Paul Verticchio]

Microsoft Paint?

[Pierre-Antoine Roiron]

I use Qcad for drawing little parts. Easy (spend two hours following a tutorial and it's ok), free (open source I believe).

[John C. Murray]

cheap?..how about free? Check out Google's Sketchup
http://sketchup.google.com/#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na...

watch the tutorials. this is a great tool for a number of different things.

[David Radlin]

Try DraftSight by Dassault Systems:

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/draftsight-overview/

It's vector based 2D and free.

[Robert Filippi]

I recommend that you try an older version of a well known program e.g. Corel Draw 12 (ebay $30) or Adobe Illustrator.

These are not lightweight programs but as you gain proficiency in using them, you will find a myriad of uses. (I do invoices,customer tracking, guitar labels, brace designs, nut & saddle spacing, pearl inlay design, etc.(and your printouts are accurate to within ten-thousands of an inch (or so they claim)

 

I could build and repair guitars without it, but just try and take it away from me.

[François Laforge]

What David said!

 

Draftsight is laid out almost like AutoCAD, (similar hotkeys etc.)

 

The Linux version should be coming out soon! (=100% free = nice!)

 

Have fun!

 

Frank L.

 

 

[Tom Krebs]

Thanks everyone for the input. Greatly appreciated.  I have been downloading a few programs and looking a tutorial videos.  So far, Draftsight feels right for me. I will keep exploring. Too many good choices :)