At SketchList we often get questions about its applicability to diy woodworking projects. For example a woodworking products supplier wanted some help in setting up plans to sell to their customers. The advantage of the plan was it required no work to execute.  However the disadvantage was the lack of inflexibility.
Someone wrote into that company website saying they wanted to buy a bed frame if only it could be six inches longer.  There son was tall!  Now probably you could work out how to add 6″ to the length – but not everyone is as crafty as you!  Flexibility and customization to meet needs – a big advantage of custom wood craft.
The best solution, I told the executives, involves creating the plans in SketchList 3D and allow quick and easy modification.  Their customers get what they want plus a cut list plus a sheet good layout.

So diy woodworking projects and software. Can it be done?

Here is what Healthy Handyman said after reviewing SketchList 3D for the DIY woodworker.

“So, instead of buying a new box, I thought I’d build one from plans available on the Internet and attach a folding workbench to the back of it. Even if SketchList 3D  is designed with cabinet making in mind, the real test in the software’s utility for DIY folks is how versatile it is. We’re always looking for ways to get the most of our money, right? Getting started is pretty simple. Just open it, enter the dimensions of your project, and away you go. It only takes a couple of minutes to get designing, which is great if you’re really interested in getting to work.”

Read the full review here. LINK

Our users certainly agree with the article.  A survey of SketchList 3D users revealed that 85% of them would recommend SketchList 3D to friends and family.  This was for both professional and diy woodworking projects use.
Healthy Handyman is a great site for tools and tip reviews.

“Ranking products in our in-depth buying guides is not an easy job. We spend countless hours testing different products, reaching out to customers, researching and much more. We then rate each product based on dozens of factors. Among the most important factors are performance, price, warranty and real customer ratings.
On average we spend more than 40 hours compiling one buying guide. This may sound like a very long time, and it is. But it’s definitely worth it for us because these buying guides help thousands of people like you make solid buying decisions a lot faster and easier.”

Thank you Healthy Handyman!

But we’re not finished yet.

Next week begins our beta test of a SketchList 3D add-on that allows you select from a large number of project types [cabinets, tables, benches – the list will grow over time] and modify that as needed by filling information about how the piece is built and its relevant sizes and materials.   Or you can accept the default values.  One button click moves that assembly into SketchList 3D where cut lists, shop drawings, and even a sheet goods layout report are generated.
This differs from using objects from the SketchList library in the amount of work required to make those first pieces.   You can make that first cabinet in minutes – even if you’ve never used SketchList 3D before.  Of course if you save these assemblies to the library – you can use them from there.  Just like now.

Filling the gap.

This functionality fills that gap between board by board design [a SketchList strong point] and inserting cabinets from our library.  I don’t think it really replaces one or the other.  Rather it augments the way the entire SketchList design process works. Since the start SketchList worked to bridge the gap between CAD and box based cabinet software.  LINK for more.
The add-on may appeal more to those looking for diy woodworking projects since they use the software on a less than day to day basis.  The next project they take on requires little to no time to re-acquaint themselves with the software.
Another way the add-on differs is you can make changes on more of a universal scope.  For example if you want to change all sheet goods from 3/4″ to 5/8″ you just make that change once and it changes every 3/4 inch plywood to 5/8 inch plywood.  More importantly this changes all the other parts affected by the change from 3/4′ to 5/8′ .

This is a very early image of the add-on product.  They say its user interface is one only a programmer or engineer would like.  We’ll fix that – suggestions welcome.  But it works wonderfully.  It’s fast and flexible and, like all SketchList products, only improve with your feedback.

The post DIY woodworking projects – fun and useful at the same time. appeared first on SketchList3D.

“I got the order thanks to my craftsmanship & Sketchlist 3D! They told me they couldn’t believe how fast I produced Concept drawings of their new kitchen. They told me the other contractor had come back to see them. He had a pencil drawing of their new kitchen.  They told him they were all set. I will do the final  kitchen in the next 2-3 weeks, including  the island. After I complete that I can send it to you. Take care and talk soon.”

Over the past 12 months this shop sold a lot of new jobs using SketchList 3D.
Another shop owner wrote us that he is “Starting to get the hang of SketchList.  I just got the go ahead on a couple orders where I used your software for renderings. They said they “loved” the look.”
The next image of an island demonstrates the type of details possible.

If your want someone to pay you make a project for their home, office, or store they need assurance what you deliver meets their expectations.   Paper and pencil won’t do that.  Everyone knows that.
And we will work with you to bring SketchList 3D into your business so you product a high quality kitchen cabinet image for your proposals.   More than that working together we train you to start producing the necessary kitchen cabinet image needed to win jobs in the shortest possible time.

The post Read how a kitchen cabinet image helps sell a kitchen job. appeared first on SketchList3D.

I met  Ralph just after  I started SketchList.  Ralph reviews software, provides consulting services to some users, and is our go-to guy for CNC advice. He is an expert in all sorts of woodworking design,  involved with CAD products for nearly twenty years.  In addition to his own cabinet business, Ralph writes, blogs, and reviews woodworking products for manufacturers.  And with an exciting new venture, he  has just started his own Amazon TV show.

I wanted to call the show to the attention to those  looking for tips and techniques for woodworkers.  I watched his videos and must say they are clear and well thought out.  And the production quality is top notch as well.  He picks some interesting projects to make.  And  they are nice designs and usually offer up some sort of woodworking challenge.   And to make it better for us, Ralph used SketchList for the design and planning.  In addition Ralph might just send you a copy of the SketchList 3D files for your use.  That seems like an opportunity for you.

So let me share an image of the table.  The top is hidden so you get a better view of the lower portions – braces and legs.  He builds this table  episodes of the show.  So Ralph used many of the more detailed tools in SketchList 3D.  He told me it took about an hour to complete the model – and much of that was ‘think time’ involving the look and feel.

This is from Ralph:

The upcoming Episode 7 of the Amazon Prime show, Woodcademy features SketchList 3D.   The Dining Table build uses a Sketchlist design, showing how the software mirrors the actual woodworking process in the shop.

Hosted by veteran woodworker and woodworking author, Ralph Bagnall, Woodcademy is designed around projects that teach viewers new skills that can be applied to their own woodworking goals. Companion plans are available to download for free from the Woodcademy website for each project allowing the audience to follow along while watching the show.

Woodcademy TV is available free for viewing on Amazon Prime (with ads) for viewers without a Prime account and ad-free for Prime subscribers.  In addition six episodes of the show are currently available for viewing.

Ralph authored this blog post for us a while back.

Let us know if you watch the show and tell us your opinion.

The post SketchList 3D soon to be on TV appeared first on SketchList3D.

Boy we at SketchList love to hear this about our woodworking design software free trial.

In several conversations Mike and I discussed how he might benefit from using SketchList 3D.  A very detailed kind of guy Mike takes care in selecting his tools.  An artist, Mike began painting, transitioning  to wood several years ago.  He began using SketchList 3D several months ago. In a short period of time he created some very nice projects.

His firm – Showroom Finish Carpentry, located in GA, designs, produces and delivers a wide variety of creations.  His web site gives us an insight to his work.

“Through years of experience, persistent trial and error, and relentless curiosity, I have developed a significant familiarity with designing, building, finishing, and artwork. I am always eager to learn new methods, concepts, and techniques.  My pursuit of perfection has remained evident in every project I have undertaken.”

Time and time again we say you might have the nicest vision in the world in your mind – but if you can’t put it on paper (or the computer screen) – it’s a hard sell.  What would you say about the image above to make a prospect understand it without seeing the rendering?

Mike wrote me the following:

“I use SketchList for planning and laying out all my projects. It is cost effective and very user friendly. Using this program promotes precision, thereby helping to maximize materials and minimize adjustments. Also, the owner/author is very responsive and helpful. The program is so versatile, I’m still discovering features. I learn a little more every time I use it. SketchList has become an integral part of my process. “

Let’s look at some more of his work.

This is a fairly basic project but easily and completely conveys the idea, scale, and relationship to the client for their approval.

Here is another fairly simple design – one that once created in the SketchList 3D library — serves as a beginning point for any other bookcase.   Simply insert and resize as the requirements dictate – taller, deeper, wider.

More complexity appears in this next design with its cut off ends, trash reception hole, and stone counter top.

Still more detail appears in the next design shown.  The arc in the center and inclusion of a television provide the client with an excellent picture of the proposed work.  Our woodworking design software makes it easy to include realistic details.

Finally these next two images do a great job of presenting the two walls of a laundry center.  Notice the appliances, five part doors (some of which are open to reveal the interior of the cabinet), and detail of the flooring.

Can you imagine what this type of detailed illustrations does for his business.  Well I can’t say but every time I speak with Mike – he’s very busy!  I want to thank him for this images and remind you they are the property of the Showroom Finish Carpentry company.

The post Woodworking Design Software provides a way to create dream projects appeared first on SketchList3D.

In its review of furniture design software, the publication WindowsReport picked SketchList3D as number 3.  WindowsReport is an independent online publication founded in the Fall of 2012.  They covers Microsoft’s Windows platform along with its many related products and services… We strive to provide important news, tips and various advice for PC owners.

In part they wrote of SketchList 3D:

“If you’re a fan of wooden furniture or work wood professionally, then this is the perfect furniture design software for you. SketchList3D simplifies the time consuming and repetitive woodworking design tasks, allowing you to work everywhere, in the shop or at your client’s home.”

Of course we appreciate the review.  Thank you WindowsReport.

Software for furniture design

SketchList 3D differs from other software reviewed. It incorporates woodworking processes like contours, shaping and the application of joinery.  All necessary furniture design software reports are integrated.  This means you get what you need without doing extra work.

A list of reports include the following.

1. Cut list
2. Shop Drawings
3. Optimized part layout diagrams
4. Purchase report
5. 3D photo like renderings

Create and use standard objects

• Cabinets. A library from which you just insert and size  to speed your designs.
• Drawers.  Create custom drawer styles.
• Doors. Create different styles for any job.
• Hardware. Customize your own hardware.

Follow this link to see a little more how SketchList3D works.

The post SketchList 3D in the top 3 for software for furniture design appeared first on SketchList3D.

I received an email asking about tapered legs.  I thought more than one person might be interested in how to make a tapered leg in SketchList 3D so I put a video onto YouTube.  I just noticed that John was asking a more specific question and my answer is more generic.

Near the end of the video I show how I set the taper to go the whole length of the board by changing the top and bottom ‘shoulders’ of the board to zero.  You can set them as anything.  Also the amount of taper is set in degrees and the overall location is a function of the number of degrees and the length of the leg.  You can taper one, two, three, or four edges.  The important thing to get this to work is to pick the orientation of board which has the board surfaces facing top and bottom.  That way all the edges become sides and you can apply the contours accordingly.

Experiment applying different contours – like a bull nose.   At the board detail level select the surface and click Shape.  Turn the square into a circle and you have a round leg – which can be tapered    Also once the leg is created try stretching and shrinking it by dragging the red dots.  Surprises abound!

Any questions shoot me an email.

The post Tapered legs video for furniture and cabinet designs appeared first on SketchList3D.

Here is an example of work designed by SketchList 3D user William LaRue of Ballston Spa, NY. He is a relative new-comer to the SketchList 3D cabinet design software tool. He is an experienced woodworker – in business for over 30 years. His smaller shop of four employees is constantly turning out cabinetry, furniture, and an assorted range of other products. You can see his work at

www.laruewoodworking.com

This sample is his fourth design with SketchList 3D. He has used the software for 2 – 3 weeks.

Notice the reality he is able to achieve by taking photo graphs of the room and importing those images into SketchList 3D objects for use in his designs.

The prospects now sees exactly what they are going to get. On top of that William was able to provide some alternatives.

This first image on the left is a photograph of the room

The second image shows how William replicated the existing room in SketchList 3D capturing all of the important elements — pattern, color and style.

In the the third image he had added a book shelf to the left of the fireplace and mantle.

This is a side view of the SketchList 3D model of the bookcase. Notice the beaded board back on the bottom case.
In the next image you see the proposal for placing the bookcase on the right.

As you view the images think of that William’s prospect is seeing and thinking.

Certainly not about how it’s done, or does this person know what he’s doing – or maybe not even about the price. That prospect is thinking ‘”This looks great: , This will work nicely.” , “Maybe a case on both sides would be best..”

He or she is engaged in the creation of something that adds value to the room, increases utility, and is something to be proud of owning.

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So in a few minutes the bookcases are combined in the overall project – giving the prospect what he or she wanted.

The bookcase on the left is cloned, moved to the right, and automatically stretched to fit into the space available.

Sales tool? Design Tool? Planning Tool? You Pick.

SketchList 3D becomes a strategic part of a woodworking firm’s business. The prospect is totally engrossed in the process. In fact many times will say to friends admiring the end product “Yes I did design that for that spot.” Ownership in every sense of the concept.

A side benefit for the woodworker – the process of thinking about how this is going to be made has already started. It can be tested, and tried, and modified until it’s just right. All without wasting a minute in the shop or a penny on material.

The shop drawings, parts lists, cutting diagrams – purchase lists are finished when the design is finished.

All that’s left to do is head into the shop and hand the job over.

Result – What Did the Prospect Say?

“Will,

Really nice presentation. Looks like you had some fun too with moving pictures around etc. I feel like I’m watching an episode of Property Brothers.

We would like pricing on both “Our Option” and Option 4.

Could you also provide the dimensions on both options.

Thanks,”

The post Samples and Designs – Cabinet Design Software appeared first on SketchList3D.

I also have some cabinet specific programs like Cabinet Cruncher and Cabinet Creator. However, in the short time I’ve used Sketchlist it is so much better because you need to think about what you are building; you design it first and add your boards much like you would do if you actually had to draft it. Beyond that, it is also a modeling program. You can “shape” your boards and virtually any design that you can think of is feasible to create in the program. Other programs are limited to either face framed or frame less square cabinets. That’s the Sketchlist difference for me.

Tony Portela

The post Tony Portela appeared first on SketchList3D.

I have been very pleased with your software. I spent 2-3 days practicing and learning. I bought it especially to build some for a client’s bookshelves. I had to break the design into three sections because I was working with two walls and a corner cabinet between.

What was really helpful to me was working with the available space, to get the best combination of dimensions in all of sections; getting all of the cutting set-up for each set of parts at one time; joining & layout. I saved time and errors.

Thanks, Bob

The post Client’s bookshelves appeared first on SketchList3D.

…I think the program looks great and will save me a lot of time planning out projects and visualizing their proportions before I build them…

The post Programmer’s viewpoint appeared first on SketchList3D.