Which software for tank builds?

[xaflatoonx]

On all these amazing DIY tank stand builds,
I see these sketches for the stand with perfectly sized 4x2s or 6x2s etc. color coded. And placed perfectly. What software is that?

I am starting to plan my wood stand. I would like to build something like that so I can show you guys here and get feedback. Can anyone please tell me what software is that?

Is it sketchup? Or something else.

 

[mcarroll]

Google Sketchup or anything similar.

 

[xaflatoonx]

thank you - any other software besides sketchup?

 

[Zephrant]

Sketchup drives me nuts. I'm used to AutoCAD, so having a sketch based program is not intuitive for me.

I like Fusion 360, also free, but it's a full CAD/CAM program, and might have a steep learning curve just for doing a stand drawings.

Look for deck design software- might find something online that would work for you.

 

[MaddyP]

I prefer Spaceclaim for any 3D work, although it may not be available without cost. Fusion 360 is good too, but a little less intuitive. Even though you have mentioned using wood, if you are open to options Maycad is fantastic for aluminum t-slot design.

 

[xaflatoonx]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the input.

 

[Mr_Robot]

I use sketchup for the vast majority of my modeling needs. The learning curve is a bit steep but once you get the fundamentals down it's a breeze to model something relatively quickly.

Here's a tip: start with a basic wall, board, brace, etc and make the finished part a group. Then you can make the next part attached and "hide" the first, then it makes it easier to select the second part and make it a group.
Identical objects can be turned into a component, then any changes will be applied to the other components in the sketch.

A point of reference, I built these using sketchup.

Here's my current project - It will show up in the DIY forum as soon as I get the parts needed for automation

Message if you need advice!

 

[xaflatoonx]

Thanks a million sir. I will definitely reach out to you. Really appreciate it.

 

[Sleepydoc]

Another vote for Sketchup. Basic version is free and quite powerful. For quick drawings you can learn the basics fairly quickly. There's no iPad/tablet version, though, so you need a 'real' computer.

 

[keddre]

I used sketch up. I like the ruler and how I can make boxes by typing in the dimensions

 

[zcedric]

Solidworks or AutoCAD

 

[litenyaup]

Does it work on MacBook?

 

[jsker]

I CAD everything, and yes it works on macbooks

 

[xaflatoonx]

I wish skethcup had an iPad version. Shouldn't be too long though. You can't have an app and not have it on a mobile platform these days.

 

[Greybeard]

I use AutoCAD (Electrical) for work... have access to Inventor, and still use SketchUP for tank stuff. Why? Why not? One major benefit, if I'm working with someone else, I can be sure that they have, or can get, a copy of the software. Yes, it's a bit crude, in comparison, but once you're over the learning curve, it's just as fast. It is, after all, a sketch. A way to play around with ideas in virtual space. It's not a building plan you're going to hand to someone else, along with a pile of cash, and have them do the work. It's a hobby, who'd want to do that?

Using modeling software of some sort, I highly recommend. Allows you to take a concept, fine tune it, make all the changes that you want... without cost, and when you're ready, you can turn it into reality.

From this



To this

 

[xaflatoonx]

Greybeard - that was so epic!
Thats exactly what i hope to do once i am done...

make a REALITY from a SKETCH and be proud of it.

very inspirational - thanks a bunch.

 

[Greybeard]

Greybeard - that was so epic!
Thats exactly what i hope to do once i am done...

make a REALITY from a SKETCH and be proud of it.

very inspirational - thanks a bunch.

Glad you like it. I'm _very_ happy with it, so far. Just wait 'till I get the shelving units done... I'm going with open front, light oak outside and trim, gloss white interior, glass shelves, and white LED's in the top of each unit. As soon as it cools down enough that I can stand to spend a few days in my (non air-conditioned) workshop :)

 

[xaflatoonx]

haha - i can totally relate. Looking forward to those updates in the stand. Following your build.

 

[FranklinDattein]

+1 for Fusion 360.
The learning curve wasn't too bad, what I learned can be used for 3D printing and CNC cutting, it is free, runs on macs, has easy online sharing and backup, designs are available on the phone with A360, it is parametric which allows for changing imensions by simply changing parameters, etc, etc.

I learned Skethup before I found Fusion and they are in different leagues.

 

[Ryan Browne]

Microstation or AutoCad