Alternative to Google Sketchup?

[Capt.Marion]

I'm working on designing and building some 8' long shelves, and I'd like to create a computerized model first.

Is there a good program similar to Google Sketchup that's free but a bit more intuitive to use?

The camera tools (trying to pan the view, etc) are killing me in Sketchup to the point that it's prettmy much useless...


Much obliged,
Marion

 

[UncleDrax]

Last I looked at Sketchup, it was pretty simple compared to 'true 3d apps'.. there are a few of those more like Blender (I understand Blender has some decent tutorials out there too)..
Unfortunately I haven't kept up with other FOSS/free apps out there that do 3d..

 

[Peter.Steele]

Lately I've been doing Autodesk Inventor Professional. It'll do anything you want - lay out holes, pick fasteners, etc. - but it's not what you'd call 'free.'

Not even close.

 

[Capt.Marion]

Don't worry, I read "Autodesk" and realized that it was the precise antithesis of free. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Peter.Steele]

Don't worry, I read "Autodesk" and realized that it was the precise antithesis of free. Thanks for the suggestions.

If you're not having any luck, I'd be happy to do up some drawings for you with Inventor... Shoot me over some specs, napkin drawings, w/e, and I can do up some sheets for you.