Google Sketchup

[Ethanol]

http://sketchup.google.com/

Sorry if this is old news but I just found out about it. It is AWESOME!

I've only been using it for about an hour but I already mocked up some side panels that I'm gonna try to fab this weekend. It is really user friendly but I will admit moving in 3D took me a while. You can even print everything in actual size to use as blueprints or templates for cutting etc. If you know how to machine it'd probably be great if you didn't want to buy autocad or your preferred software.

I'll post pics of the side panel as soon as I get it welded up.

 

[motorbikejesus]

thats so cool and useful , post the pic when your done i want to see the finished product

 

[Ethanol]

You have pics of the finished part?

 

[pidaster]

I must be an idiot. I tried to use sketchup but couldn't get it to work right. I finally just did it on paper and got the design I liked. Then I transferred it over to my plate of aluminum.

 

[Ethanol]

You're not an idiot. It took me hours before I understood how it worked. Plus watching the tutorial videos helps a lot.

 

[Blake]

WOw! I am excited to learn about this! My sister in law works for Google and she hasn't mentioned it to me.