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More Training dates from Paul The Cad, please click here to find out more.
Hi there,
I will be attending The Kitchen and Bathroom Show this weekend - 27th and 28th June. Please click here to see the invitation.
Paul The CAD
Cutting Expenses
The majority of companies these days are looking to find savings in their operational costs. Being forced to look at alternatives to common practice may for some bring unexpected benefits. It’s the law of unforeseen circumstances.
So for all of you paying year in year out sky high prices for your CAD software click here to read more.
Designing the Universe
Don Cheke is launching the 2009 TurboCAD Challenge on the 1st June entitled Designing the Universe. So anyone out there with a drawing worth shouting about, or anyone who knows someone with a drawing worth shouting about please click here to read more.
Paul the CAD
CAD Jobs
As well as helping TurboCAD users solve practical drawing problems, I’m sometimes asked if I know trusted CAD Professionals that can undertake special jobs, either as one-offs, or as a resource that companies can use on a regular basis when they’ve got more work on than they can manage. These can range from simple Drafting Projects in 2D in either the areas of architecture or engineering to more complicated modelling in 3D, please read more on this on our blog page…
Paul The CAD
Free CAD Software
I have 20 Training CDs for the TurboCAD Constraint Manager. They were written for version 10, but are stand alone disks and will explain the workings of the tool, which is only included in TurboCAD Professional.
Anyone wants one just give me a call and I’ll put it in the post.
Paul The CAD
01962 835 081
TurboCAD Professionals
I have now included a new part to the site under TurboCAD Professionals, in this section I will include some companies that I know of that use TurboCAD in their different professions. I will also include drawings that they have completed using TurboCAD, I feel that this area of the site will become very useful to you if you are looking for examples of what can be done, but also, if you need someone to do something using TurboCAD.
Paul The CAD
Hi all,
After kicking around the idea for a TurboCAD blog for a year or so, I’ve finally, with a lot of help from colleagues, got it off the ground. The nuts and bolts of work tend to leave no time to do the interesting stuff, but we’re here now and I hope that the site will be a resource that will not only inform, but be a place where TurboCAD users can share their ideas, expertise or maybe just show off their work.
Over the next few months it will grow to include a gallery of drawings, tips, video tutorials, lists of shows and anything that I think fits. There will be a growing list of links to other sites that I think will be of interest to us all and I’m very open to suggestions.
Through my travels doing shows and running training days I’ve met CAD users, both 2D and 3D working in a wide variety of fields, sometimes using a combination of design software in interesting and sometimes unusual combinations. I’m sure that many would be delighted in sharing their experiences and experiments.
The site is only just starting, but my hope is that it will constantly evolve and develop into a useful forum for us all, but this will mean some of you out there getting involved, so let me know of your projects, your difficulties, your successes and we’ll see where it leads.
Paul The CAD
Dear Paul,
I am an Engineering Manager at SIS LIVE (formally BBC Outside Broadcasts). One project I’m in charge of is the BBC’s Golf output from a technical point of view. I’m currently planning next years Open Championship from Turnberry. The R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club) produce CAD drawings of the courses in .dwg format and I have to use these to add our camera towers, cable runs & most of all, the parking plan for the TV compound which has over 150 vehicles & cabins, tracks, toilets etc
I can not use Autocad so I’m at a huge disadvantage, I’m very computer literate using both Mac & PC platforms, For this years Open at Birkdale I had to produce the plan using a Mac specific non .dwg package called Macdraft so I couldn’t import from Autocad nor export to .dwg for the R&A.
I was just about to go on a basic Autocad course at my local college when a colleague suggested I look at Turbocad, which is available on both platforms. I think this will do the trick superbly, but I really do need some urgent training on it before I start work on next years golf planning.
Can you help me in anyway, by suggesting books or better still a training course?
I do you hope you can help.
Best Regards,
Alan Jessop
Engineering Manager
SIS LIVE
Paul,
I know you work closely with the IMSI guys in the UK.
Can you tell me what future developments there are for TurboCAD ?
Excellent blog Keep up the good work !
Gareth
TurboCAD Software Sales
SaverSoftware.com
Alan
TurboCAD if perfect for such tasks because it’s so much easier to use than AutoCAD and will do everything that you require of it. We run training courses in Winchester two or three times a month, some general and others with a focus on a particular discipline.
Anyone wanting details of the courses, just give me a call on 01962 835 081
Paul
Gareth,
Have no information concerning the next release yet. IMSI will probably start sending me lists of improvements at the start of the year. AS soon as I start getting any facts I’ll start publishing them here.
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for all your help and advice at the woodworking show a few weeks back, am getting on reasonably well with my drawings, but think I’ll come on one of your courses when I can find some time. You mentioned to me at the show that you could import your own photographs to use as backgrounds. I have tried this using instructions from the manual, but just can’t get it to work –any advice?
Cris Glover
Cris,
Must admit that the manual is not as clear as it could be here, I’ve had this question before. If you go to http://www.turbocad.co.uk and follow the lead to training and tutorials, towards the bottom right hand side of the page you will find a link to my training notes. On page 30 you’ll find the instrucions you need. It only tales a couple of minutes.
Paul
Guys,
Let me write my anger out. I’ve purchased MacDraft PE a couple ofdays ago and after a day finding it poor for my needs I requested a refund but they declined it. I spent more than the price of TurboCAD Deluxe 4 for a tool that does less than the Designer edition. For twice as much.
I’ll be more cautious next time.
Sorry for not posting into the right forum but there’s no right forum
Zoli
Zoli
I don’t know MacDraft PE, but if you let me know extactly what you need to do, I might be able to suggest a solution.
Where did you buy from?
paul
Hi, Can you help, I have started using Turbocad v11 but need a symbols package. The IMSI Symbols v3 is recommended to me but no one can tell me if it includes Pneumatic Symbols, any ideas? Chris
Chris,
As there is supposed to be 30 million symbols on the disk, I expect you’ll find what you need. However, if you call me at my desk, 01962 835 081(1), I can search for what you need and tell you exactly what’s there.
Paul
Hi Paul
I have just got Turbocad 14. I was used to autocad lt but now I’ve retired I cannot afford to buy a copy hence turbocad.
I find that it is not as easy to use as Autocad as some of the tools are a bit quirky.
The training cd and the book are not particularly clear and so I would like to get some training preferably at home. Do you know of anywhere around Leeds/ Huddersfield? Or is there a better cd than the one suppleid?
Best Regards
John
John,
I’m sure that once you understand the different ways that TurboCAD works you will find it much easier than AutoCAD. Generally speaking I find that once AutoCAD users give TurboCAD a chance the advantages are clear.
But to your immediate problem:
1 I have a book written for AutoCAD users to show the difference between the packages. It will show how a task is carried out in AutoCAD then how you would do it in TurboCAD. I sell it at cost price to me which is £25.
2 There are many short training videos on YouTube.
3 Lastly you are welcome to make a list of issues and give me a call at the office, if I’m away from my desk leave a number. If necessary I can link up our computers so that you can see my screen.
Paul
01962 835 081 (1)
Hi Paul,
I need to join the modern world and learn a CAD package for my kitchen and bathroom design and build business. There seems to be a lot out there and quite frankly I’m confused. A designer that has been drawing out my plans so far in 2D and uses Auto cad Lt, but he can’t draw in 3D which is now what I want. I understand that the full Auto cad will draw in 3D, but is very expensive and maybe far more complicated than I actually need. I think also that it’s time that I drew the designs myself, rather than rely on someone else. My main concern is that I buy a package that does not take me weeks and a lot of money to learn, but at the same time provides me with everything I need. TurboCAD seems to be one of the cheapest on the market, so I’m wondering why and will it do all I need?
Pete
Pete,
Your colleague drawing kitchens in 2D is rather behind the times. Years ago when that was all that was available it was fine, but these days clients want 3D realisations and there are plenty of packages to achieve this. There are bespoke kitchen design packages, off the top of my head I can think of Planit, with Alphacam, Cabinet Vision, Cabnetware and Solid Design, then there is Arcon and ArtiCAD. The first problem for you here will be to work out exactly the differences between them. Prices range from a few hundred to several thousands and viewing on line it is extremely difficult to see what you need. It is also often difficult to find the price, personally this really annoys me.
I’d suggest that your criteria for choosing by be the following.
Ease of Use.
The high end expensive packages will inevitably have lots of features that you will never use or need. If you don’t need them, then they can only slow you down and get in your way.
Training
Check out training courses, not only how much they cost, but also how long they take, anything past two or three days and it’s too complicated for your needs. Ask about free training to get you started, you don’t want to pay for someone to show you how to draw a square.
Support
AutoCAD will charge you something like £600 a year, just what are you getting for this? Not much is the answer, but that’s why they are so rich, loads of people pay up without considering whether they need to. Another point here is that most companies will promise support, but what they mean is technical support. So if your computer crashes, then they’ll help, (when they have time, between you and all the others waiting), but if you have a simple practical question, say regarding opening an incoming file, they’ll regard that as a training issue and your on your own boy.
Compatibility
Lastly and very importantly is compatibility. You must be able to open drawings sent to you created in different packages and you must have the ability of saving in lots of file formats including PDF and the latest and past DWG and DXF formats. If you can’t do this then you are seriously restricting your capabilities. If you buy any package that can only open a small range of file formats, then you’re throwing your money away.
Have a look around, see what’s out there. You are welcome to call my office for more advice.
Paul
Pete,
One thing that I forgot to mention was that you might want to look at Don Cheke’s Construction Drawing tutorial. Info on this site under ‘New CAD Training’.
Paul
Paul,
As a favour, I need to plan out some stage designs for an amateur dramatic company. I’m sure that I could work it out in 2D with packages that I already have, but thought I might have a go with a CAD package so that I can produce 3D models, which at the end of the day, would be far more useful, especially if I carry on to do another for them. I don’t want to spend ages first learning a package, neither do I want to pay a lot for it. I’ve found some free stuff, but it all seems a bit short of what I need. I know about the free training for Turbocad but is there any training more geared to what I need to know, any theatre templates, figures, 3d symbols that would be of use? – and preferably free.
Any pointers in the right direction would be most appreciated.
John
John
A couple of years ago I met Graham Vockins, the stage Director for the Shinfield Players, an amateur rep company near Reading. At the time Graham was using TurboCAD v11 to design not only the look of the sets, but also work out how props were stored between scenes. The following link will take you to the case studies where you can read about Graham’s work:
http://www.turbocad.co.uk/casestudies.php?PHPSESSID=71af1df0d99b3cf2843efd1cc1015028
I don’t know of any theatre templates, but it would not be difficult to make them up. After you’ve designed a couple of sets you can slowly build up a library of all your props which would greatly speed up the whole design process. I do have some symbols CDs with chairs and tables on them as well as ones with plants, cars etc.
Paul
Paul,
I have been looking for a new low cost CAD package that does 2D Parametrics and Turbocad obviously offers this (as well as IMSI’s new Doublecad XT pro)but my question is are there any people/companies that can provide programming addons, such as new commands and import/export filters ?
Thanks in advance
David
David,
The idea for the new Doublecad is to have all the advantages of TurboCAD in a package that looks like AutoCAD. Although I’ve seen the beta copies of it I just do not have the time to test drive it through its paces, although a friend has told me that it is good. As for someone willing to provide custom made plug-ins, I’d first try Don Cheke, dcheke@sasktel.net, I’m not sure if he would take on such work, but am sure that he will know who will if he can’t.
Paul
David,
I forgot to mention in my reply that there is a General Macros site, that may be worth lookin at. It can be found at http://www.bcitool.com. Placement of any of these tools should be done with TurboCAD shut down, so that it will load when TurboCAD is started.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Do you have any tips for someone who is starting out as a beginner?
I am a student looking for a software, so books and a tutorial site to guide me through some projects.
Dave
I’ve got a handful of TurboCAD professional v12 left with 2D and 3D training books, plus 2D and 3D training CDs. I’ve been selling the set for £100. Or as a student you can have Deluxe 15 for £30.
The advantage of the professional bundle is that once you got the hang of it you can upgrade to the latest pro at a fraction of the real price.
I’m in the office today, but off to Harrogate for the Model Engineers Show tomorrow lunch time.
Paul
Hi Paul
We are a furniture manufacturer, for commercial markets (bars, restaurants, shops etc.). We make standard and custom pieces, ie seating along walls etc. We have a need to do 2D and 3D designs and visualisation to support, web, print and specific sales, where need to show clients the 3d look on PC or printed.
Can you recommend a Turbo Cad Version, would the TurboCAD v12 pro fit the bill the £100 with books/cds ? Want to get urgently if you can mail me back.
Hi Paul,
I’m a model engineer and have no cad experience. I would like to have a try at doing some cad drawing. I did notice a cad stall at harrogate over the weekend but didn’t manage to speak to anyone.
What is the best cad programme for a model engineer?
Paul
I sell TurboCAD professional to a lot of designers working in your field. So I know TurboCAD will be perfect for the job. You will need a professional version, but you have four to choose from. Here are the issues and costs:
V12. The advantage is that for £100 it comes with training books and CDs for both 2D and 3D. The slight snag is that it came out before vista and so there are in total five patches to ensure smooth working. In theory and the official line is that it works perfectly with vista, experience tells me that small irritating snags sometimes appear even without using vista, simply because of all the changes made to it in its life. So it’s a great way to inexpensively get into professional TC, but if your job is based on it, I’d advise spending a bit more for the reliability. It’s important to remember that even if you do not have vista, you may receive plans from someone who is using it.
V14. I have about 20 of these left that now marked down to £257. If you give me a call I can let you have one at £200. This is as good as gold with vista.
V15. My favourite. It is still at £792 for the platinum version, but again I can come down from there to say £500 and can also throw in some training materials for free. This package has never let me down and has perfect file compatibility with just about all other packages.
V16. The new kid on the block, have no fully put it through its paces yet, but looks good so far.
Give me a call if you’d like to discuss, I’m in the office now, Wed 13 May and again Friday 15th. Call on mobile if you want to talk to me Thursday. Off to Sisily on Saturday for a week.
01962 835 081
07724 88 24 03
Paul
Richard,
That would have been me on the stall at Harrogate, with one of my daughters, Stella. Like so many shows I had a fairly constant flow of people to talk to. I’ve been doing Model Engineers shows for a couple of years now, as well as giving talks up and down the country to engineers about TurboCAD. I keep doing it because I keep selling it and there is always a good chance to help people out with their particular CAD problems, whether they are new to it or progressing over from Solid Works or AutoCAD. TurboCAD comes in two lines, Deluxe and Professional. The difference between them in 2D functionality is very little, the Professional has an extra tool called a Variable Constraints Manager, where a 2D drawing can have restraints put upon objects, such as certain lines always have to be parallel, or perpendicular, etc.
The real difference comes when you go into 3D and this is where all designers should be heading. Once a drawing is produced in 3D you have far greater possibilities because you can always see it in 2D from any angle you wish and print out multiple views. In the professional version there is also a tool to automatically turn a drawing into orthographic projection and section it at the same time.
Both Deluxe and Professional look the same when starting off, so there is no advantage to buying Deluxe thinking that there is less to learn, (although there is, it is the theory that you need to learn), the difference will become clear as you progress. Drawing in 3D not only gives you greater possibilities, but it’s a lot more interesting because you can effectively walk around your design and add bits as you would in the workshop.
There is free training on this site and the main TurboCAD.co.uk site.
In terms of cost, I now have Deluxe v15 at £40 and from there the cost goes up to a little under a thousand pounds, but there is an easy upgrade path, so that the money that you have already spent is taken off the cost of the one you go up too.
You are welcome to give me a call to talk through possibilities.
Paul
Hi
I am thinking of purchasing TuroCad and tried to download the trial version, I cant complete the download as the process will not accept the Serial Number printed on the bottom of my machine as valid.
Am I putting in the correct Ser No as the format requested appears to be a 16 digit and my serial number is only 9,
i am reluctant to purchase the product if I cant even get the trial version installed.
Many Thanks
Tony
Tony,
Both the serial number and activation codes are indeed 16 digit numbers so something has gone wrong. E-mail Liam on losman@avanquest.co.uk and he will forward a link and the correct number.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your reply, just to clarify what serial number is the download program asking for?
I have been entering the serial number of my computer as I am trying to download the Trial Version and thefore dont no the serial number of the software.
Many Thanks
Tony
Tony,
Loading all versions of TurboCAD needs two numbers. Firstly a serial number, this number opens up the download or disk and puts it on your computer. When you then start to make a drawing you are asked for an activation code. This code puts the programe permanently on your computer, if you do not imput the code, the programe will stop working after 30 days.
Sorry for the delay in responding, if your not yet sorted, give me a call on 01962 835 081.
Paul
Good afternoon,
I have just purchased Turbocad De4lux 15 2D - 3D. Do your have any tutorials that are available please to help me get to grips with the package.
Regards,
Wayne Irvine.
Engineering Manager
Kwoks Foods Ltd
Grimsby.
Wayne
You have a couple of choices here. As the Deluxe version doesn’t change that much the training guides for v14 would cover everything you need and you can have the 2D and 3D ones for £30 the pair, which is less than half price.
Your other choice is the new v16 guides. These are far better than previous training guides plus they have CDs with them with over 200 training videos each, 2D and 3D. There are a couple of examples of the last chapters of each in the v16 section of this blog. They are £10 off the regular price via me at £25 each.
Training guides generally deal with the professional versions so for 3D there will be a fair bit that does not relate, but the general principal will always be the same and it will show you what you’re missing not having professional.
So, in conclusion, if you only want to draw in 2D either of the above will do, but if 3D is more your bag then I’d suggest that you give me a call and we can do a deal on upgrading you to professional 15 and throw in the training manuals for free.
Paul