Starting to Take Shape

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Pete Brown - 10 October 2005

Today I finally got around to removing a chunk of the wall between the dining room/kitchen and the living room. This was the first major step in our kitchen and overall renovation. For reference, here's the target elevation drawing which also shows a sample door, although there is not a door physically in that location in the room. (click to view a larger version):

We also had Chesapeake Window and Building in today. We're going to have them put in the bow window in the front of the house, the bow window on the side of the living room (new opening in that wall), and new windows behind where you see the fridge in the photos above, and finally, reside the whole house with cedar-shake-like vinyl siding (and all trim, soffets etc.) I'll be sure to report here how they work out.

Oh, and last week I replaced the ugly old chandelier with a stained glass one we picked up from HSN. Melissa found that one, and it was a real deal.

Home Renovation

posted by Pete Brown on Monday, October 10, 2005
filed under: Home Renovation

2 comments for “Starting to Take Shape”

Reply
Grantsays:
Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 4:52:12 PM
Wondering what software you use to create your floor plans (kitchen) and woodshop designs (like the entertainment center)? I'm a software developer (and hobbyist woodworker) but CAD type software has escaped me up to this point.
Reply
Pete Brownsays:
Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 8:59:33 PM
Hi Grant

Thanks fir the question.

I use two packages. For 3d, I use Rhino (I also use it for my CAM system). For 2d, such as the kitchen and other drawings, I use Autosketch 9.

Rhino can do 2d work, but I find Autosketch much friendlier for that type of work. Rhino 4 promises to have easier 2d manipulation.

For 3d, I find Rhino to be hands-down the best modeler to use. I also have 3ds Max, but it is not really geared towards working in real-world/CAD-type units.

You can see some of the 3d stuff here:
http://www.irritatedvowel.com/Railroad/Workshop/SherlineCNC.aspx

You can also see the screenshots there from my wide aspect ratio screen. It makes a huge difference.

FWIW, I've heard that DesignCAD 3d is also a very good package to try. All CAD software has a learning curve, so try out a couple demos and see which one works best for you.

One last thing: Rhino has a .NET api that I have messed with. I'm definitely into tools with .NET APIs :)