I use solidworks to make acoustic speakers starting from a board where I cut my parts in config and then I make an assembly and no worries but after that I don't have the experience.
otherwise for the renderings I draw the room or the studio I place my equipment and a photoview cost
No better than the others, SW remains rather good for accessibility and handling and has a Swood module (very layout oriented however) and Topsolid with its wood module remains a or even the reference.
If the activity goes a little into carpentry, SW and Topsolid will be more than enough for some projects, otherwise, as gt22 says, there are more advanced carpentry software such as SEMA, cadwork, etc.
Finally, when I started in carpentry (in BE), I worked a lot on Autocad for the production part. But to make 3D layouts in addition, it is possible to use Sketchup in addition. The advantage, the price, the disadvantage, redoing everything on Sketchup when there is a need for 3D.
Are you looking for a free software with a quick handling?
There would be SKETCHUP, it's quite simple and quick to use and it's free
Given the size of your company, paying for a license of solidworks would be an expensive solution and you will have to take control of this software which is very good by the way, after all depends if you have CAD basics
On the other hand, with sketchup I don't know if you will be able to edit flow sheets
As a former fitter, if you have to work with a digital machining center like Venture 3 or other, I recommend WoodWop from the Homag/Holzma group or as said above Topsolid which is the closest to Solidworks in terms of 3D ergonomics.
This will allow you to create collections from your catalog while making custom-made collections.
As far as Solidworks is concerned, it is longer and more expensive to use, but more complete if you want to render, simulate etc... And the + is that you can keep your furniture "custom-made" and vary it at your ease.
@ nicolas, it's when there are 5000€ messed up promo
The standard version is at this price but it's still super limited, no photoview no toolbox, etc plus you add 3000 of maintenance each year so it's a budget.
Personally I work alone and I preferred to invest in a premium license related to the various field of activity, and it hurts my butt but I don't regret it.
I have no training, just the help of a super good level of cartoonist and I do quite well.
I don't know if you've found the solution that suits you.
I am also in the process of creating a company. I am training in software solutions that will allow me to both design and present projects to customers.
For the 2D part, I learn with draftsight which is a very good free software (I think paid in the case of a professional use).
For 3D, it's sketchup which is really great. The pro version (which is not very expensive), will allow you to import and export dwg plans. So you can make your 3d design, and once the final version is validated by the client, you export to dwg, which saves you from having to redo the plans in 2D. On the other hand, the LAYOUT software, which is included in the pro version, allows you to make presentation files very easily.
As far as the flow sheets are concerned, you have the CUT LIST plugin, and I think you have possible gateways to debit software such as OPTICOUPE. There are a lot of plugins that allow you to add features to sketchup, however, you have to go fishing and have time.
For rendering, as it's not sketchup's forte, you have plugins that allow you to have realistic renderings, and that are not very expensive.
I can only recommend the site of laurent BRIXIUS who is a great SKETCHUP trainer http://www.arch-image.com/
If, on your side, you have interesting information, I'm interested.
Hi all Do you have any feedback on the latest versions of Topsolid VS SWood? in topsolid CAD is simpler, the solidworks side is complicated. A gas plant for layout, right? On the other hand, in machining SWood Cam seems more efficient? Thank you for your feedback, Johann