I’ve downloaded, bought and tried about a dozen CAD tools. NONE do what I’m looking for, aaaaarrrrggghhh!Okay, I’m not a CAD sort of a guy (but I do own a computer) and I LOVE HOME PROJECTS. I need a CAD-like software tool to help me design “Real-World” plans using “Real-World” materials. Materials found in Home-Depot, Lowes, True-Guys, etc.Plans for like maybe ... dog houses, decks, water features, stuff!As a example, lets talk about; Plans for wooden work stool, using materials from Home Depot.So I go buy ...      Two 2x4 pine 8ft framing studs (actually 1-3/8” by 3-3/8” by 92-5/8”)and      16 Cabinet Screws         Part Number: CSFS-044         Cost: 14¢ea         Diameter: #6          Length: 3-3/4"         Head Style: Flat         Driver Type: Phillips         Material: SteelThen, using the above “Real-World” material, let me start creating a design for a wooden work stool.The software tool lets me cut the 2 framing studs into 8 equal pieces. BUT surprise, their lengths become 23-7/64” each. Why? Because the stud is actually 92-5/8” and three saw cuts of 1/16” each causes 3/16” wood loss. Now we take two short stud pieces, lay them in an “L” and show them screwed together. THEN, the software warns me, “The screw is too long!” Because, 1-3/8” + 1-3/8” = 2-3/4” which is also the exact length of the purchased screws (2-3/4”). Even a tiny countersink will cause the sharp screw point to protrude and be dangerous.A CAD like tool which uses “Real-World” material for “Real-World” projects.For us non-CAD people ... who own a computer.

Are you also wanting this program to build the stool for you when the design is done?Honestly you're asking too much from a generic CAD program. Giant furniture company's (and others) spend a whole hell of a lot of money developing their own proprietary software to do exactly what you're asking. Why would they do that if there was an off the shelf program that would do it for them.And for the record, a 2x4x8 feet is exactly 1.5"x3.5"x96". a stud length 2x4 is 1.5"x3.5"x92 5/8" so that when you add the two top plates and single bottom plate it becomes 97 1/8", then you subtract 5/8" drywall ceiling which leaves exactly 96 1/2" clear between top of floor sheathing and underside of ceiling drywall allowing you to use full 8 foot sheets of drywall for the wall with a 1/2" gap at the bottom for expansion.
jaredlloyd2013-10-31 19:44:16

You aren't going to find a program like the one you describe.  If you want objects that are exactly like "real world" products then you are going to have to create them yourself or find visit sites like the SketchUp Warehouse or Turbosquid (to name two) that act as repositories for objects created by others with a passion for detail.