Hand drafting vs. CAD for small custom jobs? I'm torn.

I had a client last month ask for a custom bookshelf layout, and I couldn't decide whether to sketch it by hand or jump straight into AutoCAD. Hand drafting feels faster for quick changes, but CAD gives me exact measurements for the cutting shop. What do you all lean towards when the project is small but detailed?

2 comments

2 Comments

oscar3901mo ago

Hand drafting is great until you show up at the lumber yard with something that looks like a napkin doodle and have to explain your genius... That's when CAD saves your pride, even if it takes twice as long. Nothing like watching a sawyer squint at your hand sketch and say "so you want this... curved?

the_jennifer1mo ago

Does my hand drafting look like a kindergartner's or an architect's? Because mine is closer to the former, so I usually go with CAD just so I don't embarrass myself at the lumber yard.