I would like to begin making my designs with a 3D program rather than drawing and editing at the drafting table.
I see that many woodworkers are using Sketchup, which doesn't cost anything to download. There also appear to be many free plugins.
I realize that free is in some sence a misnomer, as there appears to be quite an extensive learning curve before I will be able to design and make components for a curio cabinet, and get a cut list generated from it.
I would rather pay for a program that has less of a learning curve, or who's work process is more streamlined and user friendly, than struggle with a "free" program that I will pay for through extra hours of learning and using.
Is Sketchup the best route for me to go? Or is there another option out there that is clearly better? I sampled the program that is being sold through Rockler, SketchList I think, but was not impressed as making curves was tedious to say the least.
Thanks for your input.
Jonathan