Martin uses AutoSketch by AutoDesk to produce his 2d Drawings. release 5 although quite old now is free to download as it is in the public domain, being released on a magazine coverdisk. As a long term user of AutoSketch Martin would recommend it to others knowing that all technical 2D drawings created can be printed to scale from A4 up to A0 size, saved in native AutoCAD file format or exchaged with other CAD programmes using the DXF file format. Accurate 2D drawings can be opened in Google SketchUp and easily 'push - pulled' into 3D models.

The illustrated AutoSketch produced drawing (here), used by UK Advanced Joinery and BTEC National Diploma Students in the classroom and practical workshop while demonstrating their skills in the manufacture and production of complex frames.

Using AutoSketch allows students to use and practice 2D CAD techniques on relatively inexpensive software and produce files in the native AutoCAD DWG and DXF file formats that can be used in their workplace and to demonstrating their skills to their employers.

Latest version of AutoSketch 10 FAQ's (here)

Tutorials and Worksheets

To help students and independent learners develop their 2d CAD skills Martin has sourced YouTube video tutorials and developed a worksheet so they can self assess their learning.

Martin's 2d CAD - independent learning worksheet (AutoSketch Help) and YouTube video tutorials (here)

Martin's Coursework Assistant CAD Tasks 1 to 5 (here)