Who has the best shop layout software

Guys, everyone needs an initial layout to work with. If nothing more one needs to know if the tools they get and the distances they need to work with will even fit in a shop of the size they have or are thinking of getting.

Of course one organizes the tools on how they work and of course, it evolves, but I am the type that wants a plan and not just to throw a 100,000.00 or more of equipment in a pile and then try to make a project and move the tools around at that point.

Plus, I have to have a starting point for my electrics, etc! I know where most tools where go and how my flow works, I am not a hobbyist that purchased my first tools. What I don’t know is the exact layout of the air, water and electric in relation to those or exactly where to place the outlets to satisfy an inspector(I know every 4-6 feet etc at 18″, every 72″- 48″ off floor, etc, some in the floor), but I must have it on paper(in software).

I can’t just do that on the fly, the county wants plans and I want to play with it on paper(computer screens) and document my workflow in several configurations and be able to change them around easily, for that software is the way to go. Heck, I am not sure where to put the bathroom or what side the Cyclone add on goes or where I want my spray booth!

I do not set up a shop in real life trying to move around 500lb plus tools on the fly and then try to get in the electric lighting and everything else after the fact. Anyone starting a brand new shop should a starting plan(IMHO). I just wanted a suggestion on software to get my ideas down where I could see them.

So though I think many are trying to help,  some of the things being suggested are not realistic. I think trying a variety of configurations in the software, finally choosing the best and then after a month or two of actual work  tweaking it is the way to go. To just do everything with no plan is not for me at all.

I just decided to use Sketch Up and everything is in 3D. Way overkill, but it allows me to change stuff on the fly and is very accurate.

Not to mention going on Google earth, finding my building on my acreage, zooming in on the roof, then on a front, side or rear elevation, then open the door and go inside the shop for a fly by all in 3D is pretty cool!

This is is a syndicated post. Read the original at festoolownersgroup.com

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