vinnieL

ok I downloaded a set of plans but does me no good as I don't have a CAD program. So I guess now I have to go out and spend a butt load on a CAD program? Are there free programs that will work for a basic airplane like an ugly stick?

dreadnaut

My Feedback: (5)

Try DeltaCAD, or TurboCAD

Dr1Driver

Take the DWG or DXF file to a print shop. They can probably print it out for you at about the same price as if you purchased the printed plans to begin with.

Dr.1

vinnieL

Thank you very much

TopherGreen81

Make sure you tell them to print to a 1:1 scale if the plan downloaded is to scale.

bruce88123

Be sure to check the scaling and INSIST on accuracy when they are printed. A little bit off and they are worthless.

Dr1Driver

Copies are sometimes not exactly the same size as the original, but plans printed from the electronic file should be exact.

Dr.1

vinnieL

Thanks for your input guys I am slowly learning about this now

patternwannabee

My Feedback: (1)

Depending on how educated the print shop personnel are, you may or may not be able to get them to print a .dwg or a .dxf file.

Try this: Create a pdf using CutePDF. You'll have to download this from the internet and install it. Any print shop with a wide format printer should be able to print a PDF file.

Creating the PDF: go to the Printer Setup menu in your CAD program, and select CutePDF as the printer device. Now you should have a wide variety of paper sizes to choose from. Select the one which will fit your plan.

For DeltaCad, make sure your print region is scaled 1:1.

When you execute print, it will ask for the filename of the PDF you want to create.
Check the PDF before you take it to the printer.

About scaling....

Include a ruler in your drawing, take a tape measure to the print shop and check your dimensions before you leave.

My print shop charges $.30/sq ft, so a 36 x 60 plan would cost $4.50