Advice Please.

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coastie99

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Wannabe Geek

#133691 30-Oct-2013 19:06

Hi folks. A newbie here, with only fairly basic computer familiarity.

I need some help if somebody would be so kind please.

I have a Mac OS X 10.7.5 that I want to add to.

In my leisure time, I build the occasional valve guitar amplifier and would like to be able to create my own fascia designs.
Additionally, I'd like to be able to create / manipulate images for application to T shirts.

With my little computer knowledge, I have no idea what sort of package to buy in order to do this. I don't want to spend a lot of money since this is a strictly hobby thing and, I want something that doesn't involve a steep learning curve.

Could somebody steer me in the right direction please ?

Thank you, Gary.

gehenna

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#924382 30-Oct-2013 19:18

So is it just a basic image creation/editing tool that you would like, or a 3d modelling tool?

For basic image creation and editing you can't go past Pixelmator

coastie99

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#924506 31-Oct-2013 06:38

Hello Gehenna.

I don't believe that I need a 3D facility. I wouldn't need anything more sophisticated than Pixelmator for design work ?

Gary.

sir1963

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#925123 31-Oct-2013 21:29

If you are not fussy about dimensional accuracy then there are a number of graphics packages
some even come with large libraries of graphic elements that can be used for free

If dimensional accuracy is important then a CAD program would be better.

coastie99

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Wannabe Geek

#925267 1-Nov-2013 06:40

Thank you Sir.

Yes, dimensional accuracy is very important. CAD ?

sir1963

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#925277 1-Nov-2013 07:20

CAD - Computer Aided design.

It used to be in the old days Mac Draw and Claris Draw were dimensionally accurate , and we used those programs for designing the front panels of stuff we were building.

Now we use a PCB deign/cad software.

Options to consider is Cadintosh as it a has a trial period so you can see if its what you want.

http://www.lemkesoft.de/en/products/cadintosh/

I am a great fan of his other product Graphic Converter, I have not used Cadintosh so its not a recommendation , just as suggestion.

LineForm may also be OK if I remember correctly

coastie99

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#926142 2-Nov-2013 07:38

Again, thank you.

I'm thinking that this, and other programmes that I've gone to tangentially, probably offer a lot more than I need, thus it's hard to justify the spend. Not to mention the fact that I'd have to learn to drive whatever system, which may be a very steep learning curve indeed !

I've downloaded Pixelmator and, given that I don't do too much amplifier fascia design, it's probably better for me to have somebody else do it for me.

Gary.