[Fodder1]

Just wondering if anyone uses a graphics tablet when they design?

Can prograns like Solidworks, AutoCAD, A9 CAD (should i keep going) use them?

Are they of any use to us in the design stage?????

I did a search here for 'Graphics tablet' and it came up with one responce.
and there was nothing in that about using them to design stuff.

I am looking at this from the Hobby veiw point. as these things (ok small ones) are pritty cheap.

something like this;
http://www.ipspty.com.au/wacom/wacom.htm
or
http://www.thediscshop.com.au/moreIn...WIZPE&page=usb
this one is AU$59

CHris

[ger21]

I don't use mine for CAD, but I do use it when I model with Lightwave, where I can edit a mesh vertex by vertex. It gives far more control than a mouse. And once you use one with Photoshop, you'll never want to use a mouse again for that type of work.

[CNC Pro]

I have 3 tablets we used with AutoCAD, I think we paid $1800.00 for the larger one (approx. 24” sq.) The other 2 were smaller (large enough to lay 8.5” * 11.0” templates) and cost closer to $1000.00. They use 4-button pucks.
If you’re interested, I can dust them off and get you more info.

[ger21]

Forgot to mention, I have an older Wacom 12x12, and use it with a pen.

[greybeard]

I've used graphics tablets for the last four years for all design and photoediting work.
I've only been able to afford the small cheap versions 5" x 4" Genius at about 30 pounds sterling.
I had a few problems when I started due to not having the software installed properly, but I've had not a single glitch since.
If I have to use a mouse I find them fine for browsing in conjunction with the keyboard, but if I'm drawing, I find the natural movement of my hand using the pen much friendlier.
Because I never learnt all the keyboard shortcuts, (I've always used pc's not macs) I find using a pen controlled cursor quicker. It's very much a personal thing, I think, and probably depends on your own experience which way you go.
I've never tried a large format board so I don't know what their advantage might be, but I'd definitely recommend trying out a cheap small tablet - you may never go back to a mouse.

[CNCRob]

I have a Summa Sketch 3 12" by 12" model that I use all the time in AutoCad and various other CAD and CAM software. It seems to work pretty good. We use a huge 24" by 36" at work all the time, I beleive its a Summa Sketch also, It seems to work pretty good as well.

[PaulH]

Check out the Wacom Intuos 3: http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/intuos.cfm

Very nice tablet for the money. Personally I would stay away from their cordless (Bluetooth?) tablets. It's just one more battery to have to replace periodically.

[CNCRob]

I just realized what I posted about above was digitizers and not tablets. I only have one small tablet about 4" by 6" but have never tried it in any Cad programs

[Fodder1]

thanks every one,

I didn't expect so many people to be using them.

It seems to be a bit of personal thing. Seeing they are so cheap, i might have to put it on the list of things to buy.

From what is said, there doesnt seem to be a lot of people using it for CAD work. But i do have a couple of prjects that the wife wants done. they have an object that needs to be re created. One is a patten that she wants put on somthing, (glass i think). it sound like it would be usefull for that.

But i am getting the feeling that they are not all that use full for CAD design work (2d) but very usefull for 3d. is that right?

So that leads me to the question what is the difference between digitizers and tablets?

CH

[ger21]

But i am getting the feeling that they are not all that use full for CAD design work (2d) but very usefull for 3d. is that right?

Depends on the software.

[greybeard]

Chris - I really don't think that you'll have any problem using a tablet pen as opposed to a mouse in any software.
Your drawing skills will be more naturally transferred with a pen than using a rolling tool.
That supposes you draw with a pen or pencil, rather than a rolling pin

[jjdon]

Once you use a Wacom you'll never look back - no comparison to "a chunk o' cheese"..