Since my last post, I have upgraded my Ubuntu machine to 8.04 - hardy heron which is a long term support version (lts). I also loaded the community version of QCAD, which is a rather nice 2D Computer Aided Drafting program.

I got a book on Autocad 2004 from the library, which gave me a kick start on how to use QCAD, and I have started translating the spreadsheets and Google Sketchup pictures into real dimensions and drawings.

This acted as a sanity check on some of the numbers I was getting out of the spreadsheet, and while it all basically worked, drawing it accurately picked up some serious errors, of between 5 and 25mm, which would have really messed up the cutting and welding process.

So I have gone back to first principles using the original base measurements, and it is amazing what a useful tool a good CAD package is. One quickly becomes adept at using it, and can trust it totally, so long as you get the input right! It's great to finally get down on paper/computer those tricky areas such as the pedal box mounts and the detail of the sub frame mounts, with accurate cutting dimensions and welding positions. Obviously my cutting and welding abilities will not be up to the accuracy of the drawings, but as each section is added adjustments can be made.

So another few weeks and I should have accurate drawings of all the key components, and if I renew my current contract, I may buy myself a welder for Christmas!

We are off to the South Island next week to pick up the youngest son from polytechnic, so I am having an enforced break from the computer!