Here is some interesting back and forth concerning CADD programs: Joe  Could you please have a sales rep give me a call regarding some of the  different programs available. My name is Matt and can be reached at (XXX) XXX-XXXX Matt  Matt,     Oh, what a luxury a sales rep would be!  Alas, it's only me and I have over a million designs to convert  over into formats which will work for my members.     All the same, I house all "programs" in the  Libraries over at:  /library/index.htm  Most areas of the Library you are permitted  to peek around freely.  Where you can not,  trust me, there's so much there you might get  frustrated awaiting the lists to come to screen.     If you are seeking CADD programs, I  try not to recommend anyone specific but  as a heads-up, I own every CADD ever developed  and use AnaGraph and Generic CADD and Gerber  the most.  The CADD selection at the Library  will lead you deeper into the world of CADD.    Luck to you. Joe  Hi Joe  I was looking for software that can design and create a monument. I want to  know if you have any such program. I want to be able  to sit with a customer  and show them a stone in different shapes and sixes. I also would like to be  able to put there name and choice of design.  The web site did not help me  at all, I could not get into any of the programs I was interested in. Please  let me know if you can help me.   If you have any of this software please  send me a sample and information on it , along with some prices or even some  email addresses that I can get into in order to see them and test them out.  Matt Matt, I understand.  MyDrawingBoard (aka: MyDrawingBoard) will be a valuable tool for you AFTER you employ a CADD system.  When you need all those elusive designs. What I am about to say is strictly my opinion and nothing more. Just like some people like Apple computers over PC's, personal taste wins out every time.    Meanwhile, if you seek a program which will do all you ask in your reply to me, and will create stencil cuts and/or plot detailed shop drawings then I recommend you look to Monu-Cad, Cochrane, and Gerber.  Lean more toward Monu-Cad and the Cochrane system.  Gerber has TERRIBLE after market support... and Cochrane ain't too much better. If you do not need the stencil cuts, but still would like the feature if need be or "one day you'll have the bucks for it" then look at Anagraph.  It is a low end tool that does circles around the others but needs a steep learning curve (due to bad tutorials) and is a system which requires you-build-as-you-go. One step above Anagraph are Casmate and Flexxi-sign. They are "sign" programs but both are very popular in the stone trades. Lastly, if you never plan on stencil or plotting (although both can be achieved in the following) I really suggest Visual CADD, CorelDraw!, Steckman, and Design Station.  Lean toward Visual CADD because the folks at Monu-cad aid in the design of Visual CADD.   I wish you luck, Matt.  Below are some links you'll find handy. Joe http://www.monu-cad.com http://www.plmgraphics.com http://www.gspinc.com/ http://www.visualcadd.com/ http://www.signmaking.com/fs-pro.html

LINKS AND WEBSITES   ----- Original Message -----          Hello, my name is Frank from Chicago Monument Inc.         I've talked to Joe today and signed up for the membership.         Looked around and there were many many useful design ideas and such.         I was wondering if I can put your website on my signatures in various sites that I use.         The first one I want to post it in is chicagomonument.com but we're having trouble with our web hosters so that might have to come in a later time.         Second and third one is a gaming community that I am a part of and there are quiet a few good artists in the forums and I think we can all get along sharing works.         The websites are, edgegamers.org and warhammeralliance.         I am a active member on both of those sites and am allowed to post websites on my signature long as they are not for profit. Hey, Frank,   Hope you are enjoying membership.   The usual wisdom 'round here is that members are also owners. It is always a good idea to run ideas pass Joe first but he is just a member too, albeit, he gets stuck with most of the work here. Not to discount my own efforts, but we all refer the serious questions to Joe.    As an owner and member you may create links and point others toward us as you like.    Are you aware that we can host websites for you - you mentioned trouble at your host. http://www.mydrawingboard.com/feat/website.htm    I visited the Chicago Monument site you mentioned and it is loaded with action. As a member you may post as many designs from the DrawingBoard as you like WHILE an active member. Go see the site we linked from to see what I mean. That site - Holy Family -  is far from complete, but it gives you an idea of how to employ our designs, and how Joe builds websites.    Thanks for your comments, and nice to hear from you.   James Lead Tech

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