You can use Sketch-up and there are some 8020 extrusion files available as well.

All the best,
Hein
DIYvan

 

Thanks Hein for both answers.
Can I use the 8020 plug in with the free version of sketch-up? For some reason I thought I needed to buy the more expensive version.

 

FrameXpert | Framedesigner - Download

The 8020 version on this page will create a costed bill of material. IIRC only has the more common parts.
IMHO the software is a bit "clunky" but it does create the output you are looking for. I found it very useful for visualizing the orientation the of internal anchor and end connectors I plan to use. Not sure that is necessary for the more commonly used external angle connectors.

There is also a Maytec version on the page I linked. Not sure, that may(?) have a larger component library.
Parker-Hannifin also has a program, don't think I was able to get it working. 8020 also has a plug in for Auto Cad.

 

8020 Looks so cold and sterile, It has all of the ambience of a jail cell.

 

8020 is strong and light and I'm using it for the framing, I will have some form of wood face over the cabinets. The bed supports and my electrical systems will be frames in the 8020 also.
Very early on in my thinking about building a van I was going to use wood but I quickly changed my mind to 8020. Yes it cost more and yes I will need to learn some more skills but I think in the long run it is worth it.

 

Many folks use the 15 series for cabinets but metric 30mm series and 1" series is plenty stout for cabinets. 8020 quick frame is another option.

All the best
Hein
DIYvan

 

Howdy Hein! What’s 8020 quick frame? Still considering trying 8020, but pretty low on building skills so it seems daunting.

 

Ok I signed up and downloaded the free Sketch-up version. Any recommendations on which 8020 plug in to get?

Also does anyone have a Transit HR Ext base layout that can be imported in to Sketch-up to start with?

 

I have never built with 8020 before but will be framing my camper build with it.
Is there any free software that I can design cabinets
framing in and have it show me total number of feet needed and fasteners?
I guess it does not have to be free but not hundreds of dollars.

Thanks again for all your help.

Any free 2D Cad works fine for cabinets.

No need for a connector parts list or wait for delivery when you make most of your own connectors.

With series 15 connectors are not an issue. Mostly used angle and flatbar as connectors. All hidden behind the plywood panels. Did use eight 80/20 end connectors where I did not want the connectors to show on upper cabinets that do not have doors.

Some hints on using 80/20 complete with simple DIY angle and flatbar PDF connector drawings:

Using 80/20 | Orton Travel Transit

www.ortontransit.info

Examples of 2D drawings for cabinets that are downloadable PDF's:

Cabinets | Orton Travel Transit (ortontransit.info)

 

MayCAD works. And will build a BOM.

Startseite | MayTec

www.maytec.com.de

Note that this software uses their connector options; so you have to verify what you'll actually use based on where/how you're buying or making them. There are a LOT of connecting options.

But I agree with @orton - get a ton of material and parts and get busy building! Consider using 1x1 or 1x2 wood first to check framing sizes and fit and such. Then start cutting the extruded aluminum. And when one turns out to be too short, set it aside and end up using it later.

And @Brandon, don't defend your decisions to @ranxerox. He's so cold and sterile, he has all of the ambience of...well, you pick your favorite euphemism. 😋

 

I have never built with 8020 before but will be framing my camper build with it.
Is there any free software that I can design cabinets
framing in and have it show me total number of feet needed and fasteners?
I guess it does not have to be free but not hundreds of dollars.

Thanks again for all your help.

Not sure how helpful this well be, but here is a little documentation of our approach:

https://www.greenstello.com/blog/2021-9-3-structural-design-and-mockup/final-structure-and-mockup/

I generated the BOM manually from our sketchup model, in which we rolled our own pieces...no plug in. The model, which may be helpful to get a feel for dimensions, is here:

van_two_point_oh/van/architectural/Transit_Layout_3D_2.0.skp at main · natecostello/van_two_point_oh

Contribute to natecostello/van_two_point_oh development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Highly recommend the wooden mockup approach if you are having 8020 cut/machine for you.

 

I was too lazy to play with a software package.

Just used a pen and paper. Had the distributor cut the parts and purchased the gusset corners.

Picked up the parts and gave them to the family to assemble. Sort of like tinker toys or k'nex.

The parts from the distributor were cut very accurately and surprisingly clean.

Gusset corners really help to make it strong.

__

You can do some light mockup work for visualization with some cheap 1x1s from the hardware store or scrap plywood.

 

I think building some 1x2 test units will be my best choice, that way I can test the feel of the build inside the van before committing to a set design.

 

Locally the wood in the stores is such poor quality that I now make 1 x1 s and similar by slicing up sheets of baltic birch.

 

I'm with harryn. I went with 1/4" graph paper. My cabinets are not so complicated that it was going to be worth learning a CAD program to be able to build three cabinets. I used either 1/4"=1" or 1/4"=1' can't remember. But it was easy.

I also did a wood mock up with 1&1/2" square stock for the base units and 1" square stock for the upper unit.

Changing a design on paper is easy and changing a design in the wood mockup was easy too. When it came to the aluminum extrusions I had plenty of confidence in ordering and assembly.

I bought my "80/20" from TNUTZ

Shop | TNUTZ

Order processing is 5-7 business days

www.tnutz.com

They were great to work with, fast to deliver and had great prices.

 

1x2 frames. Then rebuild them a few times until they're right. And pencil sketches.

 

Before lumber prices went up; 8' 2"x2" dimensional lumber was really cheap. I do a lot of mock up work with it because it's cheap, fast and readily available. If I remember right they used to sell bundles of it in 6 or 8 quantities. I'd use 8' 1"X2" now due to price.

2 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Furring Strip Board Lumber 75800593 - The Home Depot

Every piece of 2 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Furring Strip Board is perfect for a wide range of uses including carpentry, hobbies, shelving and general finish work. Create a level surface for attaching wallboard

www.homedepot.com

 

I wonder if there’s anyone who’s worked with the stuff enough to take rough sketches and work up an order list…for a fee of course. We’d like to try using it for cabinets, but with no experiences it’s just too difficult.

 

You may find someone. But you might want to just build what you want out of 1x2 and cardboard THEN see about having someone help you with the bill of materials for an aluminum build.

As mentioned be a few in this thread, the computer versions don't quite do justice to what you experience once you're inside the van.

 

This is the stuff we used. Got a first batch of it somewhere else, then used this stuff. Got the press-fit / hammer connectors that were just like these. Went back and sunk a sheet-metal screw into every single joint. And added wood-working L connectors to every joint. Absolutely NOT the right stuff for a van or boat or anything that moves / vibrates. It stayed together pretty well after all that - but still had to snug up screws every so often. Not a lot you can do with screws that go through aluminum into plastic to keep them there.

 

Hi! so I spent the past year working on a software that does just this. It allows you to use 8020 aluminum but also wood and pvc as well and get the bill of parts. It's also web based and full free. I'd really love if you would check it out! I've dropped a link below. Crafty Amigo - The Free 8020 Aluminum, Wood, PVC Design App

 

Hi! I've been working on a free 8020 design tool (totally web based) that lets you design with both 8020 and lumber -> get the parts list! check it out -> Crafty Amigo - The Free 8020 Aluminum, Wood, PVC Design App

I'd love to listen to any feedback anyone has as well to improve the app or add any parts that you all see missing. Thanks so much

 

I'd love to listen to any feedback anyone has as well to improve the app or add any parts that you all see missing. Thanks so much

While 1" 8020 is used in van builds, the 1.5" is much more common. Some also use 30mm.
It would be helpful to add the 8020 struts with the different slot/solid face configurations as well.
Having the end connectors is good. Angle brackets seem to be the most common connector used. Some also use anchor connectors.

The cannot slide constraint on ends seems to prevent creating a frame without corner voids or I can't figure out how

Would be good if after completing an operation the user was returned to the operation menu, rather than requiring several click. Also would be good if stretch/shrink and rotate were could be done directly on the object itself rather than by menu.

All and all a good start to a very intuitive interface. Have you ever looked at the Frame Designer software I have linked earlier in this thread. Not very user friendly but pretty powerful. Might be a good reference to identify capabilities to add to your program.

I did not go through anything with the BOM and ordering capabilities and suppose that is your business model, which seems like a neat approach. Keep up the good work.