Its Time!

[hotrod56]

It is time to learn a CAD system and stop relying on others to draw/design my parts, chassis, etc.

What program do you suggest as a beginner? Autodesk 360, Pro engineer, etc. Please keep in mind that a free option (no professional) is always better for me.

Any other suggestions, programs, etc. How about learning material - videos - best way to learn?

Thanks

[minendrews68]

I use AutoCad, I will say, unless things have changed a lot Pro Engineer is quite expensive. There are lots of free software out there, if not free there are some demo's. Do a Google search for free drafting software and find one that suits your needs, Not everyone needs 3D capabilities.

Carl

[TheJDMan]

I'm in the same boat, can't afford AutoCad but still need to design the occasional part. I use eMachineShop's free CAD program.

http://www.emachineshop.com/

You can design a part then view it in 3D. Once a part is designed you can get an online quote and place an order or output the drawing to a number of common file formats. It does not cost anything to download and play with.

[g-machine]

I'm a design engineer and use Creo (ProE latest) and have SolidWorks experience as well. SW is easier for new users, but is just as expensive as Creo. You are looking at $3k plus.

[Oregon]

I've been told that onshape is worth a look. It was made by the original solidworks crew. It's all online and you can use it free for... I think up-to 10 designs.

https://www.onshape.com/

[TCRugger]

Look at Draftsight. It is made by the company that makes Solidworks. It's very similar to AutoCad, so a lot of the questions people ask online to resolve AutoCad issues they're having will help, and the program is free. My company uses Solidworks for all our modeling needs, but we use Draftsight to modify old AutoCad files.

http://www.3ds.com/products-services...free-download/

[hotrod56]

Look at Draftsight. It is made by the company that makes Solidworks. It's very similar to AutoCad, so a lot of the questions people ask online to resolve AutoCad issues they're having will help, and the program is free. My company uses Solidworks for all our modeling needs, but we use Draftsight to modify old AutoCad files.

http://www.3ds.com/products-services...free-download/

What is the difference between Draftsight and Autodesk 360. I guess one is 3d and the other 2d. When would I need a 3d vs 2d program?

[Twentyover]

What is the difference between Draftsight and Autodesk 360. I guess one is 3d and the other 2d. When would I need a 3d vs 2d program?

Are you designing several parts that interact with each other? Or drawing pictures of standalone parts?

The first is where 3D excels, where 2D is adequate for the later

[hotrod56]

Thanks for the explanation.



Is one program easier to learn than the other? If went with draftsight, would I outgrow it and have to move to 360 anyways?

[Bugzilla]

I normally use Autocad 360. It came with another program called Inventor Fusion which is a lot easier to use then Autocad. I am by no means a pro and have pretty much learned how to use it by myself. If you have a good friend, you might just be able to score a copy like I did...

[TCRugger]

Thanks for the explanation.

Is one program easier to learn than the other? If went with draftsight, would I outgrow it and have to move to 360 anyways?

More than likely, yes. I looked at Fusion 360, and it looks fairly easy to use, once you learn where everything is and what each function does. It's fairly low cost, and they have a 30 day free trial.

http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/try-buy

[hotrod56]

Been trying Draftsight and Autodesk 360. I know they are different creatures, but they sure do work differently as well (just in 2d alone). Autodesk seems to be so simple that almost anyone can use it. If you can figure out how to draw it, it can be done. Draftsight seems a little more hard core, perhaps for those who are used to working off of blueprints and plans. After using Draftsight and then go to Autodesk, I almost feel like I am missing something in Autodesk, as it is so easy to use (I am new and probably am missing something).