auto cad choices?

[reuben_j_cogburn]

This goes hand in hand with my research into getting a mini mill....
What auto cad programs do you use? I tried free-cad, but as I'm not versed at all with a program like this, all it did was frustrate me.... I tried youtube tutorials, but I couldn't find a decent 101 type video to get me started. They all covered ground to fast and used lingo I hadn't learned yet...
Back in high school, we did everything by hand, but with limited space I'd like to use a laptop...
I'm pretty good, with several video editing programs as well, as gimp, and inkscape.... so I can pick it up.... I just don't really get the language that they are using, and can't find good tutorials... so far.
I removed free-cad to clear up space on my drive... but I'll install anything as long as I can get it to work....

 

[themousethatroared]

Autodesk 2000.

Downsides:
It does not save or export into modern file formats other than CAD, DXF, and STL.
It does not have the blocks for walls that you draw like a narrow rectangle, and it asks you the height, to make the thing in 3d as you lay it out in 2d.

Upsides:
No fricking annual subscription. You bought it and you own it forever.

All these programs have all the controls switched around in different places. I can barely find the crap on the one I have been using for 26 years. Trying to work on a different program is like trying to drive a car with the clutch on the back of the right side view mirror, the gas pedal in the trunk, and the brake pedal attached to the front bumper. It's like what you decide to be your defense firearm: you stick with the first one you learned on, because that's the one ingrained in your mind.

 

[Kevin]

I think Autodesk does have some free stuff too, if you make an account online. I'm not sure what or the details though.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

Thanks.... I'll check it out...

 

[Jeepnik]

I used to use traditional cad programs. But transitioned first to Smart Draw and later Solid Works.

Smart Draw is simpler to learn, if it does what you need. Solid Works is much more complicated but also much more capable.

Smart Draw had some on line tutorials that were pretty good. Solid Works has tons of stuff from both Solid Works and a large user base.

Smart Draw was too expensive. I picked up Solid Works when they were offering it free to vets. They may still do that.

For me I wanted stuff that would wow customers and especially potential customers. Solid Works does that in spades.

For simpler graphics for reports that could be knocked out quickly Smart Draw was great. Even for simple one line drawings Smart Draw had its pluses.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

It looks like autodesk is now a subscription... and a pricey one at that!!!
I'll check out these other ones.. I just need this for my own needs.. designing parts I need that I can mill or 3D print..... I just wish they were more intuitive... seems like these software dudes just don't speak english.....

 

[Jeepnik]

Goes back to when auto cad programs were for pros. They it think they made it overly complicated. If it were easy, draftsmen would have been out of business. They made it expensive for the same reason.

Early on I used several inexpensive and easy to use programs. All of course left much to be desired.

Since I was using Smart Draw for work I could write it off. And as mentioned Solid Works was free. My investment was only time. And it was as much entertainment as work. Maybe more.

I recently had my main panel replaced. I wanted a simple diagram showing the location of all of the outlets, lights and electrical appliances with their associated breaker number.

A written list is wordy and might confuse some. Pictures can be better. I now have both inside my breaker box.

For this Smart Draw was best.

But for isometric drawings Solid Works rocks.

 

[buzzm]

I use TurboCAD - they have excellent tutorials on how to use and not that expensive:

AI Overview

TurboCAD is a versatile 2D/3D CAD software for Windows and Mac, offering powerful design, drafting, and rendering tools for engineers, architects, and designers. Key versions include the entry-level Designer, the popular Deluxe for 2D/3D, and the fully-featured Platinum. It supports extensive file sharing, including DWG, DXF, and STL for 3D printing.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

the turbocad looks affordable.... at least the lower end versions on amazon..... how well does the designer level work for designing say..... gun parts?.... the images I see look like it is mainly for floor plans....
The designCAD 3D max, looks like what I'd be looking for.... and I see it is 3D printer compatible, which would be nice for prototyping I s'pose..

 

[warren5421]

I use DeltaCad have from late 80's or early 90's. I worked as a cad operator and found that DeltaCad was good enough for home use. It is good for design work for wood working and metal machining. Today I would get Auto Cad and a dedicated computer. If you don't get a pro cad system you will run into walls trying to do some things. I have not keep up with cad systems as have been out about 30 years. A good system will do 3D modeling and CNC support.