CAD Software

[jono165]

What CAD software do people use (preferably cheap/free)?

I just want to draw some flat parts to have laser cut. I used to have a licence for autoCAD but it was a student one that has expired.

Platform doesn't bother me I have iPad, mac or PC

[lbzook]

I've used Google Sketchup in the past.
I'm not sure where it sits in the world of CAD programs, but It's basic, simple and easy to use.
You can get the free version which works well for most stuff, or you can "pay" for the licenced version.

[gwagensteve]

I use turbocad at work. Quite quick and easy for 2D parts. I think it's around $140

[jonfromhamilton]

I have a student version of autocad. What do u want done i might find some time to do it for u

[jono165]

This looks perfect for my needs, so I'll download the trial and have a play with it this afternoon.
https://www.turbocad.com/turbocad-mac/t ... d-v10.html

I'm not after having anything made in particular at this stage but last time I got some stuff priced to have laser cut it was pretty good value considering the accuracy, time taken to diy and consumables (cutting discs, flap discs etc.)

[gwagensteve]

I had a play with turbocad for Mac a while ago and it drove me crazy, but I'm so used to the PC version so it's hardly surprising. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts. Just a tip - draw everything 100% scale (I know this sounds obvious but you'd be surprised). If you want to prototype something quickly, you can then print it at 100% and use it for a template in steel or mdf in the thickness of your steel to confirm everything works.

[neofitou]

I use sketchup for modeling, but for actual parts Ive only used solidworks. It used to be easy to pirate, but I cant seem to get a working version anymore.

[6eoffrey]

Autocad software or you can use both SketchUp and Adobe Illustrator.