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CAD Software

Posted: Thu 16 Mar, 2017 8:45 pm
by 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

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Fri 17 Mar, 2017 7:19 am
by 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.

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Fri 17 Mar, 2017 10:32 am
by gwagensteve
I use turbocad at work. Quite quick and easy for 2D parts. I think it's around $140

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Fri 17 Mar, 2017 10:43 pm
by jonfromhamilton
I have a student version of autocad. What do u want done i might find some time to do it for u

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Sun 19 Mar, 2017 2:30 pm
by 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.)

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Sun 19 Mar, 2017 5:22 pm
by 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.

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Fri 24 Mar, 2017 9:18 pm
by 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.

Re: CAD Software

Posted: Wed 04 Oct, 2017 12:58 pm
by 6eoffrey
Autocad software or you can use both SketchUp and Adobe Illustrator.