I would like to get a CAD program. I need suggestions from mild to wild and approximate prices. Thank you.
CAD Programs
- Thread starter Knucklehead
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leverhead
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I've used AutoCAD in the past, it's got all kinds of bells and whistles and is way overpriced. They used to have an AutoCAD lite that was cheaper, but I never followed up on it. If I could start all over again, I'd look at SolidWorks. I've known some guys that have run both and think SolidWorks is more user friendly. They're both high end products, if all you want to do is 2D drawing (Traditional Drafting) they're too pricey. The freeware/cheapware might do what you want, but I don't have much experience with or even an opinion on those. The freeware/cheapware ones would probably take less time to learn.
I've been looking for a freeware 2-D drawing package. No Joy. It has not been an exhaustive search yet. I'll report if I get anything I like.
I have an architectural program for houseplans and I learned mechanical drawing in early 80's. Now i want something to design my own pipes, layout a tobacco patch and map my varieties in the patch. Maybe do some drawings of furniture before I build it. I have a cabinet to build now and drawings would be nice. I suppose a simple program would do all that. I know nothing about CAD.
I'm assuming with 3D you can take your drawing and spin it around to get all views and 2D is just a flat drawing? I think 3D would be more like what I'm looking for.
I'm assuming with 3D you can take your drawing and spin it around to get all views and 2D is just a flat drawing? I think 3D would be more like what I'm looking for.
leverhead
Well-Known Member
3d drawing, at least in AutoCAD, can take quite a while to learn. Making a 3D model has only a small resemblance to old fashioned drafting. As far as I know there is still no "fudge" tool and up to V2006 AutoCAD, I still couldn't model a thread (helix). SolidWorks can model a thread pretty easily, well, I've seen it done. BarG might know better what furniture guys are using.
So you can't do like a 2D drawing of all sides and have the program assemble them in 3D? That's how my architectural program works, I draw a floorplan, choose gables and roof style, then the program will make a 3D drawing of the house. You can even place furniture and do a virtual tour of the inside and outside of the house. I built my house from plans draw on the program and it's spooky to walk through the virtual house, it is so like the real house.
leverhead
Well-Known Member
There used to be a function in AutoCad for going from 2D to 3D, it's been years since I've even looked for it. As I recall it was only good for simple things, I'll look into it the next time I get a chance.
John - I'm currently checking out www.solidworks.com. They have a free 2D program called DraftSight.
leverhead
Well-Known Member
That might work well. Before you go too far make sure it will save your drawing!
I did check it out a little bit. It does save your drawing. I thought John might want to check it out, since he's searching for 2D and you recommended the company. I'm still looking and learning about 3D, but I may come back to that if 3d is too much trouble or if I can do what I'm hoping to do in 2D.
I've used AutoCAD in the past, too. Never got into 3D, but have seen it used, and worked many projects detailed with it. It's terrific but you'll need a couple years of course study and practice to learn to use it. I bought AutoCAD LT, 2D - as good as the full program for all but the most complicated detail work. Also, got AutoSketch - not worth the money.
I've seen a lot of the other, el cheapo copies of AutoCad - may be OK for novices, clumsy to use, and may get the job done, but if you've ever used the real thing, you won't be happy.
I got my AutoCAD LT 2002 (or lite) from a distributor, was 2 years old at the time, newer version was available, so they sold it for about half price, because I was retired and only using it for personal stuff.. Worth every penny!
It's been 20+ years since I really did AutoCAD regularly, so now, everytime I get into it, it's almost a new learning experience. Wish I was better at it - still think of taking some course work. 'autodesk' still supports it, even though it's 10+ years old, great company.
I've seen a lot of the other, el cheapo copies of AutoCad - may be OK for novices, clumsy to use, and may get the job done, but if you've ever used the real thing, you won't be happy.
I got my AutoCAD LT 2002 (or lite) from a distributor, was 2 years old at the time, newer version was available, so they sold it for about half price, because I was retired and only using it for personal stuff.. Worth every penny!
It's been 20+ years since I really did AutoCAD regularly, so now, everytime I get into it, it's almost a new learning experience. Wish I was better at it - still think of taking some course work. 'autodesk' still supports it, even though it's 10+ years old, great company.
I think I remember Google rolling out a 3d drawing program too actually.
Yeah they did Free. I have it and can't make it work for me. I want to do flat drawings I can place repetitive objects on. i.e. plot plans. So far no joy.
John,
You can do a garden layout with Microsoft Word: Insert|Shape.
You might also want to have a look at http://www.growveg.com/Default.aspx.
Bob
You can do a garden layout with Microsoft Word: Insert|Shape.
You might also want to have a look at http://www.growveg.com/Default.aspx.
Bob
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