O/T:- CAD Software Recommendations

[ncfcog]

Sorry for not posting an Ardley in/out thread but does anyone on here work with CAD software and if so what would you recommend?

Currently looking at CoralCAD and maybe even the complete CoralDRAW package but it aint cheap so need to be 100% sure before parting with any cash.

Any recommendations greatly received.

[Chicken Balti Pie]

Sorry for not posting an Ardley in/out thread but does anyone on here work with CAD software and if so what would you recommend?

Currently looking at CoralCAD and maybe even the complete CoralDRAW package but it aint cheap so need to be 100% sure before parting with any cash.

Any recommendations greatly received.

It depends on what you are wanting to do. Autodesk do a very good package but it's like £2k a year...

If you are wanting to just do models but not necessarily do technical work such as printing to a 3d printer or do technical drawings, Blender is a good open source software so free but it's more aimed at computer animation and games

[Jeekay56]

Sorry for not posting an Ardley in/out thread but does anyone on here work with CAD software and if so what would you recommend?

Currently looking at CoralCAD and maybe even the complete CoralDRAW package but it aint cheap so need to be 100% sure before parting with any cash.

Any recommendations greatly received.

Before you throw great wads of money at Corel, I'd recommend trying Sketchup, there's a free version and there are lots of youtube tutorials.

[ncfcog]

Thanks guys. I'm now building my own machines and have been using Visio to knock up basic drawings for engineering suppliers. I need to expand on that now to include not just component parts but process equipment line plans etc for engineering and presentation purposes which is why I thought Corel looked quite good and it takes DWG files as well from clients and suppliers. Although I have a reasonable level of digital tech drawing experience I still consider myself a bit of a novice so the software needs to be as uncomplicated as possible!

[meoldlaner]

There is one called FreeCad which as it says is free for anyone including businesses.
It has 3D very similar to solid works.
I have looked at a few on-line tutorials and I might download it myself.

[ncfcog]

There is one called FreeCad which as it says is free for anyone including businesses.
It has 3D very similar to solid works.
I have looked at a few on-line tutorials and I might download it myself.

Yeah I've downloaded that, need to look at some tutorials but as it is a long term thing just wondering if better to pick an industry standard solution like AutoCad or Corel etc and spend time learning that?

[LEPiePie]

Sketchup or (I think) Blender? Both free.

[meoldlaner]

Yeah I've downloaded that, need to look at some tutorials but as it is a long term thing just wondering if better to pick an industry standard solution like AutoCad or Corel etc and spend time learning that?

What was your thoughts on it?
I just want it because I enjoy Caf and thought I would try 3D work.
I had the Educational copy of AutoCad and self taught but it expires after 3 years.

[ncfcog]

What was your thoughts on it?
I just want it because I enjoy Caf and thought I would try 3D work.
I had the Educational copy of AutoCad and self taught but it expires after 3 years.

I think if it’s just for hobby 3D design then it’s fine and probably does a lot more than I give it credit for. Problem I have is needing something that will accept and load a number of different file formats which I was struggling with using FreeCad.

[ncfcog]

Sketchup or (I think) Blender? Both free.

I’ll check them out as CBP also mentioned blender.