I have never used any kind of CAD or computer design program. I enjoy drawing with a pencil, and my fathers drafting tools, as feeble as those drawings may be. Is there a website or a download that you guys can recommend for Rank beginners ? I am certainly NOT any sort of IT person either, so i am talking SIMPLE! I want to give it a try see if i can design some scale model parts in 3D

Thanks Tony

Tony, I would look at ProgeCAD Smart which is a free clone of AutoCAD but better as it will open various versions of DXF files. Now it's not 3D but if you're heart is set on 3D you can either try Google sketchup or a "real" 3D software called Alibre design for $94.00 here:

http://www.novedge.com/products/1558?ITS=CMP

It's a lot like Solidworks and worth a try.

Dave

I'll check that out Dave, thanks. I might just need to get a new PC before I try this new endeavor though, this thing is on it's last legs. I know one think I am going to have to brush up on my drawing and drawing reading skills after not doing anything in that vein for a long long time ! My father was a mechanical engineer wish I could have his help now ! !

T

I'll second Google SketchUp, as Dave mentioned.

http://sketchup.google.com/

about as low cost as you can get, and it will get you started in thinking in 3D space.

Ok Steve got em bookmarked, will check into both of them.

Thanks T

Don't take too long. From most accounts I've heard (an e-mail from Alibre, talking to Alibre, and on some web site) the Alibre sale is suppose to end... well, now. I just checked http://www.alibre.com and the sale was still going on, but there's a good chance it'll be gone by sunrise.

By the way, Alibre is normally $999, and at that price it appears* to be worth it, $99 is a steal!

*I haven't exactly used the software yet.

I was almost about to go for the Alibre, but what that price doesn't include is the yearly maintenance for software updates and technical support past the first year (it may not include the first year's worth of updates and support). However I have never used Alibre, and I can be wrong about this.

But for every 3D CAD and FEA program I have ever dealt with and purchased, you can talk them down by hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the purchase or license price, but you will always be stuck with a yearly maintenance fee if you want to keep up with the latest software releases, bug fixes, and support. This often costs a few thousand dollars a year per license.

Here's the info about the maintenance on Alibre'

http://www.alibre.com/training_support/maintenance_info.asp

Dave

not bad on the maintenance!

I'm just used to the Four-Figure maintenance cost for SolidWorks.

I am looking for FREE ! for now, Maybe if anf when I get a new PC I'll go for a program.

Thanks Tony

I actually thouhgt he just wanted 3D. If you're just after a CAD program for free, try ProgeCAD Smart. It's actually just like AutoCAd.

The download link is at the bottom under: DOWNLOAD progeCAD 2008 Smart!

http://www.progesoft.com/en/smart-2008


Dave

I should also mention that Alibre has a free version called Alibre Express. You should have a look at that as well as it's 3D design as well.

Go here and scroll down-

http://www.novedge.com/Prods_Search.asp?D_Type=6&PLATFORM=W&BID=0&SF=7

Dave

Thanks guys, i got em all saved, off today so maybe I'll check them out.

Tony

Hey All, thought I'd chime on on this thread as a user of Alibre. I downloaded their free CAD package a couple years back (v8 I believe) and found that they were worth the price of free. Their free trial doesn't expire for "Xpress" but you lose a few features and the ability to place more than 8 parts in an assembly after 30 days. However, the product remained a solid option for hobby use. Then they added motion analysis and that feature combined with 3D sketch and a low sale price hooked me into an upgrade to the standard edition. I was a CATIA jockey a while back and will say that although Alibre wasn't nearly as powerful for surfacing and large assembly work, it does a descent job of basic modeling of the kinds of things you can actually make in a home shop (small engines, etc). -Keith

just came across this today, may be worth looking into:

http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/free-cad/index.php?title=Main_Page