Cad software for dummies.

Problem with drawing electronically is no matter which system you go for, there's a learning curve to become proficient. As one or two have suggested, there's always pencil and paper and how many bits can you get onto an A4 sheet? AND, don't forget, you can SCAN and save the results. You may not be drawing at full size but for simple parts, does it matter?

Regards Ian.

I think it is false economy to go for a simple CAD package in terms of time and effort. In every system the basics are simple to do irrespective of the capability of the software as a whole. If you are on a PC then solid edge community edition is a good choice. If all you want is simple sketches then stick to pencil and paper but if you want to switch to CAD then you should go the whole hog. It’s up to you then how much of the more complex features you use. If you are paying for a system then maybe there is an argument for simpler less expensive software but if it’s free then go for full functionality.
regards Martin

Loads of options and preferances as we see. Qcad has served me well for a very long time, so much so I upgraded to the pro version, I have never done before paid for software being a linux fan.

I dabbled with 3d a while back but had issues with Freecad bugs, so went for the free home / hobby version, fully working, from Onshape. Its web based and to my mind user friendly with loads of online help and utube stuff. Can't fault it.

As a bonus being web based its the only drafting package that works on my chromebook, a real plus, exports dxf and dwg file also, plus others of course.

Pete

Thanks, Pete, I can fully agree. But it is a shame that many people don't even try Onshape, because it is 'in the cloud'. It would cost them only a few clicks, and if they don't like it, just forget it (no deinstall necessary).
My oldest 'designs' (which I didn't delete), go back to 2016, and all is still there.
The help I got from them, when I also had some troubles in the beginning, can't be bettered.
I still consider Onshape the easiest CAD on the market just now, and I tried a lot since I attended an Autocad course back in 1989 iirc.

Season's greetings.

Hans

I also give a vote to Onshape, and have been using it from its early days. I do though back up all my work as STEP files, just in case.

I used Onshape initially. As I recall it wouldn't run under MS Explorer and when my employer banned other browsers I couldn't play at lunchtime so moved to Fusion. Might be different now.

Hi...

Have a go with Fusion 360 (the home use version) Doesn't seem to have the bugs of FreeCAD as is a commercial package. Learning curve seems not bad to get drawing. I used "Future Engineering" on YouTube no connection disclaimer to get going, then plenty of other videos for advanced use out there. Limited non commercial use lasts a couple of years I think.

2D CAD I use LibreCAD and import DXF to CNC.

Regards, Barry

Edited By Pete White on 17/12/2022 10:29:18

+2 for Free CAD - it is immensely powerful and completely FOC . . I have found it relatively easy to learn (I'm mid 60's) and is fully compatible with almost all CAD standard file formats, and no restrictions on saving files (unlike Fusion 360 - unless you subscribe)

There are some excellent structured YouTube videos, search for MangoJelly Solutions - I have found the chap really easy to follow.

It helps if you can have the video playing in a separate device (or screen) from the one you have FreeCAD running on

Steve

Going back to Peter's initial question, maybe the best thing to do is download a couple of the free programs, say Open Office and Freecad, which represent the "pencil and paper" and Cad approaches, and just have a try? Nothing like a little practical experience to learn how these things are really like to use.

Wish I was retired Barry, I agree with you about fusion but the problem with it is in the cam side of it, they have disabled rapid moves and toolchanges which makes it pretty carp for any machining.

I've not found the F360 restrictions that restricting. My Rapids for the machine were 1000mm/min, on adaptives I set the non cutting speed at 950mm/min and feed at 500-600 and combined with a high stay down percentage it dose not loose me much time. Don't have any form of tool change system so that has not affected me.

I'm also happy to walk away from the machine and let it get on with what it is doing so does not really affect me in time wasted watching the machine either.

I use NanoCad 2D which is free and very similar in layout and function to autocad. Downside is it's Russian, but as it's free I'm not supporting Putin, and I downloaded it ages ago. Qcad is very different, whilst perfectly capable I didn't want another learning curve

Edited By duncan webster on 18/12/2022 01:32:49

If you want something similar in operation to Autocad 2D have a look at LibreCAD it is free and community supported. If you are an old Autocad user it might be useful as it will read .dwg files, at least the latest version for Linux does, I haven't tried the Windows version so can't be sure if that update has reached it yet.

Russell

A simple 2D CAD I learnt the basics on is Cad Std. Lite version is free and will do most things. Pro version

allows more exports and import features..

The creator is very approchable and will answer any question you have.