Total CAD

Are there any regular users of a cheap drawing tool that I bought a good few years ago called Total CAD 2D/ 3D? I would either like to learn how to use it to draw engines or save some space on my computer drive if it is no use.

Phil H

You could always try Fusion 360 Phil H1. Its extremely well featured and there are lots of online help videos notably by a guy called Lars Christenson on YouTube. The software is not huge as it runs online so always upto date and best is it is the whole package is free to hobby users.

Hi Phil,

I am not familiar with Total CAD, but I found this manual on the web, may be that can be of help.

Thor

Nige, Thanks I might give that a go if I can't get this system working.

Thor, Thanks. Ill have a look at it to see if it helps.

If you haven't even started to use this Total Cad product, I'd suggest you'd be better off investing your time on Fusion 360 instead. It's also completely free but has the advantage of being actively supported and in development. There is a massive support community and plenty of learning tools.

BTW Nige, it doesn't "run online" (you might be thinking of Onshape?). It installs on your machine (Windows only) and you can use it offline if you prefer but updates are automatically installed. As mentioned, it is still being actively developed, so new features come along at each update (typically every month or so).

Murray

Me! To be honest I have hardly used it, Turbocad deluxe better meets my needs.

Neil

Phil you might want to think twice before printing the manual indicated by Thor, it's only 291 pages long.

DaveW

Murray I think fusion360 also runs on Apples Ios. Looking at utube videos last night some commands require extra key presses and it gave both windows and Ios examples.

Hugh

Of course! You are right. In fact it looks as if many of the developers use Macs. It's Linux that isn't supported.

Murray

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**LINK**     [see edit]

Fusion 360 by Autodesk Inc.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/fusion-360/id991074843?mt=8

Must have a look sometime

MichaelG.

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Edit: Sorry ... That link doesn't seem to work

It's definitely on the App Store though. ...This should be O.K.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/fusion-360/id991074843?mt=8

UPDATE: The iOS App is not the full drawing package, but a "collaboration" tool. 

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 02/12/2017 19:45:59

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Just a note:

iOS is for iPhones & iPads

The Mac operating system is currently OS X

MichaelG.

Thanks for the correction about the OS for Macs. Sorry if I caused anybody confusion.

Hugh

No problem Hugh

MichaelG.

Hi, fusion 360 free? the best I could achieve was a free trial, can anyone post a link for the free package or explain how its obtained?

Thanks,

Ian

Confusing isn't it! When you download standard Fusion you are offered various licences, one of which is for hobbyists and small businesses. That one's free. The licence lasts (from memory) a year. Then you just renew it again, still free.

Dave

I'm sticking with TurboCAD too - more than enough for my 2D needs - and no "Cloud"...

IanT

For hobby users, Autodesk have stated many times that Fusion will remain free. And it's the complete package you get for free, not some cut down, reduced feature set. Everything is in there, from full 3D CAD and multi axis CAM to thermal / stress / dynamic FEA simulation and full rendering. As for the old cloud chestnut, so can save and work locally (for up to 360 days). If the internet is going to screw you, it won't be your hobby files you need to worry about....

Murray

Ahhh thank you Dave, might give it a go before paying for MOI 3D.