Best free CAD Software?

[d19h]

Hello,
I have an idea for something I'd like to make, but don't have the engineering background or tools to know what would be needed to get it made.

I'm looking to design metal part that would later be cut from aluminum sheet metal. I'm not sure of the gauge yet, but approximately 1/8 thick. I'm thinking the part can be water jetted or plasma cut. I'm looking for easy to use free CAD software that I can design the part on and then send to someone to cut out.

Does anyone have suggestions of good software to use or software to avoid?

Thanks,
d19h

 

[holt2ton]

I've heard Google Sketchup is pretty decent, and free. I think you can pay upgrades too.

 

[rlitman]

I've heard Google Sketchup is pretty decent, and free. I think you can pay upgrades too.

I'm happy with Sketchup, but FYI, it is no longer a Google product.

 

[sierradmax]

How complex is the drawing? Can it be hand drawn? I'm sure someone here, including myself, can generate a simple dwg, dxf, dgn file for a machine shop to laser cut or waterjet cut.

I do it all the time for chainsaw spikes.

 

[bdbecker]

I've heard good things about this program, I just keep forgetting to download it...

https://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight-cad-software/free-download/

Apparently it is very similar to AutoCAD and saves files in the .dwg format that most other CAD software are able to use/view.

EDIT:
I should add, if you haven't used an AutoCAD type program before, there can be a little bit of a learning curve - look for some online tutorials/videos to help you get started. Once you "get it" it will open a lot of doors for you.

 

[d19h]

Cool chainsaw spikes. I'd like to learn how to do it myself just to learn, but I will definitely reach out if I get in over my head. My design is fairly simple. How much do your chainsaw spikes cost to get cut out, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks for the tip on Sketchup and 3ds. I'll check'm out tonight.

 

[madosta]

DraftSight is great. My go-to AutoCAD replacement.

 

[BearsFan315]

tried to play with google sketchup but after 20+ years of Autodesk hard to use other software, but i try

Certified AutoCAD Pro what ever that means

 

[mike93lx]

A couple nice things about sketchup are the warehouse (publicly shared designs) and the abundance of youtubr tutorials

 

[W_A_Watson_II]

DraftSight is great. My go-to AutoCAD replacement.

Same here.

 

[turfgnome]

autodesk fusion 360 is free for home use.

 

[CGT80]

I use solid Edge ST8

It is from siemens and is a free program, but is only 2D. It is a 2-3 GB download. It took some time to learn it enough to made drawings for the plasma table, but it seems to have plenty of features. It appears to be a professional grade CAD package and is likely provided to get people to pay for the 3D CAD that the company offers.

https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/solid-edge/free2d/index.shtml

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Draftsight here also, but had 8 years of AutoCAD experience back in the day.

 

[crf731]

If you go to the web site below. They have a free autoCAD program that you can download, use the tutorials on how to use it to draw what you are wanting to make.

Once you have it drawn, you can pick the material that you want your part made out of, the quantity you want and the process you want them to use to make it, such as plasma, water jet, CNC and they will give you a price to do it.

If you are happy with the price, you can give them your cc number and order he parts you designed. They will ship them to you when they are done.

http://www.emachineshop.com

 

[AndyCBR]

Hello,
I have an idea for something I'd like to make, but don't have the engineering background or tools to know what would be needed to get it made.

I'm looking to design metal part that would later be cut from aluminum sheet metal. I'm not sure of the gauge yet, but approximately 1/8 thick. I'm thinking the part can be water jetted or plasma cut. I'm looking for easy to use free CAD software that I can design the part on and then send to someone to cut out.

Does anyone have suggestions of good software to use or software to avoid?

Thanks,
d19h

You really should look into AutoCAD Fusion 360. They actually allow you to register for a free Hobbyist license for non-commercial use. 20 years ago this would have been $25k software (or more). It is cloud based but runs on Mac or PC, IE you can run most of it offline for a few weeks at a time. Some of the more advanced simulation tools require cloud access.

It competes with Solidworks and some of its features actually exceed that very expensive commercial product.

Check it out. I found it just as easy to use as Sketchup.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I like Shetchup, but it does take some time getting used to thinking in 3D ALL OF THE TIME ! There online classes are "adequate" but if my local Community College had a class on Sketchup, I would probably sign up.

 

[holt2ton]

∆ I also use Fusion 360. There is a guy in NY that has a YouTube channel that has some good tutorials. Search NYCNC

 

[Adolf.Banta]

for working in auto cad and catia you need a bit knowledge.by watching some tutorials you can make it only if your design is not complex.

 

[StingRay]

Fusion 360 for 3D and Drafsight for 2D. If you manage well in Fusion you can migrate your skills into most 3D modeling packages. Draftsight uses the same commands as Autocad. If you can use one you can use the other. You are virtually stealing these products when you get them for free. Professional versions that do mostly the same things are very expensive. These are a bit more limited than the professional stuff but not where the hobbyist is concerned. Fusion 360 has some great 3D printing and machining add ons as well.

 

[gewf631]

I like http://www.cadstd.com/
I've mostly used it for building projects, but has enough options that it should work well for smaller projects

 

[StingRay]

for working in auto cad and catia you need a bit knowledge.by watching some tutorials you can make it only if your design is not complex.

Catia? A bit of knowledge? Unless V6 is much simpler than V5 you need more than a little. 40 Hours of intense instruction will almost get you started. another thousand of using it and you will know your way around the basics. I use V5 and it is a powerful, expensive and complex tool. Forgiving it is not. If you are a Catia user everything else isn't much of a leap to migrate into.

 

[d19h]

Thanks for all the great information. I appreciate the background info. I can't wait to really dig into one of these.

 

[bwringer]

You really should look into AutoCAD Fusion 360. They actually allow you to register for a free Hobbyist license for non-commercial use. 20 years ago this would have been $25k software (or more). It is cloud based but runs on Mac or PC, IE you can run most of it offline for a few weeks at a time. Some of the more advanced simulation tools require cloud access.

It competes with Solidworks and some of its features actually exceed that very expensive commercial product.

Check it out. I found it just as easy to use as Sketchup.

Exactly what I was about to post. The software is actually pretty user-friendly.

The cost info is very enlightening, and can really help you understand the processes and fine-tune your design and specs to reduce your cost.

For example, you might be able to save a bunch by having your part cut from sheet, then doing the bends yourself. Or sometimes you can do stuff like having undersize holes drilled in the correct locations, but doing the final drilling and tapping yourself.

 

[d19h]

Good to know. Thanks.