I see a lot of people on here using CAD to show the plans for their buildings. My question is, are these programs being used by you directly or is a contractor or architect using them and you just posting the pictures? I am asking because I would like to start fabricating parts, tables, carts, etc... I don't need a huge, fancy, elaborate program to build a garage. Just something simple to make mostly straight lines and give me measurements and sizes. Also a huge plus would be that the program is free. If anyone is using something like this or has any information regarding it please let me know. Thank you!
CAD Program
- Thread starter mjschamp
- Start date
steel 35
Well-known member
lots are using sketchup! I have a hard time with it, better with autocad may find the time to learn it someday and its free.
Richard D
Well-known member
I prefer AutoCAD, I have used it professionally for over twenty years. But it is very expensive. I am downloading progeCAD as I type this. I have used it before, it is pretty much a clone of AutoCAD, and free for personal use. I'll let you know how it works and post a link after I test it out.
rslaback
Well-known member
I have taught with ProgeCAD. There are a few things that differ from AutoCAD but almost everything crosses over easily. That said, it is as difficult to learn as AutoCAD is. If you don't have someone to teach you or a good series of tutorials or how to videos I would suggest starting with Sketch UP.
Richard D
Well-known member
Well so much for that, doesn't work with my operating system. Know of a program compatable with AutoCAD that runs on Windows 7?
FJ 432
Well-known member
You can use an older version of autocad that works with windows 7.
bp460
Well-known member
I have used AutoCad R14 since 1998. When I upgraded to Windows 7, I was unable to load my faithful copy of R14. I have started using Draftsight, per the recommendation of gdavis2265, in his thread here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=170641&page=5
I downloaded the free version of Draftsight here:
http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/
It is pretty much an exact clone of AutoCad and it works great.
-Brad
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=170641&page=5
I downloaded the free version of Draftsight here:
http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/
It is pretty much an exact clone of AutoCad and it works great.
-Brad
bsaint
Well-known member
+1 for Draftsight. Even the newest Acad deviates a lot from the old school traditional R14 - 2010
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
I use DeltaCad. They have a trial download or you can buy it for $40. I've used it for 6 or 7 years now at home and at work. www.deltacad.com
machine_punk
Well-known member
For 3D design, I use Alibre Design 3D...about $200 for the Personal Edition. But that is usually for designing parts, not buildings...
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Plenty of 2D or 3D building design programs out there...I've had good luck with the TurboCAD stuff. Get last year's version dirt cheap on Amazon...
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Plenty of 2D or 3D building design programs out there...I've had good luck with the TurboCAD stuff. Get last year's version dirt cheap on Amazon...
toms73novass
Well-known member
If you are a "student" you can download a copy of any autodesk program from their autodesk educational community.......... puts an educational version stamp around the prameter of your printouts.
bsaint
Well-known member
At work I use Catia. Go ahead. Get a quote for that - I dare you.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
bimmer1980
Well-known member
I use ProEngineer for my designs. A seat is about $5k when we bought it about 6 years ago.
Jim Johnstone
Well-known member
Ha! Try a fully loaded seat of Unigraphics with stress analysis and CAM programming...then proceed to **** your pants.
polydan
Well-known member
draftsight for me. Real close to autocad 14. I sketched up mu pool deck with it, work out great!
+1 for Sketchup http://www.sketchup.com/product/newin7.html
This is likely the easiest way to start doing CAD type work. Meant for the laymen to pickup and start using with zero experience.
Like any software, you have to put some hours into it before becoming proficient at it.
The tutorials are linked in the site. Oh, and its totally free for the basic version which will cover every probably.
This is likely the easiest way to start doing CAD type work. Meant for the laymen to pickup and start using with zero experience.
Like any software, you have to put some hours into it before becoming proficient at it.
The tutorials are linked in the site. Oh, and its totally free for the basic version which will cover every probably.
Scotts Elle
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2011
- Messages
- 56
Learning how to draw in these programs is the hard part. I use Autodesk products for my business (simulations, modeling, design and analysis). I started with Solidworks which was easy to learn. If you are starting out or just want to learn how to draw, Sketch-up is a great tool and free. Solidworks has a free 2D program that works similar to AutoCAD.
Most 3D programs worth learning are well over 5K. My Autodesk investment is over 70K with at least 8K/ year in upgrades, support and maintenance. I call them at least once a week for help. They are complex and very intelligent programs. Probably WAY more than you'll ever need.
Most 3D programs worth learning are well over 5K. My Autodesk investment is over 70K with at least 8K/ year in upgrades, support and maintenance. I call them at least once a week for help. They are complex and very intelligent programs. Probably WAY more than you'll ever need.
joshuaz223
Well-known member
I use turbo cad14 pro. I haven't updated it because i have the CAM plug in for it and don't want to pay for both again.
As others have stated the learning curve is steep and if you don't do it regularly you will never get or stay good at it.
As others have stated the learning curve is steep and if you don't do it regularly you will never get or stay good at it.
Drunken Yak inc
Well-known member
I use SolidWorks at work, mostly surfacing. I also stumble through SurfCam when I need to digitize something. Oh, and I was also trained in Rhino but hated it so I don't use it.
Drunken Yak inc
Well-known member
Here are some pics of an R/C mock-up I did a few years ago when work was slow. I wanted to try a couple of different methods of surfacing and also work on my renderings.
porschedude996TT
Well-known member
I use AutoCad 2013 at work. Started with AutoCad 8 in 1988??? Then 10 years ago started using I-DEAS NX which is what the big companies were using and still using. It is making a very slow merge with Unigraphics. Now the company wants us to use Pro-E... What? You want me to be fluent in three 3D modeling programs and translate everything over to anything at any time? My brain is strained!
We use ProE at work and I've actually grown to like it more than Solidworks.
+1 for draftsight, very similar to autocad for those that have already learned, free for personal use, and works on pretty much any operating system.
-1 for sketup, coming from catia/solid works sketchup was.. how to say politely.. ****?
Cheers
-1 for sketup, coming from catia/solid works sketchup was.. how to say politely.. ****?
Cheers
bronc3buster842001
Well-known member
I use Alibre.... Got beat it for the price...
Nealcrenshaw
Well-known member
I'm gonna give draftsight a try,looks nice!
Outlander
Well-known member
They used that at work, so I know what a seat cost.
^^This. I managed a 1500 seat environment for a number of years. Seat cost was nothing compared to the annual license and maintenance fees.
Key to selecting (besides free vs not free) is defining what you want to do (2d/3d, architecture, sketching etc) and how much integration you need.
I have been using sketchup, but would really like to spend the time learning Draftsight or other packages. Wish I could retire early
onewaydave
Well-known member
I used Sketchup a little on a Windos box. But my DD is a linux box and Sketchup doesn't play nice. I am adopting LibreCad as a replacement.
Dave.
Dave.
I learned I-DEAS in school. I love the program, but it is flipping expensive. I liked that basic CAM, FEA, and thermal analysis were all build in. I wish I could afford a copy for personal use. Looks like I'm going to get a copy of Alibre when I get home. The interface seems similar to I-DEAS. I never liked the PRO-E interface. I guess that a personal preference. I know people who love Pro-E and hate I-DEAS.