What do you use for CAD?

[DocsMachine]

I really need to start getting some use out of my new-to-me CNC mill this year, and that, of course, necessitates a good CAD program and post-processors.

Generally speaking, it would seem that for someone in my position- small shop but with proper industrial machines, not desktop toys- it boils down to either Fusion 360 or Solidworks.

I've played with F360 a few times, but have barely gotten past the point of poking it with a stick and grunting. I've had a chance to use a program that used 360's included post-processor, and it worked perfectly.

But, at the same time, Solidworks' price has come down considerably, and I've been told by a few that it's "better" in some ways than 360.

I know this question has been asked here time and again, but I also know that the technology keeps changing. And yes, I'm also aware of other options like Alibre and Mastercam, but I also don't know as much about them as the other two.

Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions? Preferences?

Doc.

 

[The Cobbler]

CAD for me is cardboard aided design. sorry, couldn't resist

 

[DocsMachine]

I was doing cardboard aided design back in the 90s.

When I made the steel fender flares for my lightly-modified Corvair...



... I used old manila folders to make patterns for the pieces. That photo was taken in '94.

Doc.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Solid works is very common in the US in my experience. I also find it pretty easy to use. Solid Edge is also nice but has a bigger user base in the EU, less so now in the US.

 

[MadeByMiller]

Fusion 360 as you said is CAD/CAM in one program. You'll still need a separate CAM program if you go with Solidworks. I've been using Fusion 360 professionally since 2018 (I don't really use the CAM side though), and I've always been able to do everything I wanted within it, including some fairly complex assemblies.

 

[Cruzan80]

Do you want to be designing parts, or setting up tool-paths? The first is CAD, the second is CAM. For CAD, I personally find Solidworks the more intuitive way of doing things (and for less of a learning curve, OnShape) vs F360, but can use both. For CAM, F360 has it built in, whereas Solidworks has an add-on module.

When I was trying F360 (quite a while ago), I got frustrated at various updates that re-arranged or otherwise "broke" things, for no apparent reason. Trying to keep up with how the program was organized got to be a chore. Solidworks behaves fairly "normally" for the last several years, with smaller updates in how it works. For example, the CSWA and CSWP (industry certifications for Associate and Professional) allow you to sue back to SW 2011 and 2015 respectively.

However, I do understand there is a cost difference. I am in a more "unique" situation, as I teach Engineering, and therefore have access to Educational editions (for vastly reduced/free pricing).

 

[nadogail]

Cardboard and Tape.

 

[Sparrow2]

Hello All,
There is more versatility with Solidworks than F360. The big variable is price. Right now, SW Standard upfront is $3995 w/$1295 annual fee (includes upgrades). In addition, there is SW Professional & SW Premium, $5490 & 7995 respectively. All of these include the SW Cam program which you can actually purchase separately for around $3k. MasterCam starts at $4k & goes up to $40k.

F360 is $545 annually or a 3-year subscription $1,555 paid every 3 years. But then there is the student versions where you will get F360 for free if you are enrolled somewhere and have that school email. Go to the AutoDesk educational web site and register.

SW would be free if you enroll in a class and the institution buys the software package for 60 seats.
I teach Solidworks and also taught F360 for one year. My own preference is SW. I use it primarily for design work.

If you opt for SW check with your local community college. Many now have online courses and the new semester begins in a week or two. That way for a minimal tuition amount, you would get the software (for a year) and might be motivated to work on the program although a beginning course will not cover the CAM portion. But you can take a regular part and save it as a variety of file types (adding pic for the Save As...)

 

[imagineer]

Am I the only old-school AutoCAD user? Been using AutoCAD since 1990 and Autodesk Inventor since about 1999. If forced, I can manage in SolidWorks, but only when necessary.

 

[BrandonV]

Am I the only old-school AutoCAD user? Been using AutoCAD since 1990 and Autodesk Inventor since about 1999. If forced, I can manage in SolidWorks, but only when necessary.

AutoCAD works for me. For one I can not afford Solidworks as a DIYer.

 

[rmack898]

I'm a hobby user. My CAM needs are 2D and I use sheetCAM for that.
I have a problem with both F360 and SW. F360 is cloud based and I have trust issues with that. SW and F360, along with most other mainstream CAD (or any other major software for that matter) have become subscription based and if you don't keep up with your subscription, your files can become useless and basically held for ransom.

I use open source FreeCad and Linux CNC.
It's not that I'm cheap and don't want to pay for good software but the whole move away from being able to purchase a product, to renting a product with no other option is a big turn off for me.

 

[engineer2]

I agree your community college is a good place to start. The SW student version had some limitations, but my knowledge is old. You could open a student file in a regular paid version, but that file couldn't go back. Unfortunately my SW teacher was learning the program herself as she taught. I may decide to take it again someday.
Our last bill at work was $2000 for the Professional and Elite Success Plan.

 

[DocsMachine]

Do you want to be designing parts, or setting up tool-paths?

-Both.

The idea here is that most of my parts are fairly simple at the moment. I will typically do a cocktail-napkin sketch, make the part manually, adjust and fit as necessary, and once the prototype is made, generate a drawing. The drawing is typically just a 2D dimensioned drawing, but that's generally good enough for me.

What I need to do now is use that dimensioned drawing to generate a 3D CAD model, and then use the model to generate a toolpath that works for my mill.

So yes, I need both a way to generate a model, and a way to turn that model into a toolpath. And the fact that F360 has it built in- and I know they have a post-processor specifically for my Trak mill- make it preferable, all else being equal.

When I was trying F360 (quite a while ago), I got frustrated at various updates that re-arranged or otherwise "broke" things, for no apparent reason.

-Yep. I've heard that from a number of places. I'm told that the majority of online tutorials, especially those on YouTube, are outdated enough that they're almost useless.

If you opt for SW check with your local community college.

-Unfortunately, the local community college closed down it's machining course well over a decade ago. I am aware of no machining related educational programs anywhere in the state. (Alaska, if you care to look.)

SW and F360, along with most other mainstream CAD (or any other major software for that matter) have become subscription based and if you don't keep up with your subscription, your files can become useless and basically held for ransom.

-That's my other big concern. That and being able to import drawings from other sources, which I'm told in F360, can be iffy.

In my case, on one hand, once I have the toolpath, a G-code file, I can save and store that anywhere. Point in fact I have to be able to save it as a standalone file on a thumb drive and sneakernet it over to the machine. So at the very least, once a toolpath is made and proven, that can be saved anywhere and indefinitely.

But, there's the idea that if I lose access to the model, if I ever get a different machine and want to recreate a fresh toolpath for that one, using an appropriate post-processor, I'd either have to reactivate 360, or draw it again in whatever software I'd be using at the time.

I do NOT like the idea of being forced to store the work on their cloud. My stuff isn't sensitive or critical (or classified, etc. ) but I've still never been a big fan of the cloud concept.

Doc.

 

[goldtang]

CAD for me is cardboard aided design. sorry, couldn't resist

works For me, with the aide of tape (sorry)

 

[CapriMikeC]

At my day job, we use Solid Edge and Mastercam. For home CAD, I have Alibre. https://www.alibre.com/

 

[vavet]

I have sold works maker at home. It’s $99 per year or $10 month I think. I’m an eaa member, so it’s half of that. They also has a new years sale for even more off, but you probably don’t want to wait. I also have estlcam for my cnc router here. It’s basic, but effective. $40 one time, I think.
At work, we use solid works for design and Alphacam for our cnc routers. Alphacam has some cad capabilities, but it’s not great. The FSEs from the router company use enrout.

 

[billconner]

Am I the only old-school AutoCAD user? Been using AutoCAD since 1990 and Autodesk Inventor since about 1999. If forced, I can manage in SolidWorks, but only when necessary.

1982 version 1.1. Never made transition to Revit. Still running 2018 in retirement.

 

[bdbecker]

For 3D modeling, check out nanoCAD.

nanoCAD - CAD Software with native DWG for 2D design and 3D modeling

nanoCAD - professional, cost-effective CAD Software with powerful 2D/3D modeling tools for viewing and drawing DWG files in engineering and architecture. Free download.

nanocad.com

I've been using the free 2D version for years. If you are familiar with AutoCAD, you'll find yourself right at home with nanoCAD. I have not tried the 3D modeling software, but the $200/yr. price seems pretty reasonable for what you get. You can do a one month free trial before purchasing to see if you like it. It doesn't appear to have CAM integrated, so you'd still need to sort that out.

 

[manwithtools]

Fusion 360 for me. It's pretty stable these days, 4 -5 years ago it was being rapidly upgraded and things changed often, not the case today. It's very powerful for what it costs.

 

[macgyver37]

To begin with, you don't need to 3D model a part to make toolpath unless the part has 3D surfaces that need to be machined, which from some of your parts I have seen may need that. But, you can make a 2D drawing and import it into whatever CAM software you have as a dxf then put toolpath on that geometry. The toolpath details will determine the depth of cut etc. Hope that makes sense, so many get wrapped up in making 3D models thinking they have to have them when they don't.

As to software, since what you want as an end result is a gcode file for the mill, then you are going to need a CAM package. In my opinion and experience the only one that is a reasonable price is F360 for what you want to do. I don't like the parent companies business practices or their cloud and subscription only platform, but the only other real options are many times more expensive (like starts at $8k). The reality is that while they are not the ideal setup, there are a ton of shops using it without much if any trouble.

I prefer mastercam as that is what I know, but it has a high entry price. But for now it can still be bought as a perpetual license and it is not cloud based. Those two things on top of my experience with it make it a top choice for me. If you do go down that path, I'd bet the post can be included as it's likely already in their list of posts. If it is not, I can't imagine it would be hard to generate one, the machine is not complicated. If you get a quote, make sure and ask about it specifically and get it included in the deal. No reason to have the CAM without a working post..

 

[MadeByMiller]

I'm not here to defend Autodesk or Fusion 360 by any means, but I do think there are some misleading comments about the program that are worth addressing for anyone reading this thread. This comment is not meant to dismiss others' experiences, just hopefully provide additional, real world context.

"If you don't renew your subscription you lose file access."

*Not exactly. You will still have access to your files for 30 days through your Autodesk account, where you can then backup your files locally. It's not like server space is free, so I think it's reasonable for them to terminate your files if you're no longer paying them to host them. Here is an excerpt from the Terms and Conditions (It's not my understanding that you have to actually request retrieval, just log in and download):​

​

8.3 Content retrieval after termination. Within thirty (30) days following the end of the term of Your Services (“Content Retrieval Period”), You may request retrieval of Your Content from the Services by Autodesk. Provided You have paid all amounts due in connection with the Service, Autodesk will, at Autodesk’s election, either (1) grant You limited access to the Service for the sole purpose of allowing You to retrieve Your available Content or (2) make such Content otherwise available to You, each of (1) and (2) at Autodesk’s then-current daily professional services rates.​

​

"Updates cause broken files and unreliable software/useless past tutorials."

*Not in my experience. As I mentioned earlier, I've been a consistent Fusion user since 2018 and I've seen a few new UI changes and some positive evolution and features added. Of all the hundreds of files I've created over the years, not one has ever been corrupted or broken as a result of any software updates. I'm not saying it's never happened to any user, but I've not experienced it. I rely on the software extremely heavily for my business and main source of income, and if it was as unstable as some people claim I would have abandoned the program years ago. As far as updates making past tutorials useless, I disagree here as well. There have been a few new tools added, but all of the old tools exist and are in the same places they've always been. The interface may look different, but the tools are still there. The tutorial could be considered useless if a new tool has been added to make the process easier/more efficient, but that's about the only thing I can think of. Also it's worth noting that Fusion 360 has never been more popular than it is currently. New, very up to date tutorials are being put out constantly making old tutorials sort of redundant anyway. The Autodesk forums are a wealth of up to date knowledge as well and provide a community of support that I'm not sure is paralleled by other CAD programs.​

​

"The cloud server puts your content at risk of loss or theft."

*I feel similarly to this as I do the broken files due to updates issue. If this was true and/or prevalent, the program would be dead. No user would sign up for such volatility, especially not in a professional setting. I don't know the inner workings at Autodesk, but I can only imagine that your files are uploaded to a server system that has many fail safes and redundancies in place that would prevent file loss. As far as some sort of IP or design theft, I know of absolutely zero evidence to back up that claim and I find it a bit silly that your files are being combed through in search of the next big idea they can steal or sell. Again, Autodesk would lose all credibility if there were even whispers of this being true. At any time, you can export designs out of Fusion and save them locally to your hard drive in a variety of formats.​

It's worth mentioning the benefits of saving your files to a cloud server as well. You save a ton of space on your hard drive; you can access any file save at any point in time starting at the file's inception; you are protected from losing all of your files in the event of a catastrophic hard drive failure.​

Here's a relevant excerpt from the Terms and Conditions:​

​

2.1 Your Content is Yours. You maintain ownership of and responsibility for Your Content and responsibility for Your conduct while using the Service Offering. You agree that Your Content and Your (and Your Authorized Users) conduct in using the Service Offering will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Rules of Conduct and all other Policies. By creating, submitting, posting or otherwise making Your Content available to Autodesk and/or others, You acknowledge and agree that: (1) You will evaluate and bear all risks associated with Your Content; and (2) under no circumstances will Autodesk Parties be liable in any way for Your Content as You upload or submit it, including, but not limited to any errors or omissions. Without taking away from Autodesk’s obligation to provide the Services as described in Your Entitlements, You are encouraged to practice effective content retention practices, to maintain copies on Your own computer or local network, to use the latest encryption and other security technology to protect Your Content and to back up and protect the security and confidentiality of Your Content, as applicable to the Service. Autodesk personnel will not access Your Content except (a) as part of providing, maintaining, securing or modifying Services, (b) at Your request or with Your consent as part of addressing or preventing a service, support or technical issue, or (c) in connection with legal obligations or proceedings in accordance with Section 2.4 below. Use of Your Personal Information will be as set forth in the Privacy Statement. Autodesk does not own Your Content. You acknowledge that provision of the Service necessarily involves technical access, processing and transmission of Your Content and Metrics related to use of the Service.​

​

I hope this is helpful information! There are things I don't appreciate about Fusion, namely when they add new functionality behind an additional pay wall, but most of those tools are for specialties and I do not currently subscribe to any extensions. I don't think the value of the software is matched for what you get in the standard package. I would suggest purchasing soon if you are interested, it's currently 30% off, so only $382/year. I've heard from a reliable source that the non-sale price will be up somewhere around $800/year in the not too distant future (which is still a bargain).

 

[Blt2Lst]

Am I the only old-school AutoCAD user? Been using AutoCAD since 1990 and Autodesk Inventor since about 1999.

No your not, I to have been using Autocad since 1990 and still use it today for 2d stuff.
Started using Solidworks in around 2009, started a new job in 2015 where they were using Autodesk Inventor so that's what I currently use for 3d modeling on a daily basis.
Still have an older version of Autocad I use at home since the newer versions are all subscription based.

 

[908Jim]

Autodesk is trash software and has been for the better part of 2 decades. Avoid it. The free options are pretty painful to work with as well.

For a non-professional user, SolidWorks for Makers ($40/year) is an excellent option for design use and it has(had) a great balance of user friendliness and low price when I subscribed a few years back. I used SolidWorks for many years and it is an excellent software package. The more fully featured packages like NX, CREO, CATIA are prohibitively expensive and will be unnecessarily complex for no added benefits. I have personally used Pro-E/CREO, NX, Autodesk, and SolidWorks professionally and I would go SW every single time unless I simply needed a more powerful package which a home/small shop user never will.

For CNC work, I had access to MasterCAM and never used any of the integrated features, so I can't comment. It's worth the $40.

 

[Farmall450]

Am I the only old-school AutoCAD user? Been using AutoCAD since 1990 and Autodesk Inventor since about 1999. If forced, I can manage in SolidWorks, but only when necessary.

Hopefully it's changed a little over the years.

Ever use NX I-deas? Not the current Siemens NX

 

[Farmall450]

The more fully featured packages like NX, CREO, CATIA are prohibitively expensive and will be unnecessarily complex for no added benefits. I have personally used Pro-E/CREO, NX, Autodesk, and SolidWorks professionally and I would go SW every single time unless I simply needed a more powerful package which a home/small shop user never will.

In my case it's NX 10/12 and CREO, I'd take NX or SW hands down, but the current job buys Creo. It's gotten a lot better with the last update for drafting.

 

[BrandonV]

Ironically I was talking to a civil engineer friend of mine today and I brought up this thread and he mentioned he uses a product called TORUS to design roundabouts.

Too much overlap of forum threads for today.

 

[Cruzan80]

*SNIPPED*

"Updates cause broken files and unreliable software/useless past tutorials."

*Not in my experience. As I mentioned earlier, I've been a consistent Fusion user since 2018 and I've seen a few new UI changes and some positive evolution and features added. Of all the hundreds of files I've created over the years, not one has ever been corrupted or broken as a result of any software updates. I'm not saying it's never happened to any user, but I've not experienced it. I rely on the software extremely heavily for my business and main source of income, and if it was as unstable as some people claim I would have abandoned the program years ago. As far as updates making past tutorials useless, I disagree here as well. There have been a few new tools added, but all of the old tools exist and are in the same places they've always been. The interface may look different, but the tools are still there. The tutorial could be considered useless if a new tool has been added to make the process easier/more efficient, but that's about the only thing I can think of. Also it's worth noting that Fusion 360 has never been more popular than it is currently. New, very up to date tutorials are being put out constantly making old tutorials sort of redundant anyway. The Autodesk forums are a wealth of up to date knowledge as well and provide a community of support that I'm not sure is paralleled by other CAD programs.​

​

*SNIPPED

Sorry, wanted to cut down (a very informative post) to the part I wanted to respond to, for clarity. When I was using it, I found that several menu options did change, dropdown icons moved around, etc. It was probably about 2018 or so that it was happening (back when Lars Christianson was doing all of the tutorials on YT), and overall, haven't really looked back at it. So it may be the things I was talking about have disappeared, or they have finally settled in. In the early days, it really felt like every 3-6mo, they threw darts at a board to decide what else to implement, and then didn't care what changes happened to the rest to do bring in new updates.

Overall, I find people tend to drop into two different "styles". Either they like Autodesk (and therefore gravitate to F360, Inventor, Revit, etc) or they like Dassault, and go with either Solidworks, or OnShape. I know OnShape does have a free package set up, and most of my students find it an easier jump to Parametric CAD vs other softwares. The same developers who made OnShape used to work for Dassault (SW), so if you learn that "system", Solidworks would be an easy jump up if you find you need it.

The reason I asked about designing vs Toolpath-ing, is that they are really two separate ideas. CAD is designing parts, and CAM is the toolpath. Some of them (like F360) have the package combined, whereas others have them separated. I have not personally used Solidworks CAM, so can't comment. Not sure if the program I do use (Vetric V-Carve) is enough to do what you need.

 

[danielbuck]

cardboard aside, only time I use CAD is when it's something for work or for someone else who has very specific needs and it needs to be machined with a CNC.

For my own personal projects I prefer a more manual process for everything. I prefer to use less computers for my fun work.

My entire adult life I've spent on computers building and working with 3d models of things, I just don't want any of that in my free time anymore.


for something quick non-work related that requires CAD, I'll use Onshape for the actual design, and Maya or 3dsMax for rough design "sketch" work/visualization if needed.

 

[Sumboodie]

CAD for me is cardboard aided design. sorry, couldn't resist

Same.

Tried to learn the computer version. Way too slow.

10 mins with a pencil and scissors and im done.
10 mins on the computer and I got it booted up and the program open.

 

[Sparrow2]

I'm a hobby user. My CAM needs are 2D and I use sheetCAM for that.
I have a problem with both F360 and SW. F360 is cloud based and I have trust issues with that. SW and F360, along with most other mainstream CAD (or any other major software for that matter) have become subscription based and if you don't keep up with your subscription, your files can become useless and basically held for ransom.

I use open source FreeCad and Linux CNC.
It's not that I'm cheap and don't want to pay for good software but the whole move away from being able to purchase a product, to renting a product with no other option is a big turn off for me.

I agree your community college is a good place to start. The SW student version had some limitations, but my knowledge is old. You could open a student file in a regular paid version, but that file couldn't go back. Unfortunately my SW teacher was learning the program herself as she taught. I may decide to take it again someday.
Our last bill at work was $2000 for the Professional and Elite Success Plan.

Hi,
The student SW version has all the bells and whistles now. Finally.

 

[DocsMachine]

To begin with, you don't need to 3D model a part to make toolpath unless the part has 3D surfaces that need to be machined, which from some of your parts I have seen may need that.

-Most of what you've seen me make was either milled by hand on a manual mill, turned by hand on a manual lathe, or came out of a CNC lathe. I want to be able to produce both things like this- which is mostly 2D-as well as, eventually, parts like this.

I'm just getting started at the moment, but yes, I very much eventually want to be able to do at least some 3D profiling, operations like thread-milling, and other complex shapes.

"If you don't renew your subscription you lose file access."
*Not exactly. You will still have access to your files for 30 days through your Autodesk account, where you can then backup your files locally.

-In my case, the idea is less losing the actual file, but rather, losing the ability to do anything with the file. I admit I don't know how the various programs interchange, but I've heard more than a few complaints that X can't be opened in Y, or the converter needed to open Z in A breaks some features, etc.

And, one concern I've read about, is a 'converted' file not being read properly by a post-processor, either seeing a feature that's not there, or not seeing a feature that is, and the machine physically crashing when you go to run it.

I will 100% admit I don't know the validity of that concern, but I've heard it happens.

"Updates cause broken files and unreliable software/useless past tutorials."
*Not in my experience. As I mentioned earlier, I've been a consistent Fusion user since 2018 and I've seen a few new UI changes and some positive evolution and features added.

-The complaints I've heard don't involve "broken" files, it involves those changes to the UI, which often renders online tutorials invalid. This one I saw myself back in the day. The early 360 had a built in tutorial on how to draw a lamp. When I tried it, the program's own instructions varied in a couple of small but notable ways from the actual UI- which caused me a little confusion 'til somebody on one of the boards explained it.

I agree they've likely slowed down on that sort of thing, but I've definitely had more than a couple people tell me that if the tutorial isn't newer than six months or so at most, it won't be 100% compatible anymore.

"The cloud server puts your content at risk of loss or theft."
*I feel similarly to this as I do the broken files due to updates issue.

-Again, in my case, theft isn't really a worry, though there were indeed some places where the data being stored off-site was a violation of either a contract or security protocols.

My worry is future access. The old 'free' version wouldn't let you save it anywhere but their cloud, or, as I recall, some intermediate format that lost some of the features of the full model.

Again, I'll 100% admit that's long-outdated info, and I don't know how the current system works. As I said, it's just a concern.

For my own personal projects I prefer a more manual process for everything. I prefer to use less computers for my fun work.

-And I agree. I've been a manual machinist for thirty years this year, and I hadn't so much as pushed the 'start' button on anything CNC 'til just a few years ago. If I'm making one part, unless it has some weird features, yeah, I head for the manual mills or the manual lathes.

BUT... I'm getting into small-run manufacturing. Really, I've been doing that more or less since the beginning, just using the old tricks of jigs, fixtures and carriage stops.

A few years back, I invested in some real CNCs, and hoping to both ease and speed up my production. I want proper programs and toolpaths for that, if I can.

Doc.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I design parts and other things for my personal use. I print those using a 3D printer.
I invested some time to learn Fusion 360. I can design whatever I need using that.
For a hobbyist who is not using it for commercial work, it is free to use. I am happy with it.

 

[cannuck]

I tried switching from the board to autocad when it was a 2d world, but soon gave up and went back to Mutoh. Why? Because I did not like the design process when obscured by another process. To draw something ready for production/fabrication you have to solve all of the problems and think through things such as load paths, chokepoints, etc. to make the drawing. Call me a Ludite, but it has served me well for decades.

Well, times caught up with me. Engineer I work with moved two provinces West and we no longer discuss design decisions and analysis over the coffee table, He set up a computer with Solidworks that I will need to use and learn so I can send files to him to apply FEA and other extensions.

 

[dr_clyde]

Solidworks and it isn’t even close. You’re a business not a hobby, so why would you want hobby software? Yes, you can use Fusion in a professional shop but their target customer is the one who doesn’t want to pay for the software the big dogs use. There are many reasons the big dogs don’t use Fusion.

I’ve used F360 and there were numerous things I didn’t like. I paid for it for two years and gave it every attempt and no matter how much I tried I just kept reverting to Solidworks.

If you just use the F360 for CAM, it might be worth the yearly fee, but I would still want to model and draw in Solidworks. The control you have over your files and your models is much greater with Dassault vs Autodesk. I can still boot up my old laptop with Solidworks 2013 and it will work perfectly, no updates required, no internet connection needed and no yearly fees if I choose to let it sit for a few years. I keep an updated seat on my shop computer and I keep the old seat at home for hobby work.

Solidworks is just better software. I don’t like being chained to the internet, and Autodesk is hell bent on making everything subscription only and cloud based. I like that I can BUY a copy of Solidworks and OWN it. If I CHOOSE to pay for maintenance yearly upgrades I can and if I choose to not I can still use my software.

Solidworks models how I think. The sheet metal and assembly modes just make sense to my brain and Autodesk’s software just is not as intuitive.

I still use 2D CAD for certain things, but I strongly recommend Solidworks over any Autodesk product for general drawing and modeling. The world uses parametric model based design now, not AutoCAD. You can then pair the software with any aftermarket or plug in CAM software of your choosing. Solidworks has built in CAM. I’ve never used it personally, but it’s there.

Just bite the bullet and get Solidworks. Easily one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my machining and fabrication business. My customers use it, my vendors use it, and NONE of them have ever said “try fusion, you’ll like it more than Solidworks”. NONE.

YMMV, but that’s my advice. It’s worth what you paid.

 

[Monza Harry]

Doc, my trade (mould making) was very heavy into "CadKey" [now more into the high end platforms like NX, ProE, Catia, etc.] and I took some classes, and learned some and then taught myself some more, I found it pretty intuitive to use, I obtained a legal version just before they went "subscription" and were then bought out. I never got to surfacing with it, but I plan to re-install it and try and pick up 20 years later. Solid modeling will remove the need for surfacing, but my experience is less than zero here.
The last shop I was at used Rhinoceros 5 free version for making details from the engineering files, I found that over the 5 years that we used it features kept disappearing with time. Rhino also would time out, so if I started a personal project after my shift it would shut down by break the next morning. Frustrating to the ⁴th power! The company then acquired a paid full version of "6". That dealt with the disappearing features and storage issues, but for the then $2000 US [then] the program was quite lacking, I never found the trim/extend feature or any spline features. Surfacing was pitiful! I would draw up something simple and had a "surfacer" from engineering check it for me on "Cimitron" and while the wire frame had only one line for the surfaces to meet at, Rhino would leave gaps or overlap the surfaces I created. So nothing would directly swap over to the machines (WorkNC IIRC] without oversight. Also a flat plane with a couple of holes would not surface properly, it would put a surface over the hole(s), or not do anything [except throw a code] unless I split the plane around the holes so a single surface had to be split into 4-6 surfaces for the program to recognize the surface. I know this was a lot and I think a hair faster than I type, so I hope this all makes sense, if not ask and I'll turd polish this post (some more). So I guess I covered more of what not to try, unless you can come across an old CadKey 99 for cheap [like real cheap]/free I found it way more powerful/user friendly than the 20 year newer Rhino 5-6. Harry

 

[4 FN 27]

CAD: Solidworks the last few years. Cadkey with a Data Base that goes back to 1989.

CAM: MasterCam, AP100 (formerly known as Metalsoft, Laser and Turret Programming), Dr Abe (Press Brake Programming), NCell for Laser FMS.

Faro Arm: Dezignworks (plug in for Solidworks, Probing and Scanning).

And on a very rare occasion plain old hand written M&G Code.

Been a long time since I Dykem'ed a part, scribed and ***** punch a part. A very long time. Still have my Carbide Scribes.

I 100% agree with @dr_clyde...make thew investment and move forward. The world of AI is about to take over. Solidworks (or any high power software) will afford you the advantage to use the AI that is on the horizon.

 

[slodat]

I run my entire business from Fusion 360. I started using it, and continue to use it because of the CAM. I don’t find modeling in Fusion to be difficult or problematic. I don’t design huge assemblies though.

The huge assemblies I work with are created in CREO, and I get a step file that I bring into Fusion. No issues there. Price per pound, Fusion 360’s CAM which is HSM Works, is incredible. I use it for the CNC plasma, lathes, mills, router, and as process input for programming my CNC press brake control.

Having followed you for years, our shops and businesses have what look to me like some parallels and similarities. In my own product design and manufacturing Fusion doesn’t leave me wanting anything. In the niche market job shop work I do, the same is true. if or when I run into something I can’t get done without a lot of fuss in Fusion, I have no problem paying for Solidworks. In six years it hasn’t happened.

I’ve been told, a lot, that Fusion’s sheet metal design leaves a lot to be desired. I suspect this could be what pushes me toward Solidworks in the future as I develop my own more complex sheet metal assemblies.

I work with a consultant for CAD/CAM stuff. When I need help, I schedule a call via zoom. Almost always same day. This has been a huge help as I’m self taught and things come up. I’ve worked with him a couple years and I’ve spent about $1k total with him in that time.

I’m happy to elaborate more or answer questions if you would like. There are a lot of companies making a lot of product and money with Fusion. The complaints listed in this thread are not issues I’ve had. I have been very happy with Fusion and I’m supporting myself with it.

 

[speed bump]

I would say pick a software package and unless you absolutely hate it stick with that package because eventually you will get good at it.

Personally I prefer solid works as the system seems more intuitive to me. I use it at work and will likely go to the maker version at home soon.

I use fusion 360 at home and while they have improved it, it's seems more like a designer focused package rather than a production focused package. If you make a lot of discreet designs it's okay and if you are willing to learn the addins you can get the productivity but it feels clunky to me. Now that being said if the CAM part works well for you that is a lot of value versus what I do at work where all of the CAM is outsourced (primarily for plasma cutting).

 

[bggrnchvy]

Primary Solidworks user for 20 years.

Certificates in Pro-E/Creo, Inventor, and SW, but SW has always been the most intuitive for me.

 

[86turbodsl]

Creo 20yr user here, although I've been trained on catia v5 and hate it.