CAD Software

[Smilodon]

A small tip for those looking for software nowadays;

Check out Fusion 360. It's a really impressive package of CAD/CAM software that supports both 2D and 3D drawing, and rendering. There is even a function to calculate load limits and deflection.

I only have basic experience with it so far, but first impressions are very good. Just be aware that the learning curve is a bit steep. Good thing is that there is lots of very good tutorials on Youtube.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Yeah, Fusion 360 sounds nice. It's a new product from AutoDesk (as in AutoCad), and I'm sure it's well made. But it's that "Starting at $25/month" part that turns me away. I guess they're trying to move into the "lower" priced market...the current version of AutoCad LT is something like $100/month now...

I may be an engineer/fabricator, and computer design is an essential part of my business, but I can't justify paying a steady monthly fee for my CAD software. I'm still very happy with AutoCad LT 2000, which I bought for a one-time cost of about $40. You can still buy many good older CAD software packages on CD's for a one-time cost of under $100.

Generally, I always stay with older computers and software. I've been using Windows XP for about 15 years. I recently finally broke down and upgraded my main computer to a newer refurbished Dell with Windows 7. That's basically necessary now for any internet communications/streaming stuff.

Unfortunately, my trusty AutoCad LT 2000 won't run on a 64 bit machine with Win 7. I looked around at the various options. Any of the newer AutoDesk products were monthly rentals. I considered switching to one of the more recent TurboCad versions, which are available for a fixed price. But I don't want to spend the time re-learning a new CAD program.

I ended up buying a refurbished Dell laptop with XP for $100. Now that's my engineering computer. I keep nothing but AutoCad LT 2000 and MS Excel on it, with all my engineering files on a thumb drive. I don't connect it to the internet, and only run it when I need it. Keep it clean and safe.

 

[Smilodon]

Oh, yeah, i forgot to add that Fusion have a program for hobby use and "startup businesses". For hobby use it's free, but if you make over a certain amount of money you have to pay:

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I fully get what you are saying, though. I prefer to pay for software once and decide for myself if and when it's outdated. Unfortunately it seems like most high end software are moving towards a "cloud based service" that you have to pay for monthly.

Windows 7 do have a compatibility mode that allows you to run some programs made for older systems. You could try running AutoCad LT 2000 using that. Just note that you may have to run the installer in compatibility mode as well. It may be worth trying.

 

[Freekmagnet]

I just downloaded LibreCAD for OSX. I’d never used and CAD software until last night. It’s free, open-source and seemed to work OK. I was a little apprehensive only because I do web and print design all day long and I wasn’t in the mood to learn another piece of software. Once I got used to the idea that you’re basically working from x and y coordinates, it was OK. If there was a way to edit Bézier curves directly or merge and subtract shapes, I’d be golden.

 

[Scoops]

Yeah, Fusion 360 sounds nice. It's a new product from AutoDesk (as in AutoCad), and I'm sure it's well made. But it's that "Starting at $25/month" part that turns me away. I guess they're trying to move into the "lower" priced market...the current version of AutoCad LT is something like $100/month now...

I may be an engineer/fabricator, and computer design is an essential part of my business, but I can't justify paying a steady monthly fee for my CAD software. I'm still very happy with AutoCad LT 2000, which I bought for a one-time cost of about $40. You can still buy many good older CAD software packages on CD's for a one-time cost of under $100.

Generally, I always stay with older computers and software. I've been using Windows XP for about 15 years. I recently finally broke down and upgraded my main computer to a newer refurbished Dell with Windows 7. That's basically necessary now for any internet communications/streaming stuff.

Unfortunately, my trusty AutoCad LT 2000 won't run on a 64 bit machine with Win 7. I looked around at the various options. Any of the newer AutoDesk products were monthly rentals. I considered switching to one of the more recent TurboCad versions, which are available for a fixed price. But I don't want to spend the time re-learning a new CAD program.

I ended up buying a refurbished Dell laptop with XP for $100. Now that's my engineering computer. I keep nothing but AutoCad LT 2000 and MS Excel on it, with all my engineering files on a thumb drive. I don't connect it to the internet, and only run it when I need it. Keep it clean and safe.

Bruce et al

There is a freeware package out there called Draftsight. In essence, it's Autocad LT. It looks, tastes, smells and feels just like AutoCad LT, but it's free.
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[tlc1976]

I'm in mechanical engineering and at work I've used many Autocad versions starting with 12, right now we are on 2015 Mechanical and dabble in Inventor. The electrical engineers at my work all used Draftsight for awhile when the admin didn't want to pay for cad licenses. They went back to AutoCAD eventually. I've used several free cad programs at home, including Microcadam Cornerstone back around 20 years ago, which was similar to the IBM CADAM we were running at work. Right now at home I use a copy of AutoCAD 2000 that was given to me from my work, but 2006 was my favorite version. I didn't know Draftsight was essentially AutoCAD. I might have to give Draftsight a try, maybe it's closer to 2006.

Unfortunately, my trusty AutoCad LT 2000 won't run on a 64 bit machine with Win 7. I looked around at the various options. Any of the newer AutoDesk products were monthly rentals. I considered switching to one of the more recent TurboCad versions, which are available for a fixed price. But I don't want to spend the time re-learning a new CAD program.

I'm not a computer whiz, but I've been told that you can run the older software on Win7 with a virtual machine. We also use an old DOS program for flat pattern layouts, and it wouldn't run on Win7. I found you can DOSBox to run it, like a virtual machine for DOS on Win7.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Yes, I'm aware of the various ways that you can run old software on Win 7. I considered that, but decided that I'd really rather just keep the AutoCad on a separate computer with XP, and keep it off the internet. No stupid update problems or viruses. And I really don't need to transfer drawings around much. I mostly make drawings on the computer and print them out into hard copies that I use in the shop. If I eventually get into CNC machining, I'll transfer the files by thumb drive or hardwire directly.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I use ACAD 2013 all day professionally, and its like using a sledgehammer to crush wheat thins for drawing basic 2d guitar plans and details. Like most modern software, it's incredibly bloated with so many new and "legacy" features I just rarely or never use. They have to keep layering on new functions to convince you to buy newer versions of the software. Sound familiar? Coughmicrosoft... cough. An older version of ACAD LT is probably more than sufficient for the average builder, unless you want some powerful 3D tools, or plan on using it for CNC. A good program for basic 3D work is Sketchup, free versions are still available, and people have already drawn 3D models of all the most well known guitar designs.