What CAD software do you recommend?

[NickInMesa]

I am looking for something not too expensive, open source maybe (do not tell me to download something expensive on torrent, I do not steal software, I am a programmer myself).

I would like to design guitars and preview what they will look like in 3D.

My usual woodwork does not require that type of software because I basically nail planks and studs together and all I usually need is a piece of paper.

I have never designed anything supposed to be artistic AND functional at the same time.

Thanks!

 

[stflbn]

Linux, Microsoft, Apple?

 

[NickInMesa]

Linux, Microsoft, Apple?

Good ol' Windows.

 

[Jim Breece]

I've never used it, but an article in Fine Woodworking talked up Sketchup, free from Google. The guy said he needed a couple of days of tutorials to get started, so it's apparently fairly complex, but you can change proportions, rotate views, explode, etc. It looked pretty cool. I'm from the "take a knife and whittle off whatever doesn't look like a bass" school, but Sketchup looked like it would be good for those who actually have a plan.

 

[NickInMesa]

Sketchup looks cool. I won't spit on Google's apps, since I am using Chrome right now..

 

[pilotjones]

There was a thread about CAD a few months ago that mentioned both free and expensive apps. Try searching on "autocad rhino solidworks". Actually someone asks this same question every couple of months, so you may find a few threads.

 

[Ric5]

Try Sketchup

 

[4FretlessMetal]

I've been using a free version of autoCAD but I don't like it very much a friend of mine who does some design work has been messing with sketchup and his results have been pretty awesome. Plus there are lots of tutorials for it.

 

[scottyd]

I've used sketchup for a while now, I like it best.