Anyone have a recommendation for a CAD program? I don't want to invest $$$ in AutoCad or the like

Would like to have something relatively easy to learn.

Thanks

Joe

I've seen TurboCad for fairly cheap. I think you can still get it free from IMSI. The problem I have with that is that big ad bar that takes up a bunch of space. Basically says "Buy Me, Buy Me, Buy Me". Very annoying after a while. I've also used Drawing Bd, Auto Cad and someother cheesy cad. They are basically all the same with a few differences between them. If you're not familair with cad procedures it will take a while to pick up no matter what you get. Just my opinion.
Edwin

I use Corel Draw 10 it is easy to use makes nice smooth corners and can save as a dxf or dwg file. and it comes with some computers now adays so ya might have it.

Joe

Check out DesignCAD 3D Max (http://www.designcad.com)

It lists for $179.00 on their web site, but I picked up a copy at a local computer store for $80.00.

Does 2D drafting and 3D solid and surface modeling.

DesignCAD 3D Max+ was just released with a few new cool commands.

Dan

Drawing Board is by far the easiest I have used.

E-mail me if your interested in Drawing board , very easy to use and very inexpensive

Well I have Corel draw 8, drawing board (Ashlar) and design cad 3-D and I have yet to figure them out!!!! AARRRGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I got them from a friend and I think he's trying to drive me crazy, methinks he has succeeded!!!!

download the imesh search engine at

http://www.imesh.com

then search for Mastercam / Software

you can download it for free

Samples:





Revenge Wing with retract/brake system and tube ....

Intellicad is AutoCad compatible and may be downloaded (FREE) from Cadopia. The have an evaluation version that is nearly 100% functional. See:

http://www.cadopia.com/products/products.asp

dear
check
www.rhino.com
is the best 3d designer

regards.
gustavo

I used TurboCAD v8 for my design work on the Mini-Bobcat. The interface was very intuitive to me (VERY little CAD experience to start with) and I found that I was able to really get things done quickly after a few hours..

Just my $0.02

-Doug

I would love to throw money at this issue... but I don't have enough to throw! (Any NewTek reps out there want to send me a copy of "Lightwave" to "test"?)

The issue is similar to photography, when someone asks, "What's better... slide or print film?" What I mean is, you should know what you want to do with it before you buy it. If you want to produce precision model plans and plot them yourself, or send data to a CNC machine, etc., these call for some relatively pricey stuff.

I mainly use CAD for visualization of designs, and to check the fit of equipment, and perhaps print some 3-views. If that's all you need, there are much more inexpensive (some even free) choices.

I use "Carrara Studio" by Eovia, (around $450 - available on Mac and PC) and get pretty good results. ( http://www.eovia.com ) Here are a few images:

SORRY
I mistake
please check this web page:

www.rhino3d.com
and
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconVall.../rhinotut.html
you will learn to make a 3d fuselage.....
let me know your opinion
regards
Gustavo C

by the way,
if anybody need a 3d scanner...
(you can take point on the space)
I have for sale one microscribe 3d scanner.
www.microscribe.com
regards.
Gustavo