|
Post by 02jcole on Aug 27, 2007 19:22:32 GMT
Can anyone sugest a good CAD package to get me started with drawing up parts to have them laser cut.
James.
|
|
|
Post by havoc on Aug 27, 2007 19:50:34 GMT
What do you call a good CAD package? I prefer Solidworks but the price... If looking for something free to draw 2D plans take a look at QCAD. Very similar to the old Autocad stuff. But do a search, there has been a thread about it beginning of the year.
|
|
|
Post by alanstepney on Aug 27, 2007 20:29:29 GMT
Turbocad is quite good. The free version is sufficient to learn with and for fairly simple drawings. The full version is quite cheap, and both can save in DXF format, which is usually needed for transfer to laser curring or similar services.
|
|
abby
Statesman
Posts: 925
|
Post by abby on Aug 27, 2007 21:51:00 GMT
I use POWERCADD 6 for the mac , very easy to use and saves in most formats , If you are in to sharing software DEMONOID.COM is the place to find almost anything, you will need AZUREUS or similar for torrent downloads.
|
|
|
Post by Tim Bayliss on Aug 28, 2007 11:18:08 GMT
If you have to buy a package AutoCad LT is good for 2D drawing but has no 3D capability. It can save in various formats. I don't know current cost but traditionally it was about 15% of the price of a full AutoCad package but works just the same in 2D. For laser or waterjet cutting you only need 2D but for full loco drawings 3D is handy. Tim
|
|
|
Post by GWRdriver on Aug 28, 2007 16:46:01 GMT
Tim, The new Autodesk programs are no longer named "AutoCad" and are many $1000's and their "Lite" program is now around $1000, although perhaps selected dealers will sell below that. The older versions of Autocad (R13, R14, LT97, LT2000, etc) can be bought used fairly cheaply <$100 but the recurring problem is code locks. If you buy a version which has a code lock which has been triggered it can't be loaded and you'll be out of pocket whatever you spent for it and Autodesk will NOT unlock it for you. They want all old versions to go away permanently. I use LT97 daily for full blown 2D architectural work and it's perfectly satisfactory.
|
|
|
Post by havoc on Aug 28, 2007 18:03:09 GMT
|
|
hat
Active Member
Posts: 48
|
Post by hat on Aug 28, 2007 20:20:49 GMT
I have Autocad lt that I bought a couple of years ago - what I need is a simple how to use it guide - I find the tome/manual that came with it a bit like reading Hansard! ( but less interesting!) - I bought "CAD for Model Engineers Workshop Practice 29" but it seems years out of date - I am reasonably computer literate but I cant get my head around the principles of CAD, getting old?
|
|
|
Post by Peter W. on Aug 28, 2007 20:57:58 GMT
I found the following very good for getting to grips with Autocad ==
Beginning AutoCAD 2000 Bob McFarlane Arnold ISBN 0340760974
Fortunately, the local library had a copy -- it's a bit expensive to buy last time I looked, even second hand. Earlier versions of the same book (e.g. R14) could probably serve just as well.
I recently bought "Teach yourself AutoCAD 2004" , ISBN 0340815752 so I have something to hand for reference.
Have a look at your local library to see what they have.
I was really impressed with CAD when I printed out some brake blocks with my cheap printer, glued to some aluminium, and after a bit of abrafiling ended up with a far better result than any other way I could think of.
|
|
simonwass
Part of the e-furniture
Cecil Pagets 2-6-2 of 1908. Engine number 2299. Would make a fascinating model....
Posts: 472
|
Post by simonwass on Aug 29, 2007 22:32:37 GMT
I have Autocad 2000 and I bought 'An introduction to Autocad 2000' by A Yarwood. ISBN 0-582-41913-1. Ebay is your friend! I also bought the Bob McFarlane book but find Yarwoods is easier to read and digest. Autocad is definately not a beginners program and is difficult to self learn. Reading about it is useless unless you are trying the program as you read, theres nothing like learning by actually trying to do it. The above book answered all my dead end routes and I'm now getting good with it, will soon move on to 3d and colour rendering Autocad is a very expensive program........
|
|
|
Post by Tim Bayliss on Aug 30, 2007 9:58:01 GMT
Replying to Harry's point about code locks on AutoCad. The US versions use a number code lock that you must know and know how to use to successfully install - the European versions have a piece of hardware called a 'dongle' that fits onto one of the CPU outlets, the package won't work without it. If you intend to aquire a used package make sure either you or a good pal are very familiar with AutoCad installing. Tim
|
|
|
Post by Dragbeam on Aug 30, 2007 22:01:16 GMT
I was a Draughtsman using Cadds5 and Catia 3D systems, these are far too expensive and complicated for the model engineer, its OK if its used every day but leave it and one forgets it. They used to crash to desktop on occasion which we all found very frustrating. I did AutoCad 2D and 3D at college, these are also hard work. Whilst looking for a system to use myself for model engineering I was pleasantly surprised to discover www.cadstd.com it costs £20 and is a very simple 2D system to use. The manual accurately and fully describes how to draw with it. I am very pleased with it and recommend it. I found the fast way to draw with it is to make good use of the 'offset' command, to draw a square: draw horizontal line roughly the right length, offset it, draw vertical line roughly the right length, offset it, then trim the unwanted lines.
|
|
|
Post by ausdan on Aug 30, 2007 23:43:36 GMT
Dragbeam, With the above mention software ( Cadstd pro version) would it import a DXF file from autocad for example and can you view it or modify the drawing ?
Also a simple 2D drawing, saved in DXF format is all that is needed to have a laser/waterjet firm cut from ?
cheers
|
|
|
Post by modeng2000 on Aug 31, 2007 6:02:37 GMT
I use TurboCAD V12 available from www.avanquest.co.ukThe contact is:- Paul Tracey, Business Development Manager, 40-43 Jewry Street, Sheridan House, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8RY Tel: 01962 835 081, Mob: 07724 882 403 ptracey@avanquest.co.uk There was an offer published in Model Engineer a while ago but I do not know if it is still open. The package does more than I normally want but the options are there should I have need of them. There is a good handbook with the software which I sometimes have to refer to because as has been mentioned earlier, if a function is not used it is all too easy to forget about it. Avanquest can offer help if you have a problem that you can't resolve your self. I have no connection with TurboCAD save that I have been using it in its earlier versions for a long time. I used to use the Pro version but now find the simpler package is more than adequate. John
|
|
|
Post by chameleonrob on Aug 31, 2007 8:13:25 GMT
Dragbeam, With the above mention software ( Cadstd pro version) would it import a DXF file from autocad for example and can you view it or modify the drawing ? Also a simple 2D drawing, saved in DXF format is all that is needed to have a laser/waterjet firm cut from ? cheers I seriously hope so, DXF stands for drawing exchange format. I've been using autocad 2000 (full version) for years and have been very happy with it, and before that R14, R13 and LT so I'm not going to compare it to other packages but although difficult to learn it very usable once learned. I heard (about 7 years ago) that autodesk didn't mind students and the like making copies of its software because when they god jobs the more people that could use their package the more copies they would sell to industry, where the real money is. how accurate this is I don't know but there were always allot of copies avalible when I was a student. rob
|
|
|
Post by Dragbeam on Sept 3, 2007 21:59:10 GMT
ausdan, With 'Cadstd pro' it is possible to export a file to AutoCad where the drawing can be modified. An AutoCad drawing can also be imported into Cadstd and modified. Cheers
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 7:05:01 GMT
I started out with Turbocad nearly 9 years ago and taught myself, it was a little difficult at first but worth it in the long run. It's really nice to get the printed manual, a rarity these days. I would stay clear of 3D unless you have lots of time and patience to learn; I use a dedicated 3D package (Cinema 4D). For laser profiling export your 2D drawing as a DXF with just a couple of dimensions so they can check the scale is OK. A word of warning with CAD; if you are running Windows Vista only the latest version of Turbocad: 14 (and from what I have heard any other CAD application), will work correctly. I was a happy Microsoft customer until Vista; the best reason for migrating to Linux!
|
|
|
Post by mutley on Sept 4, 2007 8:13:12 GMT
Hi All Does anyone know of a good CAD package to use with Linux?
|
|
|
Post by havoc on Sept 4, 2007 10:23:22 GMT
Cad for linux...depends on what your need is. Take a look here: ldp.paradoxical.co.uk/LDP/LGNET/issue54/frost.htmland here: www.tech-edv.co.at/lunix/CADlinks.html2D should be no problem with Qcad. I'm on the look for something 3D like Solidworks on windoze. So far I have tried Intellicad linux beta (didn't work), Medusa4 personal (didn't start), BRL-CAD (if you can get your head around it let me know) and GraphiteOne (didn't start)... Medusa4 and GraphiteOne are versions for personal use of commercial packages. Problem is that they only work for a single distro with specific libs. Getting this in order (witout support from them) is not easy if you are no linux guru (I'm not). Intellicad launched a beta and I got a copy but while it started I could not get anything done. BRL (and Varicad) are more backends to other applications. I haven' found anything that looks like any screenshot yet.
|
|
|
Post by Tim Bayliss on Sept 4, 2007 15:14:26 GMT
Havoc, Wow! That's some answer you've given there. You're obviously a whiz on the computor. I've been using various types of CAD since 1984 and I don't understand half of what you posted (but in my defence I am an oldie). Could you please explain what a single distro, specific libs and a beta are. TIA Tim
|
|