Author Topic: Is there a good model CAD design program under $500? (Read 6115 times)

Rudy Taube · « **on:** November 22, 2010, 01:28:24 AM »

Hi Guys,

Is there a good model CAD design program under $500? I am looking for something that is easy to use, (isn't everyone? ;-) and good enough to produce files to send to a laser cutting machine. I would like to be able to put my design on a disk and give it to one of the cottage industry laser cutters to cut a prototype kit.

I have an iMac. Ideally it would run on the Mac, but I can also run in Windows mode if needed.

I can have the design in plan form, on paper, but I have been told that it has to be in a CAD format, which makes perfect sense. What would be perfect is a copy program that can convert a drawing into a CAD format that the laser cutter could read. .... maybe next year. ;-)

TIA for any help. :-)

dave siegler · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2010, 05:09:14 AM »

I kind of like this one and for now it is FREE......

It has some trouble with some of the title blocks on old ACAD stuff, but I am liking the rest of it a lot more than Acad

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/draftsight-overview/

and these guys make catia so they understand CAD

Scott Jenkins · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:52:22 AM »

In a word No!, having been in CAD & CAM for over twenty years I guess I have been spoiled by Acad, Pro engineer, and Solid works. If you look around you may be able to find Acad LT at a decent price. Alot of people claim the same functionality as any of the above but usually it is just not there, plus file interchange compatability is one of the bigger problems a few say that their DXF, or IGES format is completely transferable but they do have their limitations. Best advice is "You get what you pay for" and "Caveat Emptor"

Scott

Bob Kruger · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2010, 08:11:42 AM »

Quote from: Rudy Taube on November 22, 2010, 01:28:24 AM

Hi Guys,

Is there a good model CAD design program under $500? I am looking for something that is easy to use, (isn't everyone? ;-) and good enough to run on a laser cutting machine. I would like to be able to put my design on a disk and give it to one of the cottage industry laser cutters to cut a prototype kit.

I have an iMac. Ideally it would run on the Mac, but I can also run in Windows mode if needed.

I can have the design in plan form, on paper, but I have been told that it has to be in a CAD format, which makes perfect sense. What would be perfect is a copy program that can convert a drawing into a CAD format that the laser cutter could read. .... maybe next year. ;-)

TIA for any help. :-)

Actually, there is a pretty good one that is an AutoCAD work-alike that is free for non commercial use from Progesoft called "Progecad Smart 2009"

You can get it from: http://www.progesoft.com/en/smart-2009

It does have some limitations, e.g. it won't allow you to import jpg files (the full blown version of Progecad does allow for importing raster based files). However, if you are looking for something that will generate dwg and dxf files that can used in a laser cutter, this will do quite nicely.

If you have any questions with its setup, let me know.

V/r

Bob

RogerGreene · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2010, 11:57:44 AM »

Hi Rudy,

Here is a link to DoubleCAD http://www.doublecad.com/Products/DoubleCADXTv3/tabid/1100/Default.aspx They have a free version that is an AutoCAD LT work-alike. Its also 5-Star Rated from the editors at CNET. I use it. Try it free.

Roger

John Miller · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2010, 12:16:19 PM »

I've got to agree on the DoubleCad

Randy Powell · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2010, 12:32:31 PM »

I've been learning Varicad. It's a Linux program that's been around for quite awhile and can import and export DXF, DWG and IGS files. Kinda quirky (I'm told) but pretty easy to use. I'm no expert, but I'm learning.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2010, 12:40:48 PM »

Give a look at Turbocad, I think it's under $500. haven't found a limitation to it yet, totally compatible with other systems.

proparc · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2010, 01:25:27 PM »

Cad is something I do a lot of, and to keep it to your specific question, the answer is yes and no. There are programs around your requested price point but, there is no CAD that is any good, that is easy to learn. I have used Doublecad, and that may be your best bet right now.

On the high-end, hardcore Autocad, is still the best 2D program,(has been for the last 20 years) and Solidworks pretty much takes the 3D cake.

Scott Jenkins · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2010, 03:02:56 PM »

Proparc,
Yes, what you said is indeed true I guess I have nevered tried any of the low end
stuff due to taking my work home with me quite often and having autocad on hand
at any given moment. If you have not tried inventor 2010 for 3d give it a shot lotsa
of new tools and stuff still rumaging thru the program myself.

Scott

On edit: Rudy, I was in a bad mood this morning due to a conversation about cad programs
I am sure there is a program out there that will fit the bill. Don"t take this grumpy old butt
personal.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** November 22, 2010, 03:11:05 PM »

It also depends on what you intend for the program. If you are designing model planes in your spare time then there are several programs that are pretty good. Heck, QCad is free and a pretty good 2D program. If you are planning to go into business as a professional draftsman, then AutoCAD is the industry standard and I'd be looking for a copy of that.

I've been using Varicad because it's a Linux based program and that's what I use at home, but I've also got a recent copy of CADKey that I run in a Virtual Box on Windows. It's a mechanical drafting program that is pretty cool and not horribly expensive.

proparc · « **Reply #11 on:** November 22, 2010, 03:31:35 PM »

Quote from: Scott Jenkins on November 22, 2010, 03:02:56 PM

Proparc,
Yes, what you said is indeed true I guess I have nevered tried any of the low end
stuff due to taking my work home with me quite often and having autocad on hand
at any given moment. If you have not tried inventor 2010 for 3d give it a shot lotsa
of new tools and stuff still rumaging thru the program myself.

Autodesk Inventor really did not come on until 2010. This was really THEE breakout year for Inventor, (man, they finally got it all together). I personally think it is too heavy for model aviation and here’s why. Inventor 2010 would be my first choice for designing a major manufacturing plant, and ALL the equipment in it.

But, model aviation seems to require a strange combination of sufficient muscle and at the same time, accessibility. Solidworks is just great at doing that very thing. Whether it is designing full-scale light planes for personal use, to hotrods, (it is very popular there) motorcycles, furniture you name, I personally see it as more the “common mans” 3D heavy hitting program. If I wanted to design a stunt prop, (and this is important) and the molds for it, Solidworks would be my first choice hands down.

Now, I know Scott, that if you are using Inventor 2010 in any capacity, you are anything but a common man LOL. But, I think the new version of Inventor 2010-2011 is just a bridge too far for model aviation. Suffice to say, CAD is all about personal preference and you won’t know what you like until you try them.

Dave Rolley · « **Reply #12 on:** November 22, 2010, 08:52:59 PM »

First, I don't do CAD work for a living. It supports what I do with my hobby at home. That includes making drawings to feed two CNC machines I built (converted a Taig mill and then used it to make parts for a 36" x 16" x 3" CNC router). I have plans to convert a manual lathe to CNC.

It depends on what you want to do. Just for hobby stuff the following should be useful. As Scott and others indicated, if you plan to make money with your work go for the "real" tools and formal training because you'll need the capability of that kind of tool sooner than you think.

If all you want is ribs and bulkheads, take a look at CompuFoil. It will help you design both and will create "dxf" files. "dxf" is AutoDesk's (the AutoCAD people) drawing exchange format. It might require some positioning (layout) of the ribs or bulkheads, but you cutter might want to do that for their specific setup.

If you want to be fancier, do a Google search for "2d CAD". For what you described, you want a package that can import "dxf" files and export "dxf" files. In general the most stable for feeding low end CAM software seems to be AutoCAD R12 or R13 "dxf" formats.

Import "dxf" because you can use a program like CompuFoil to generate "dxf" output and then do the layouts (positioning) of the parts.

Export "dxf" because you can create the "dxf" output the cutter can use.

You may want "jpg" and/or "gif" (picture formats) import capability. That would allow you to import pictures (or scans) that you can then trace and re-size the drawing to meet your needs.

In general, what ever tool you choose you will stick with forever. This is very much like word processor or spreadsheet software. Even if it has a very bad user interface, once you are used to it, you will not want to put in the time to learn another package. That is why folks look for an AutoCAD-like interface. Not because it is really great, but you can use what you learn with a number of packages.

There was a package called PunchCAD a couple of years ago for about $100 that looked promising. But I picked up a discounted AutoCAD by taking a CAD class at the local Community College and got hooked on that approach to CAD. Also picked up Rhino3D the same way.

Dave

proparc · « **Reply #13 on:** November 23, 2010, 01:03:52 AM »

Quote from: Dave Rolley on November 22, 2010, 08:52:59 PM

Also picked up Rhino3D the same way.

Dave

I have used that one also. Straight NURBS based modeling.

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #14 on:** November 23, 2010, 10:19:21 AM »

I use DeltaCAD. Very easy to use and exports files for laser cutting.

http://www.deltacad.com/

ptg · « **Reply #15 on:** November 23, 2010, 11:46:38 AM »

Rudy,

If you want something that is cutting edge, easy to learn and just plain major cool try Google Sketchup. You can download a free version in a matter of minutes. There are free streaming video tutorials from Google. It is so cool I am working with a friend on a major architectural project for the homestead. Once you learn with the free version you can get the full blown version for $495. They even offer a MAC version!
To paraphrase Bob Dylan, Its got everything you need, you're an artist, you don't look back

Here is the link. http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/index.html

don Burke · « **Reply #16 on:** November 23, 2010, 06:43:01 PM »

Here's link to a seller having a clearance.
I've used TurboCad 12 and it works well. TC14 should work just fine, for $10 + shipping it's a good deal.

I don't use TC12 as my primary program, it's my backup in case of disaster. The one I use is no longer available from the software co, so I can't recommend that one. As has been said get ONE program, learn it, then stick with it. The hardest part is the learning curve, all are probably about the same in difficulty to learn but they each have their own idiosyncrosies.

Those who have AUTOCAD are probably the best equipped, it's cost and the cost of AUTODESK INVENTOR ($5000+) are prohibitive for the average guy.

A little spelling error, among other things.

don Burke · « **Reply #17 on:** November 23, 2010, 06:45:32 PM »

OOPs, forgot to insert the link:

http://www.cadandgraphics.com/turbocad12.html

CircuitFlyer · « **Reply #18 on:** November 23, 2010, 08:03:26 PM »

Rudy,

If your going to take the time to learn CAD then definitely go 3D right from the start. AutoCAD a backasswards dinosaur leftover form the 80's. It was created for architect's, and that's where it should have stayed. (I guess you can tell I'm a SolidWorks person.) I learned AutoCAD back in school but since moving to a decent 3D program I haven't looked back. We live in a 3D world so design in 3D.

My vote: Alibre Design Personal Edition - $99 http://www.alibre.com/products/hobby/default.asp

Its one of the lowest priced fully parametric 3D solid modeling CAD software packages available. It outputs DWG and DXF files and STL files for rapid prototyping too. Once you get the hang of it you could then ugrade to the pro version and still be within your bugeted price range.

pat king · « **Reply #19 on:** November 24, 2010, 12:59:41 PM »

The DraftSight software is free, it will save in almost any ACAD format. It is made by Dassault Systems. They also make SolidWorks and Catia. It is good software and the price is right.

Pat

RogerGreene · « **Reply #20 on:** December 17, 2010, 05:38:37 PM »

Thanks Pat,

The DraftSight software works just like AutoCAD but only in 2D. I like it, and I have been using AutoCAD since release 9 (1989). Try it...

And its FREE..

Roger