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Sherman

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Do any of you have a recomendation for a simple Cad software program for 2d drawings for light mechanical work and perhaps structural steel details?

I had access to Autocad, but it is not worth the price for my simple needs.

Thanks,

Bruce

 
Do any of you have a recomendation for a simple Cad software program for 2d drawings for light mechanical work and perhaps structural steel details? I had access to Autocad, but it is not worth the price for my simple needs.

Thanks,

Bruce
AutoCad Lite.

 
I use Cadkey for 2D work. Fairly easy to use and not too spendy, yet has enough features to be considered a professional grade product.

 
Do any of you have a recomendation for a simple Cad software program for 2d drawings for light mechanical work and perhaps structural steel details? I had access to Autocad, but it is not worth the price for my simple needs.

Thanks,

Bruce
AutoCad Lite.
+1 on the AutoCad Lite - It's easy, intuitive and economical if you get an older version like 2004. It is only pricey if you must have the newest version (2008)...kinda like tennis shoes or sneakers.

At this link it is $53: https://www.tower.com/details/details.cfm?wapi=100235921

 
A buddy here at work uses a program called Vellum, although I've never used it (we all have ProE here). He swears by Vellum for quick 2d layouts and drawings, bought it on his own dime. Sorry, I have no idea how much he paid for it.

 
+1 on the AutoCad Lite - It's easy, intuitive and economical if you get an older version like 2004. It is only pricey if you must have the newest version (2008)...kinda like tennis shoes or sneakers.At this link it is $53: https://www.tower.com/details/details.cfm?wapi=100235921
Er, that's a manual. ;)
OOPS! You're right, TWN...my bad...but I knew you can buy it cheap.

Try this link: https://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/m...l?PartNo=752048

 
Do any of you have a recomendation for a simple Cad software program for 2d drawings for light mechanical work and perhaps structural steel details? I had access to Autocad, but it is not worth the price for my simple needs.Thanks,

Bruce

If you're using it for work...which it sounds like...whatever price ACAD LT is can't be beyond your price range. It's very affordable from a business standpoint...$800 is nothing for a drafting program (if you remember earlier ACAD costs). Anything cheaper would be kinda cheapass for your work product IMO.

You're already familiar with ACAD...seems like a gimme. :unsure:

 
When you get into those price ranges, I can strongly suggest moving to a 3d package called Rhino. website

This is a great all around 2d and 3d drafting, modeling, and a kinda lame but functional render engine, all for $1000. I used only the program for drafting both 2d and 3d drawings for complicated mechanical stuff for quite a few years. I'm also around if you have any questions about it. They offer a trail version limited to 25 saves.

It also is a great all around converter for 3d formats, and will let you export your drawings in standard autodesk formats.

downsides: doesn't have the "paper space" type environment that autodesk products have, so you have to do some of the typical 2d stuff in a little more "crude" workflow. Once you set up a few templates, and get your feet wet it won't slow you down though.

I modeled this in Rhino, but it was rendered in a different program

strainer2.jpg


and the carving for this I modeled in rhino

sounds_like_art_series_2.jpg


and all of the organ and casings here

fullsize-organ1.jpg


/end shameless plug here

 
OOPS! You're right, TWN...my bad...but I knew you can buy it cheap. Try this link: https://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/m...l?PartNo=752048
Strike two! That's the student version. Everything gets watermarked as such and IIRC, the software expires after a certain time.
Not on student versions. Just the support is non existent.

the csoftware companies know the kids will be clamoring for the latest upgrades as soon as they get a job because that's what they used in school...

If you know someone in college, have then get a copy.

Mary

 
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