CAD software , free download or pony up....
 

I've been working on a design on paper and would like to see how it would look in CAD , was wondering about the free downloads or am I better off to pony up and buy software ?

(Still off work with no money coming in , might be another month till I'm back to work after surgery).

Are there any free downloads that you like ?

The design is rather simple , rather box like with a hinged top .

(Wood fired mobile oven with rotisserie ) Along these lines ....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335023225.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335023273.jpg

TIA

Bricsys offers a autocad file compatable CAD package for Windows and Linux and gives a free evaluation period ... I played wtih it but I know nothing about CAD, so I couldn't do much. Couldn't get the folks in Building/Construction at teh college to look at it even though it is much cheaper and if the college licenses it then the students get it free for home use ...

If you really want to see what it would look like, mock one up (full size) out of cardboard (or foam-core)

How about Google sketch up? It is free.

Google SketchUp

It is pretty easy to use and if I remember right you can read autocad files with it.

Dave

SketchUp free version will serve you very well. Free tutorial, vids and with others online help included. (For the ACAD files to work with Sketchup, you might need to buy the upgrade version.)

FWIW if you can get your hands on an educational email account, student, teacher, administrator, pretty much anything that's tied to an accredited educational system you can get access to and download for use any autodesk product. It'll watermark but I don't think you care about that.

That's what I'd do. You can build a dozen mockups by hand before you are familiar enough with CAD to make any use of it.

I find I have far more "aha!!" moments when I build a physical mock.

Thanks for the ideas .

I did see Google sketchup when I was looking at free. Will play with that some.

Will be building a mock-up , will use some thin plywood I have on hand.

Would be nice to give the steel-yard a sheet with exact sizes I'll need .

(I no longer have a plasma-cutter or heavy shear for thick metal).

SxS

+1. Use SketchUp. It's great for small and simple stuff like this - kitchen remodels, massing studies, etc.

There are several "entry level" CAD programs but IMHO none of them give the "bang for the buck" that GSU will. Or go buy a full CAD license for $1,500 if you like lighting money on fire for fun. Personally I'd never waste my time on a "dumbed down" CAD program anyway but my needs are different than most folks so YMMV.

If you need a .edu email addy to get a student version, shoot me a PM...

Go to 3ds.com and download draftsight, a free 2d cad package nearly identical to autocad.

Sketchup (free version) is easy to use, but I still haven't found a way to make rounded bevels and dome shapes.
Don't think it makes hinged movable components, either.