FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler
 

made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. FreeCAD is open-source and highly customizable, scriptable and extensible.

FreeCAD is multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), and reads and writes many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others.
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Saw this link posted in a moto forum...
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FreeCAD: An open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

Is it web-based, or stand-alone?

For a web-based freebee OnShape is looking pretty good. It's a product from the guys who started (and sold) SolidWorks. Solidworks is still the king (IMO) but thousands of $'s. :-\

I know nothing about it or CAD.
Just saw it and the boys were talking about using it.
Thought some of you Pelicans might be interested. ;)

I modeled these Porsche headers using FreeCAD.

The software was then able to create prints for the fab shop.

I used it for a couple of other engine parts as well.

It takes some time to learn, but it's all fun.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1474031856.jpg

I also used it in the past, but the exported models had serious issues, and all but gave up on it. Subsequently tried BobCAD too, but that was just too painful.

Most recently started using Autodesk's Fusion 360. It is also free, much simpler to use, and with lots of YouTube based how-to's. It is really feature righ, allowing motion modeling, rendering, and also has a very powerful CAM module, which allows you to do tool path modeling and optimization.

Haven't messed around with it yet but I'll be curious to see how it stacks up against SketchUp and regular AutoCAD.

Of course my favorite drawing tool of choice (aside from a piece of paper) is VectorWorks but I'm weird like that. ;)

Oh, and here's a pic of a throttle body I'm busy doing in Fusion 360:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1474034591.jpg

a piece of paper - has GREAT flexibility, and an awesome user experience. The Always-on display is nice too. No batteries, and no software updates makes a piece of paper look pretty damn good. Sometimes I forget to recharge my pens, and they stop working at in opportune times, but those are small enough to keep an extra in the pocket. ;)

I have to say, these "Free" CAD packages look like typical CAD of 20 years ago. (Clunky)

Used to hear the same from naysayers on the HS robotics team I mentored. While they spent weeks sketching, protoyping, and building scale models, I could get the design in 3d full motion cad in a few days.

You also can't shove your paper sketch in a USB port and get a full size plastic printed part.

I am fairly well versed in Solidworks, but no longer have 'free access' as I am no longer mentoring the team.

I have found Onshape & Freecad to be reasonable alternatives for mechanical designs.

And Sketchup for kitchen/home/cabinet design, as there are thousands of cabinets/appliances/furniture already modeled and available for free download.