What's the best CAD program?

[paintball8869]

I need to get a CAD program so I can design a front block for my rainmaker (work in progress). I was wondering what the best cad program is for someone who has never used a cad program. I'm also hoping to make wavy lines in teh future, if that helps. Thanks.

[pito189]

I have used Autocad 2002 with Mechainical Desktop, and that was fairly easy to pick up. I don't know about the wavy lines though. Manike swears by Tebis Cad/Cam, and I believe that is what he used for the CnC's, and is using for the Manike E-Mag.

Either way both programs are going to cost a pretty penny. Maybe take a look around, I know some websites offer free demos, to try their products out.

[Spray Painter]

what do you plan on using the program for? different programs are made for differnet uses

[magman007]

i believe manike said today in the chat, that tebis will run you from 17000 to 70000 for the softwear alone..


the price difference being in what the softwear will be applied for

[BajaBoy]

Originally posted by magman007
i believe manike said today in the chat, that tebis will run you from 17000 to 70000 for the softwear alone..


the price difference being in what the softwear will be applied for

woah.. from 17 grand to 70 grand???

[paintball8869]

i'm using it to make a front block, like on a cocker, for my rainmaker. Should be fairly simple, mostly straight lines, some angles, but not many.

I'm just lookin for somethin simple so i can see how well everything works out when put together.......i can't visualize it all and make sure it works before sending to a machinist without doin it on a 3d program.

[steveg]

You might want to look at Quikcad or Autosketch by autodesk
(autocad) easy to use and learn 2d programs and available
at just about any large software store.
Instant engineer by designcad/upperspace is a 2D program
as well

www.autosketch.com www.quickcad.com www.designcad.com

if you want to dabble in 3D go to www.ptc.com and download
pro/desktop express for free.

"CAM" programs are used to create the tool path for CNC
machines and normally do not have much drawing capability.

PS as I type this the quickcad link is dead use this one

https://www.autodesk.com/quickcad

PPS I think that autosketch and quickcad are the same program

[manike]

Solidworks is a nice system to design with and make high quality files also. I don't know if they do a demo version...

Autodesk inventor or similiar might not be a bad idea? Autocad 2000 and on should be able to do what you need...

Tebis is what I use but then I work for the company and it's a very expensive top end product. It's more CAM related (although it is CAD also).

It looks like Steveg has provided some good links

manike

[steveg]

for some comparative pricing try this http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...738089-7494266

and when you are ready to turn your creation into metal
go here (CAM at the best possible price)www.mecsoft.com

[mykroft]

Try AutoCad LT.

Completely AutoCAD compatible, but much cheaper (About $500US).

Much more powerfull than the cheapo 2d programs that are so popular for floorplans.

[steveg]

Mycroft I have both autosketch and quickcad they are WAY
more than canned floorplan programs.
Both will do most of what autocad will do in 2D mode

[mykroft]

steveg: Never said they weren't. It's just what they are usually used for. AutoCad LT has some 3d Capability, which is usefull for designing frontblocks, it's significantly more capable than QuickCad or Autosketch, and it's reasonably priced.

[lamby]

I have used autocad lt, R14,2000,and 2002. I can do a decent job in a 2D enviroment, but the 3D stuff KILLS me. The best 3D software I found is "Pro Engineer" It is also a cad/cam software that Harley uses for prototyping (my buddy works in experimental machine there)Very cool program, but VERY VERY expensive. There is a demo that puts a water mark on your drawing that I got for free (Student version) BUt the water mark is not good if if you really want to use the drawing. I think PRO E sells for about $25k per machine so the demo is fine for me....

[TRIAD]

I use AutoCADD LT at school, and really like it. It can do quite a bit, and doesn't cost too much. Also, it's relatively easy to learn (as long as you read the manual), and there isn't much to figure out for what you're doing. I'd look into taking a class at highschool, or maybe a night class at a local college, just so you can get the hang of it. I know I wouldn't do so well if I just bought it on my own.

[Evil Bob]

Manike...

Which Tebis product do you use? Their website has quite a few listed.

-Evil Bob