CAD software?

[tpruitt]

What is a good CAD program? I don't want to spend a lot of money but just need all the basic stuff. I don't know much about it so any information will help.



Thanks

Trey

 

[fkovalski]

Here is a thread from a while ago about this topic: CAD

I like AutoCad, But I am biased on that opinion in that I use it everyday. It might not be what you are looking for as it is expensive and takes a while to learn it proficiently. -frank.

 

[RBallard]

What do you plan to use it for? Doing simple 2D take a look at AutoDesk’s AutoCAD light "LT". You may even be able to pick up a student version cheaper at VCU. I found AutoCAD fairly simple to use and have been using it since 90. Last year I started using SDR Ideas for Solid Modeling and Finite Element Analysis. Stay away from it as it is not intuitive. Took me a month of watching video and tutorials before I got any good at it. Most recently I started using EDS Solid Edge. I pick it up in a week doing tutorials. Very intuitive like AutoCAD. I am also using ANSYS for FEA and that is a very easy program to pick up.



PM for more info, I may be able to help more.



Bob

 

[klenger]

I use AutoCAD LT 2000 at work most every day. Been using AutoCAD since release 9. 0 on an 80286. Have never used anything else, so I can't compare it to anything else. I use it primarily for aircraft wiring diagrams, and some aircraft mechanical drawings.

 

[nickleinonen]

i have autocad, but i find it frustrating as heck to use so most of the time if i doodle something i do it on deltacad. it is a simple 2d program shareware...

 

[TPCDrafting]

I've been using AutoCAD since rel. 10. I remember using 286's as well. Hit regen and go to lunch.

I use it for design and drafting plans for residential and commercial construction.

If you want to share files with anyone, be sure to get one that accepts . dxf format. Most do anymore and many also will open . dwg (autocad) drawing format without much trouble. Example my engineer uses Turbo Cad and he can open and print my drawings to do his magic. I think that's fairly affordable compared to Autodesk products.

I've also used Microstation. I never had the time to really learn how to use it, but my first impressions were that it was like trying to do complex drawings with an etch-a-sketch.

 

[mdivincentis]

I have training in AutoCAD and MicroStation, I definitely like AutoCAD better. Microstation is not as 'comfortable' to use (for me, anyway). Here at work we now use Vectorworks v10 and its only okay, seems to lack a lot of the timesaving tools and ease of use that the higher end programs have. Vectorworks is alot like a cross breed of MicroStation and AutoCAD, minus some features. I guess for the price it's alright for occasional use.



Matt

 

[nickleinonen]

Originally posted by nickleinonen

i have autocad, but i find it frustrating as heck to use so most of the time if i doodle something i do it on deltacad. it is a simple 2d program shareware...

oh yeah, i forgot to say i don't like the worktop for autocad. the black background with white lines bothers me. and if i make the worktop white with black lines, i can't see my eraser tool...

 

[tpruitt]

Thanks for all the good info guys. All i really want it for is to play around on and to design some things that i have been wanting to make. I am also getting ready to build a shop/ Apartment to live in until i get the money for a house. I thought it would be a good way to design how i want things laid out. How much will a program like Auto Cad set me back.



Thanks again

Trey

 

[fkovalski]

Dare I suggest that there still is the option of ink/ pencil on vellum! Sorry- just feeling a little nostalgic there for a moment -frank.

 

[tpruitt]

yeah its an idea but what fun is that. They way i look at it is we have computers for a reason. I figure i might as well use it for what its worth.



Trey

 

[fkovalski]

Originally posted by tpruitt

yeah its an idea but what fun is that.

... AHhh, but sometimes the ole' analog ways can be less frustrating at times

Seriously- I do miss the real "feel" of ole tyme drafting. I wish I could advise you more about what you are looking for, but AutoCad is the industry standard and I do not have the opportunity to sample the competition.

 

[TPCDrafting]

The guys at WYDOT used to get miffed when I referred to Microstation as Mickey Station

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by RBallard

I am also using ANSYS for FEA and that is a very easy program to pick up.



PM for more info, I may be able to help more.



Bob

Hey Bob, where'd you get Ansys? Personal copy, or is this at work?



-Ryan