- Joined
- Jan 10, 2019
- Messages
- 1,042
Wasn't sure where to put this thread, since it'll eventually cut across several branches of this forum. But since I'm at the beginning, it starts with CAD.
I'm somewhat familiar with CAD, having used several so-so products, including Sketchup, TurboCAD, and a few others I can't even remember now. In any effect, it's been long enough that whatever I get, I'll effectively be starting all over again.
My goal is to build a CNC laser cutter, and want to first design it in CAD, then use the same CAD software later to create 2D designs to be cut by the laser cutter. I realise that the latter may require additional interface software, but I'd prefer to use the same root CAD software for the original drawings.
The problem:
I was all set to use Fusion 360, but the mfg effectively neutered it, making it (I think) unusable for creating the laser cutter assembly, and who knows about creating files for cutting parts. This moves me to my main point about CAD: I don't want to pay a subscription. I realize that it's where many/most CAD products are going, but I'm not a business and can't justify the literal never-ending expense. So here's the deal: I'm willing to pay up to maybe $500 as a one-time purchase for a decent CAD package capable of the above. I'm aware of FreeCAD, but rather pay money to get something not so buggy, and with maybe a chance of getting answers if I run into problems. Additionally, it would be nice if whatever CAD it is, that there's some Youtube training videos.
I'm not asking to be spoon-fed an answer, just wondering what actual users (you) are using, as opposed to "review" sites that are fronts for manufactures! In the meantime, I'm actively reading review sites, but it's disappointing just how many CAD products are too expensive, subscription-based, and/or bug ridden.
I'm somewhat familiar with CAD, having used several so-so products, including Sketchup, TurboCAD, and a few others I can't even remember now. In any effect, it's been long enough that whatever I get, I'll effectively be starting all over again.
My goal is to build a CNC laser cutter, and want to first design it in CAD, then use the same CAD software later to create 2D designs to be cut by the laser cutter. I realise that the latter may require additional interface software, but I'd prefer to use the same root CAD software for the original drawings.
The problem:
I was all set to use Fusion 360, but the mfg effectively neutered it, making it (I think) unusable for creating the laser cutter assembly, and who knows about creating files for cutting parts. This moves me to my main point about CAD: I don't want to pay a subscription. I realize that it's where many/most CAD products are going, but I'm not a business and can't justify the literal never-ending expense. So here's the deal: I'm willing to pay up to maybe $500 as a one-time purchase for a decent CAD package capable of the above. I'm aware of FreeCAD, but rather pay money to get something not so buggy, and with maybe a chance of getting answers if I run into problems. Additionally, it would be nice if whatever CAD it is, that there's some Youtube training videos.
I'm not asking to be spoon-fed an answer, just wondering what actual users (you) are using, as opposed to "review" sites that are fronts for manufactures! In the meantime, I'm actively reading review sites, but it's disappointing just how many CAD products are too expensive, subscription-based, and/or bug ridden.