Free CAD systems

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Chucketn
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Re: Free CAD systems.

Post by Chucketn » Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:27 pm

I would recommend checking out Fusion 360. Free for hobbyists and startups making less than $100K. Fusion can convert many other software files. don't know if it has Draftsight conversion yet, but you can bet it will...

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philipy
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Re: Free CAD systems.

Post by philipy » Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:45 am

Ian, When I saw your header I thought you were asking for suggestions and I was going to reply that Draftsight has served me well for years but I've just been advised that it is not going to be free in future!

Thanks for the other advice, I'll look into it.

For 3d modelling for 3D printing I use Sketchup 2016. That is still available for download and works well with far more features than I have ever needed but is no longer supported because they are trying to get the free users to convert to their cloud-based offering. Which would be fine if you only want to b4 ble to use it where you have a fast net connection
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Andrew
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Re: Free CAD systems.

Post by Andrew » Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:58 pm

Hello!

I'm also a Draftsite user - or rather, I was, it's been a couple of years now since I've used it. I've got some files (for some NWNGR carriages) that need a bit of cleaning up before I do some more cutting, it sounds like I'd better either crack on with that or learn some new software, thanks for the "heads up"!I feel like I've forgotten almost everything I learned, but with luck it will all come flooding back...

All the best,

Andrew.

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FWLR
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by FWLR » Mon May 20, 2019 9:30 am

I have used Sketchup also, but only because there aren't many that work with my MacBook Pro that are free.....

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tom_tom_go
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:53 pm

Those of you in the know about this stuff, would AutoSketch be able to produce DXF files and allow me to draw up a simple cab design that can then be folded and soldered?

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philipy
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by philipy » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:08 pm

tom_tom_go wrote: ↑Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:53 pm Those of you in the know about this stuff, would AutoSketch be able to produce DXF files and allow me to draw up a simple cab design that can then be folded and soldered?
I've never used Autosketch, we had Autocad when I was working, However I believe that AutoSketch uses SKD and SKF as its native formats, but can support DWG and DXF, so you probably would need to do the drawing in it's native format and then export the DXF at the end.

However if you just want to draw and then print on paper ( as opposed to sending out for etching etc) I would assume you could do that directly from the native format without needing to do the DXF conversion.
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:19 pm

I need to be able to supply DXF drawing to an engineering firm for their laser cutter.

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philipy
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by philipy » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:31 pm

Hmmm... there may be a problem, in that Autosketch seems to have been discontinued!
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-r ... ketch.html
Philip

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tom_tom_go
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:38 pm

Yes it has been discontinued but I have a copy although I have never used it.

Unless anyone fancies helping me produce a drawing from plans I have as I maintain the forum :mrgreen:

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philipy
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by philipy » Mon Jul 29, 2019 5:05 pm

I'd willingly help if I could, but since I've never used it or even seen it, I'm afraid it would be the blind leading the blind, unfortunately.
Just hope somebody else maybe more conversant with it.
Philip

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tom_tom_go
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 29, 2019 5:33 pm

I don't mind what software is used it just has to be in that format so a machine can understand it.

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Busted Bricks
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by Busted Bricks » Mon Jul 29, 2019 6:09 pm

Simple or complex drawing? If it's a simple shape I can draw it in CAD for you as long as you have a dimensioned sketch.

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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 29, 2019 6:16 pm

Very kind, I have a book on order with the cab I want to make so once I have that I will scan it and email it to you so you can decide if it is easy or not to produce.

This is for a 5" scale loco BTW.

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Busted Bricks
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by Busted Bricks » Mon Jul 29, 2019 6:20 pm

It's all easy as long as there are dimensions ;) It's more a matter of how much time is involved as that always seem to be in short supply.

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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Jul 29, 2019 6:33 pm

Do you still have access to a cutter?

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Busted Bricks
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Re: Free CAD systems

Post by Busted Bricks » Mon Jul 29, 2019 7:16 pm

I have my own CO2 laser for wood/plastic and fiber laser cutter for steel and metals :D

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