[simpits-tech] FreeCAD

[geneb]

On Wed, 1 Oct 2014, Brian Sikkema wrote:

>
>> It's pretty good for a free tool, but you might want to check out
>> DesignSpark Mechanical.  They took SpaceClaim and stripped the export down
>> to STL only and give it away in order to promote it for use with 3D
>> printers.
>
> I will check that out, too. Looks interesting at first glance, not sure
> if it's quite what I'd want, though. From what little I've played with
> it so far and the few videos I've watched, FreeCAD's parametric modeling
> style looks very similar to what I'm used to from my prior engineering
> CAD experience.
>
Yeah, the workflow can be a bit weird.  It's very similar to SketchUp (in 
my limited experience with both).

>>
>> An inexpensive option would be Cubify Design.
>> http://cubify.com/Products/Design
> One thing I've always hated about CAD... $200 is considered the
> "inexpensive" option. lol
>
One thing you have to look forward to after you get out of the AF is being 
able to buy SolidWorks for about $150.  See here: 
https://store.solidworks.com/veteran/default.php?command=Step1

If there's any vets on this list, you really should take advantage of this 
discount program.  It beats using Pirate Bay or coughing up $10k for the 
"full" version of SW.

> And yes, I've definitely planned on getting one of the Space controllers.

Before I got my first SpaceBall, I'd have horrible wrist pain after using 
Inventor for a few hours.  Once you get used to that little magic 
controller, you never go back. :)

Brian, if you've used Inventor in the past, I would REALLY recommend you 
check out SolidWorks by any means neccessary. :)  The workflow is SO much 
better than Inventor.

g.


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