CAD program, what do you use?

Date 02-14-2010 19:31

There is TurboCad. I have it but don’t use it, I only bought it for a file conversion option it has. I use AutoCAD LT, it doesn’t have 3D, I should take the time to learn 3D, but what few times I’ve needed 3D, I just draw with a 10° angle to give the illusion of 3D. LOL!

http://cgi.ebay.com/TurboCAD-Turbo-CAD-Deluxe-15-CAD-Software-Training_W0QQitemZ330404178862QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4ced9fabae

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 02-14-2010 22:15

I have used turbocad for a few years. The "low cost" has slowly climbed over the years as new releases come out.

The command line feature of autocad and autocad LT are not available in turbocad. But turbocad does allow for creation of 3D models including ACIS solid.

There are also some intellicad products that cost less. It doesnt take much less to cost less than Autocad! I'm sure there are others besides what I mentioned however turbocad and intellicad are the only products I have used.

Gerald Austin

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 02-18-2010 11:08

Here are some pics from drawings I have made with Turbocad.

Pages

http://www.weldingdata.com/misc/cadSamples.htm

http://www.weldingdata.com/misc/consuminsert.html

Pics

Used for Welding Class. The 3D model and being able to move it around helps.

Picture from a discussion regarding slag trapping.

http://www.weldingdata.com/Loft.h1.jpg
An example of a square to round transition

By Iron Head 49 (***)

Date 02-14-2010 22:57

Auto Cad can be a very valuable resource for a “Critical Lift Plan”!

I did this drawing about 15 years ago with Auto Cad LT. I have some more crane drawings on disk somewhere, hope I didn’t loose them!

By devo

Date 02-15-2010 21:13

I have a $39 version of TurboCAD Deluxe. It is a bit cumbersome, but for the cost and what I do with it, it serves its purpose. It doesn't have the sexy features offered on TurboCAD Pro, but the Pro versions cost many hundreds of dollars. However, with it I have been able to do 3D modeling, save it as a JPEG, email it to a customer, and get the job. Money well spent.

Attachment: jeremymullinscrossfit.JPG (0B)

By Bob Garner (***)

Date 02-15-2010 21:26

Iron Head, those look like those Demag crane blocks. Don't worry, I have a copy of that if you lose yours. I also have a fleet of commerical airplanes I've never had a chance to use (cad blocks that is, not real airplanes).

I've heard Bricscad is a very good AutoCAD substitute. Sorry, I don't know anymore about it. Do you want to (need to) go 3d? That makes a big price difference.

Bob G.

By mooseye (**)

Date 02-16-2010 00:42

Quick search turned up > http://www.freecad.com/CAD_Programs_PCs/

By grizzzly (**)

Date 02-16-2010 02:46

Considering my limited CAD background I don’t think that I need 3D, What I am looking for is something that isn’t going to take me forever to pickup.

By Iron Head 49 (***)

Date 02-16-2010 03:01

grizzly just a suggestion, check Craig’s list and eBay for an older full version of Auto Cad LT, (10-15 years old) with a license, then buy an upgrade version that is 2 to 4 years old. This will save you quite a few dollars.
Don’t even think of buying one with out a license, soon as you go on line Auto Desk will get you!

By Bob Garner (***)

Date 02-16-2010 15:56

I don't believe we're allowed to sell our old copies of AutoCAD with the license. And as AutoCAD has structured it, you get a price break now only when you upgrade from a recent version. AutoCAD has it sewed up as tight as Microsoft.

By Iron Head 49 (***)

Date 02-16-2010 17:05

As long as you have the “Authoritarian Code” how would Auto Desk know what computer it is running on? As long as the original owner isn’t still using it! You don’t call them to tell them your moving.

Seems as I remember if your version is only 5 or 6 years old they will not give you any support anyway. Almost force you to upgrade every few years! I don’t see the need most of their upgrades are just a few more bells and whistles that are not really needed for the average guy.