Need recommedation for home use CAD design software (Mac)

[spressomon]

Ok...I can't shell out the $4K they want for SolidWorks. There's a slew of design software out there <$500. I want to be able to easily draw parts, etc. Like sliders, OBA brackets, whatever instead of using grid paper, pencil, etc.; then be able to output to a file type a machinist/CAM would understand. And, although this isn't a deal killer, it would be nice if it was written for Mac.

Anyone have any good advice?

 

[nakman]

I've never used it, but I was across the hall from TurboCAD once at a trade show. they were pretty cool guys, and the software appeared to be pretty capable. Sorry, that's all I know about it, other than it's cheap. http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/TurboCADforMac/tabid/556/Default.aspx

edit: but download the 15 day free trial and see what you think!

 

[spressomon]

I've never used it, but I was across the hall from TurboCAD once at a trade show. they were pretty cool guys, and the software appeared to be pretty capable. Sorry, that's all I know about it, other than it's cheap. http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/TurboCADforMac/tabid/556/Default.aspx

edit: but download the 15 day free trial and see what you think!

Thanks...I'll have to try it out.

 

[C6H12O6]

Not really CAD type software, but you might play with the free download version of Google SketchUp to see if that will handle the drawing side of it for you. It wouldn't be a computer file a CAM would read, but I think there is something you can do to import/export to real CAD software later. I downloaded the mac version a week or so ago and it seems ok. I need to sit down and figure out how it works, but the final images are definitely something you could talk with a fabricator with.

 

[george_tlc]

CAD (for PC)

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/index.shtml

is a pretty decent free (you re-license every year or so - but free) 2D package. Pretty high end and seems to work well. It's for XP so you'll likely need a "real" computer, not one of those arty/farty apples

cheers,
george.

 

[Rob Faucett]

I use TurboCAD as well. I'm no expert but it works well for me.

 

[WaterCruiser]

spressoman - pm me, I may have a *real* inexpensive solution 4 u

 

[GeoRoss]

You might also check out Blender.


It is pretty good at doing 3D stuff and exports into a .dxf file. The major problem with it will be scaling it to a real world measurement as there are not any good measuring tools for it.


I have used it for creating 3D animations that are scaled.



edit, it is free