Cad software recommendations please

[connorsdad]

What cad software are you guys using to knock up prototypes of your builds ?

I made it up as I went along for my G4D build but this time I want to see my idea before I get the tools out, might even try to build my G4D cab using cad software

[Agrajag]

Good question. I know some people use Google Sketchup but I still do everything with pencil and paper. I probably ought to learn how to use CAD one of these days, especially if there's a chance of using a CNC router.

[joeyjojojjjjjj]

+1 for sketchup!

[fainche]

AutoCAD 360 is also great CAD software.

[ghutch92]

For paid options, I personally like solidedge. For free options, I like sketchup.

[dragon57]

Another vote for Sketchup. I pre-vised my cab with it.

[Styphelus]

I Use Civil 3D because it's what I use every single day at work but any version of AutoCAD should be fine.

[THK]

I'm familiar with SolidWorks. It's great to make models that you can turn into technical sketches in an instant. Make the parts separately and put them together. But it's pro software, also used to design machinery and spray-casting molds for instance, so I don't know how you'd get your hands on it.

I used to have a student licence for my study Industrial Design.

[connorsdad]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, seems sketchup maybe better suited to someone like me who has 0 knowledge of cad.

[the_greeze]

Sketchup here

[connorsdad]

I like this sketchup but some of the plugins are in the price range of photoshop

Any recommendations for a render plugin that wont break the bank ?

Cheers

[THK]

try the 'torrent' plugin(s)

[the_greeze]

I like this sketchup but some of the plugins are in the price range of photoshop

Any recommendations for a render plugin that wont break the bank ?

Cheers

Do you really need to render? I use the basic Sketchup (without any additional plug-ins) just fine to plan my cabinets. I guess it depends on how far you want to take it. I'm not even sure what plug-ins are available!

[connorsdad]

I'd like to see a photo realistic version if I'm going to the trouble of prototyping it

[the_greeze]

Well, you can add photo textures without any additional plug-ins (if that's any help)...

[THK]

SolidWorks examples

[connorsdad]

SolidWorks examples

Very nice THK, what's the learning curve like using that software ?

[THK]

not very high, as long as you don't do complicated curved surfaces etc, but you should be good in that regard

if you already have a good idea what you want, you should build it in parts and put it together in an assembly. You can edit the individual parts/sub assemblies if needed and you can just update it in the whole assembly. that way you can make building plans straight from you design.