CAD for Hobbyist

[rmwarren]

I don't know exactly how complex you want your drawings to be but, if you want a 3D program that is geared specifically to woodworkers, try Sketchlist. It is a 3D program that seems to be, more or less, in constant development. There are no subscription fees; only a one-time purchase cost. You can buy it at the Pro or Hobby level, but the Hobby level doesn't include some features that I think are well worth the extra price. Sometimes there are even good promotions. There is, of course, a learning curve, but it's not nearly as long as Sketchup. ?Right now, at least, the develop holds weekly online support sessions which provide basic, as well as, more advanced guidance on use of the software with real drawings. Sometime during the next year, a new version will come out which I understand current users will get a discount on, but it, of course, is another fee.

I can't say that Sketchlist is a capable as Sketchup or some of the other 3D programs mentioned, but it is very good for drawing at both the hobby and professional level. My understanding is that it also can produce CNC ready files, but that isn't something I am interested in so don't know the details. You can check online for questions and contacts if you're interested.

Thanks [member=19734]grbmds[/member] I'll take a look at it. Thinking my process thru a bit further, I do like to design in 3D tweaking as a I go, then I'd like to use that design to produce the plans/templates/CAD.

Last week I had to design drawers for a 32mm cabinet (32mm is another think that I have to relearn continually) so I modeled it in Sketchup, placed the line bores, modeled the slides including mounting holes, then arranged them to get the sizes the boss needed.

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Being able to place the slides on the 32 bores precisely, then adjust drawer component heights, arrange them and see gave me the confidence to pull the trigger and order $200 in drawers and make the carcass, the install went smoothly.

As Hans noted, it's a process of developing the skill then using it often enough to retain it. I think F360 or SW is probably my best bet, just need to determine which one.

Thanks,

RMW

 

[grbmds]

One of the things I like a lot about Sketchlist is  that the developer has really taken an interest in supporting his customers by offering a free weekly online session during which he has been using customer drawings to show both basic and more advanced features in the software. All this helps learn how to use it and also helps the users through some problems they might encounter. He's very upfront about bugs and when to expect fixes and also updates to the software. As an add-on, a Cabinet Wizard is available. This piece provides various sizes and styles of cabinets with drawers and doors, some simple, some more complex, which can be modified to suit the user's measurements and then brought into Sketchlist to make further design changes. I haven't made the commitment to buy that yet because I don't design a lot of cabinets. For me, it would be a $150 toy, so I'm waiting to see if Sketchlist offers the Wizard at a discount (which they have in the past) for current owners.

 

[WillAdams]

Here's an example of the sort of work I've been working on with BlockSCAD/OpenSCAD and Carbide Create:

written up at:
https://willadams.gitbook.io/design-into-3d/3d-project

 

[kmickey]

The space mouse (mice?) is a game changer if you do any sort of cad. https://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacemouse.html

 

[threesixright]

Just a heads for all CAD peeps.

I have been using solidworks for the last year, they have a makers-license (personal) which is pretty affordable. Normally SW is out of reach. You have basically everything but your PDF’s  will be watermarked.

What I find the absoute upside of SW is the fact its parameters based, so scaling is very easy to change.

 

[WillAdams]

(ob. discl., I work for a company which distributes this software)

Another recent development is Alibre's Atom3D which just got a major update:
https://www.alibre.com/

and there're also Workshop, Expert, and Pro license options depending on one's needs.

 

[Steve1]

I use a professional version of Solidworks.  A little while back, they came out with a "makers" version, that I think was selling for $100/year.
I do a detailed design and then build to the design.  A lot of times, I will make detail drawings of the more complex components -- which is easy to do with a good CAD program.

There is also ONSHAPE.  It is web-based --- i.e the software is on their server, not your PC.  I think they still offer free version.

But the learning curve for both of these is pretty long.  There are Youtube videos that would help, but it would kinda be like starting woodworking when you have never held a hammer before.  You need to be willing to invest the time into learning the software.

 

[John T.]

I use a professional version of Solidworks.  A little while back, they came out with a "makers" version, that I think was selling for $100/year.
I do a detailed design and then build to the design.  A lot of times, I will make detail drawings of the more complex components -- which is easy to do with a good CAD program.

There is also ONSHAPE.  It is web-based --- i.e the software is on their server, not your PC.  I think they still offer free version.

I used SW for years for work, but am no longer at a company using it (nor do I do design work anymore). I tried the Maker's version and couldn't get it to work, and couldn't get support from them.

I recently found a recommendation for Onshape and so far am enjoying the free version. I haven't done a lot with it yet but so far it seems like a web-based SW clone.

Fusion 360 is pretty common, personally I couldn't get used to the difference in how it works compared to SW. Particularly for assemblies and mates.

 

[Coen]

Maybe contact the nearest mechanical engineering student association, donate to their [beer] fund and ask them kindly for the volume license key.

 

[Steve1]

I tried the Maker's version and couldn't get it to work, and couldn't get support from them.

That's interesting.
Can you please give more detail on how it wouldn't work ?  Wouldn't boot up, didn't like your video card, ...etc. ?

 

[hdv]

I don't run Windows or Mac, which reduces my selection of choices quite a bit. In the end I settled for BricsCAD Pro. I really like it for both 2D and 3D drawings. They do have a free version too. I can't recall from the top of my head how it is called, but it is readily available on their website.

When I was still working for the university I had access to AutoCAD a.o. for very affordable prices, but I have to say I don't regard BricsCAD a lesser product after using it for a couple of years. About the only thing that I'd like to see improved is better parts list and cutting optimization add-ins.

 

[Picktool]

"Sadly, software developers are all going to subscription models, which is hard on hobbiests like us.  I don't mind popping for an updated version from time to time, but can't  handle the monthly fee for things that I only use periodically."

I'm in the same boat. Can't justify the subscription rate for SU for hobbyist work. Same for MS-Office. I do have Office 365 but that is so I can handle docs for work. I prefer to use Office 2003, mostly because I can't stand the new menu system.

Some companies are doing away w/ credit card payment and want to go in and grab from your bank account.
Seems like a good way to be possibly overdrafted and you'll lose your points/rewards for the CC.  [blink]

 

[hdv]

That was one of the things I liked about BricsCAD. They offer lifetime licenses. It wasn't cheap, but for me it was perfect. Especially since I often find myself at places where an internet connection is not readily available.

 

[Steve1]

The good thing about using a higher end CAD system is that some manufacturers offer 3D models of their products.

Like these BLUM Movento slides.  Using the manufacturer's files, you are pretty sure that critical dimensions will be accurate.  But just the same, I won't start a drawer without first having the slides in hand.
https://e-services.blum.com/main/

 

[rmwarren]

Many manufacturers use 3rd party services to host download able CAD files. Traceparts often has what I'm looking for, 8020 being the most common.
https://www.traceparts.com/en

I recently needed an 8020 extrusion profile to model a connector from. I pulled that into Fusion 360, did the design, exported it to Shaper Studio to set up the cut file and had it on the tool in

 

[John T.]

I tried the Maker's version and couldn't get it to work, and couldn't get support from them.

That's interesting.
Can you please give more detail on how it wouldn't work ?  Wouldn't boot up, didn't like your video card, ...etc. ?

It wouldn't launch at all. I had the launcher application running but the actual SW instance wouldn't start up. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling. I was running Parallels with Windows 11, so this may have had some compatibility issue, but when I reached out for some potential troubleshooting steps and I got a form email telling me to ask the forums, I gave up. Parallels was able to run a regular copy of SW but I don't have a license.

The 3Dexperience seems to get a lot of complaints online, maybe they'll give up after a while and offer a $10 maker license to run the regular offline SW.

 

[rmwarren]

I tried the Maker's version and couldn't get it to work, and couldn't get support from them.

That's interesting.
Can you please give more detail on how it wouldn't work ?  Wouldn't boot up, didn't like your video card, ...etc. ?

It wouldn't launch at all. I had the launcher application running but the actual SW instance wouldn't start up. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling. I was running Parallels with Windows 11, so this may have had some compatibility issue, but when I reached out for some potential troubleshooting steps and I got a form email telling me to ask the forums, I gave up. Parallels was able to run a regular copy of SW but I don't have a license.

The 3Dexperience seems to get a lot of complaints online, maybe they'll give up after a while and offer a $10 maker license to run the regular offline SW.

Have you looked at Fusion's DIY license? It's feature limited but I haven't run into anything that I need that's missing.

RMW

 

[John T.]

I tried the Maker's version and couldn't get it to work, and couldn't get support from them.

That's interesting.
Can you please give more detail on how it wouldn't work ?  Wouldn't boot up, didn't like your video card, ...etc. ?

It wouldn't launch at all. I had the launcher application running but the actual SW instance wouldn't start up. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling. I was running Parallels with Windows 11, so this may have had some compatibility issue, but when I reached out for some potential troubleshooting steps and I got a form email telling me to ask the forums, I gave up. Parallels was able to run a regular copy of SW but I don't have a license.

The 3Dexperience seems to get a lot of complaints online, maybe they'll give up after a while and offer a $10 maker license to run the regular offline SW.

Have you looked at Fusion's DIY license? It's feature limited but I haven't run into anything that I need that's missing.

RMW

I did try Fusion, but I was struggling with the way it mates parts together. Just moving parts around and getting them in place was much different than I was used to. I might give it another shot though if Onshape doesn't work out.

 

[jaguar36]

I wasn't a fan of the Free version of Onshape meaning that all of your projects are publicly accessible to to anyone.  I also like the integrated CAM and rendering features of Fusion.  Apparently CAM is coming soon to Onshape though.

 

[keithwwalker]

If people want to get up to speed on 3D software packages, check out if your local community/trade college gives classes on them. 

I had low expectations, but when I took the Solidworks course, I was pleasantly surprised that the teacher (an architect by education/but a cabinet-display manufacturer and designer by trade) actually used it in his business so there was a lot of wisdom and experience there.  I also got a year of Solidworks student edition for free - that was worth the cost of the tuition right there.

I next took the Fusion 360 course and I was surprised again that the teacher was a software development engineer for AutoDesk's F360 team (they have an office in Portland, OR).

These classes give you a jump start, and I find that I get hung up on little errors which when you are in a class are easily pointed out.

kw