Total CAD newbie after some advice

[wildstallionuk]

Guys I'm after some advice I’m totally green to CAD, however recently I designed a part using the free emachine software. I really liked the software and was really proud of what I created, and totally enjoyed the experience. However after reading many negative reports on the work done by emachineshop I have decided not to go ahead with the project.

I would like some recommendations of other easy to learn software available which I could use to create parts, and get them made by decent reputable companies with their advice. I understand I will have to take pigeon steps, I had a brief glance at AutoCAD mechanical, and it simply looked mind blowing for someone like me.

[ger21]

http://www.alibre.com/xpress/

[wildstallionuk]

Wow that looks like a great bit of software, was looking through the things that have been made using it and I recognised many of the parts.

I have been heavily into RC helicopters for some years. It would seem a few very famous RC heli parts like the Raptor 50 tail gearbox, and several other well known parts were made with that program.

[ger21]

Some features are limited in the free version (Xpress), but can be purchased as add-on modules.