Poor man's cad (Blender)

[eternauta3k]

Hi all,
I wanted to start designing my CNC machine (for some reason I didn't build the JGRO router) so I needed something to plan it with. I managed to find a few file formats (dwg, wrl) used in 3d parts which Blender could import.
I started downloading 3d drawings for the things I bought in Ebay and those I was planning to. Turns out it takes a LONG time to do a simple thing like a square frame or an extrusion with a 45 degree end.
Any tips?

Thanks,
Ignacio

[anoel]

Try a different program... (linux doesn't have very many CAD options that are very useable... unfortuneately...) Blender is actually a very capable and powerful app... Unfortuneately the learning curve is enormous... the UI is nothing like anything else and is 100% counter intuitive, Ithink only the guys that wrote the app can use it. If that's all you've got to work with.. Good luck. I tried it a few years ago when I was into 3d animation and stuff and it was such a bear to use....

[eternauta3k]

Actually, I'm using windows. I'm open to any suggestions, specially free ones :P

[ger21]

www.alibre.com/xpress It does have some limitations, though, but you can probably work around them. It is free.

[rico]

You can go to sourceforge.net and do a search on CAD

[eternauta3k]

I've decided to use solidworks

[posix]

blender? good luck! I've been trying to figure out how to do a simple drawing in it for a couple of years. it's definitely not something for widespread use (well, not for modelling anyway). it's more of a movie thing.

[bill south]

Enternauta3k, using solidworks is a great option if you have the 4K in funds to spring for it. That is, unless you are a full time student. I couldn't afford it on my sparce budget but the way it's talked up here and other forums, it's the way to go.
Good Luck and have fun!
billyjack

[bkinman]

Solidworks is clearly not a poor man's solution. That begs the question. How did you obtain the money for such a nice program ?

[posix]

it's all relative. one mans riches is another mans pocketmoney.

[mbogucki]

Hey Guys,

How about AC3d?? Check out http://www.ac3d.org.

It's available on Linux and Windows. It's fairly inexpensive, pretty powerful, and fairly easy to learn.

It can import and export various formats such as OBJ, DXF, TRI, POV, etc.

It's not autocad...but pretty good for 3d modelling.

I've been using it for several years on Linux and each newer version just keeps getting better and better.

Now if there was a way to somehow export to G-code, that would be really nice.

--Mike

[JRoque]

Am I losing it or did my post to this thread got deleted? I made a comment about pirated software but my post along with the previous post got both deleted. Did I ruffle someone's feathers or are we getting too quick on the delete key?

JR