Does this software EXIST ?

[ZipSnipe]

Let me explain what I,m looking for and if any of you can tell what is the closest out there to what I,m looking for.

1) I want to draw flat shapes, I want to be able to input the thickness and material type.

2) Would love to have drawing tools like in Paint or any other drawing program.

3) Would like to be able to select object with any tool not just the selector tool.

4) And of course be as simple as MS Paint or close to it.

Programs I,ve tried

Turbo Cad. Not too bad, I,ve learned some kool stuff but selector tool is very annoying and about give up
Cad STD Too basic
a9cad still evaluating
Alibre . Looked like it could do anything but was too damn hard to figure out just to draw a simple triangle

And granted I don,t have manuals to any of these programs, and turbo Cad has movie tutorials which have been helpful for some parts of the program but they seem to be too long winded in thier explanations of things(Typical engineer teacher thing) so if any of you have a program that your using and it fits in those four criterias I would love to hear about them, I,m sure other novices like myself would too.
Thanx,
Rich

[epineh]

I'm using Autosketch for my 2D work, it is simple to use (has to be if I can use it), it has nice simple features, and I am importing these straight into DeskCNC and creating my G-code that way. Not sure about your first requirement but it is working for me for doing simple pocketing and contouring work.

Hope this helps.

Russell.

[Verfur]

pending budget I would say Solid Works. And it has great instruction.

Also check your local Tech school as they most likly have night classes for low price for adults and would get you some simple hands on.

John

[ger21]

If you go through the Alibre tutorials, it gets a LOT easier real fast.

[ZipSnipe]

Yeah ya know I didn,t find those Alibre tutorials until last nite, so I,ll download Alibre again. I,ve been watching the TurboCad tutorials and I,m learning stuff but if you ask me I think they go the longway around to make a 3d object or 2d for that matter. And Alibre tutorials(at least the 2 I watched) seem like they are explained better than T.C. tutorials. I do have access to Solidworks at work but I want an affordable home software under $500 bucks(of course the cheaper the better).

[Matt Berube]

Check this out yet ?

http://sketchup.google.com/

[Regnar]

SketchUp is very easy to use and you can download the stl. file ruby to import into Meshcam http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22812

[spoiledbrat]

Rhino is the most intuitive cad program I have ever seen.

[ZipSnipe]

Sketchup is hands down the best I,ve tried yet out of all demos( and I tried them all), I,m able to draw stuff and save them as componets to be used again and again with ease. Anyone else looking for a good very easy (super easy)free program, this in my opinion is the best.

[Matt Berube]

I just wish there was a "fillet" command. I really miss that.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Matt Berube I just wish there was a "fillet" command. I really miss that.

Draw an arc and use follow me.

[Regnar]

Here is a quick example of the fillet. I must say its very easy to use this took me a few seconds. What helped me out a lot was going threw all the Sketch Up Pro Demos and reading a little on their forum. Truly the best free program ever that I have run across.