machine design software

[Losos]

I've been seeing a lot of great looking virtual machine prototypes here in the forum (and some are even animated!). What software package are you guys using?

Are there any free/low cost ones available for OS X?

[DareBee]

I am quite partial to SolidWorks; but it is nowhere near free.

[cadman]

Unfortunately, there is very little out there for Apple users. Rutan used Ashlar Vellum Cobalt in the design of SpaceShip One and it can be used on either Mac or PC. Cost is about $4000, the same price range for base packages of most mid-range modelers for pcs. It does support OS X.

[Losos]

"I am quite partial to SolidWorks; but it is nowhere near free."

Ahh, but it is near free! SolidWorks student edition w/ COSMOS for $155
http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail.asp?T1=36795643+FS6

It's not for OS X, but it'll do. Thanks for the recommendation!

[DareBee]

I am happy to do my part.

[acondit]

I use VectorWorks version 11 on my Mac currently running OS X 10.3.9.
It imports and exports DXF, DWG and a number of other formats. Also not free but it does support 3D modeling.

[machinist_1]

Solidworks 07 and Gibbs cam