Recommendations for an affordable 3D CAD for home use

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for affordable 3D CAD software suitable for home use, particularly for modeling and drafting unique car parts. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding various CAD programs, focusing on accessibility and functionality for hobbyist applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Seth Allen, seeks affordable CAD software alternatives to NX and Solidworks for home use, emphasizing the need for capabilities in designing car parts.
  • Another participant suggests SketchUp, noting that while the basic version may be limited, there are many extensions available to enhance functionality.
  • A different participant mentions their positive experience with Home Designer from Chief Architect, highlighting its visualization tools and the learning curve involved, but also points out some limitations in design capabilities.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about acquiring an old version of AutoCAD for a low price, suggesting it as a potential solution despite its lack of support from Autodesk.
  • Several participants inquire about the practicality of the suggested software for machine design, specifically for creating auto parts.
  • AutoCAD Fusion 360 is mentioned multiple times, with one participant noting its availability as a free download for students and hobbyists, while another expresses satisfaction with its performance.
  • FreeCAD is also mentioned as an alternative currently under evaluation by one participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the suitability of different CAD software for specific applications. While some recommend certain programs, others question their practicality for machine design, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best option for Seth's needs.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in the software discussed, such as the need for workarounds in Home Designer and the lack of support for older versions of AutoCAD. The discussion reflects varying levels of experience and specific requirements for CAD software.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking for affordable CAD software options for personal projects, particularly in the context of designing mechanical components or custom parts.

Seth Allen
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Hey!

I hope this is the right place to post this. I'm looking for recommendations for a modeling/drafting cad program that is relatively affordable and capable. I have extensive experience with NX and Solidworks, but can't justify paying for either of those to simply use at home. My non-work hobby involves designing and fabricating unique car parts for a select community and it would be extremely helpful to have home CAD ability again to be able to make models and drawings for the local machine shop I use. I don't mind paying something for it, but can't justify $3000 + renewal fees. Any recommendations/suggestions are much appreciated.

Seth Allen
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Have you tried https://www.sketchup.com/?

The vanilla program might not be extensive enough but there are a load of extensions
https://extensions.sketchup.com/

I haven't yet but I will download it when I get home and see! I don't need anything overly complicated. Thanks!
 
I've purchased Home Designer from Chief Architect dot com, made for the DIY market. Like it OK, affordable, works OK after learning curve, provides good visualization tools (add-in libraries for furniture, textures, cabinets, and flying camera walkthroughs), lots of YouTubes, good discussion forum for finding help. Unless you get the $2K super-duper version, you might find a couple design capabilities lacking for which you must determine workarounds. For example, on my 1954-vintage home, I tried to model "as-is" the CMU basement wall, 2x4 top plate, and then the 2x10 floor joists. This stackup simply won't add up to the software's default construction dialog dimensions for inserting Floor0 (basement construction). Visualizing the outside of the building, there is a gap between floors. Many defaults are customizable, but this parameter was not. Not a job stopper, but I have to scratch my head as to why didn't they add that simple additive capability? Professional architect-level software cost is on the same level as SolidWorks etc.
 
7 or 8 years ago I needed AutoCAD R14 which was long gone. I made a few phone calls and found a local architectural firm that sold me an old copy of theirs. For $100 I got the license and the Windows 98 machine the program was still on plus while I was there an old HP "D" size pen plotter was thrown in. If all you need is what you say this may be a solution for you. Bear in mind 14 is not supported by Autodesk anymore but I have yet to run into a current program that can't or won't import the 14 files.
 
Are the above actually practical or usable for machine design modelling of items like auto parts, etc.
 
Does anyone have any experience with AutoCAD FUSION 360
 
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JBA said:
Does anyone have any experience with AutoCAD FUSION 360

Hadn't followed Autodesk for a long time so I looked it up. Seemed more then alright and it's a free download for students, hobbyists and enthusiasts. That's hard to beat.

There you go Seth.
 
I've used Fusion360 for a long time . Absolutely excellent .

I also have under evaluation FreeCad .
 
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  • #10
JBA said:
Are the above actually practical or usable for machine design modelling of items like auto parts, etc.

That is what I need it for. I'm not going to use it for architectural purposes, but more so designing custom exhaust manifolds/flanges/piping as well as numerous random brackets and mounts.

Work Hard Play Hard said:
Hadn't followed Autodesk for a long time so I looked it up. Seemed more then alright and it's a free download for students, hobbyists and enthusiasts. That's hard to beat.

There you go Seth.

I'll download it and give it a shot too. Thanks guys...I'll report back with what I find.