Replies

1. 
   riverr1 | Oct 08, 2002 09:01pm | #1

   I use autocad and it works great for me. From what I understand it is also available online in the student version which is a couple of hundred bucks. This version does have some verbage on printsplots though if that would bother you.

2. 
   DennisS | Oct 08, 2002 10:28pm | #2

   AutoCAD is something of an industry standard at least according to Autodesk (haha). There is a knock-off clone called Intellicad that is free for the downloading from Cadopia.com. It offers something like 1000 saves before you have to register it. The files are completely AutoCAD compatible if that's an issue, plus it will read AutoCAD files with the exception of 3D solids. I believe the registered version supports ACIS solids modeling.

   From the sounds of what you're wanting to create, you need a good NURBS modeling program. There aren't many I know of that are "cheap" but Rhinocerous from http://www.mcneel.com is under $1000 and is perhaps the most powerful modeling program available in that price range. They have a fully functional demoversion available for downloading that allows 25 saves but will run forever.

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

3. 
   LeeEschen | Oct 09, 2002 12:47am | #3

   John, before you go spending lots of green on Autocad clones, take a look at Design Cad 3D. I've been using this program since the days of DOS and have found it both easier to use and more than adequate for woodworking 3D modeling and project design. And it's only $300for the CD or $270 if you download from the website.

   http://www.designcad.com/

   Let me know what you decide on.

   Oh, BTW, it will also read all Autocad files (DWG, DFX). I quote from their website:

   "Drawings can be imported from and exported to a variety of file formats including DWG, DXF, VRML, JPG and HPGL among others. DesignCAD 3D Max PLUS supports the input and output of AutoCAD drawings in both DWG and DXF file formats. With DesignCAD's VRML output, users can place a DesignCAD 3D model on Web pages and allow others to view, rotate and animate the drawing with a Web browser. This makes DesignCAD 3D Max PLUS ideal for creating 3D models for Internet marketing purposes. Direct e-mail support and JPG output provide further Internet support."

   Edited 10/8/2002 5:48:34 PM ET by Lee

   Edited 10/8/2002 5:55:31 PM ET by Lee

   Edited 10/8/2002 5:56:19 PM ET by Lee

   
   

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   Edited 10/8/2002 11:05:08 PM ET by Lee

4. 
   MichaelLomax | Oct 09, 2002 03:08am | #4

   I must recommend TurboCAD V7 or V8.  I have used high end systems working for employers as an engineer.  AutoCAD was not terribly intuitive for me.  I made very little progress using the demo of AutoCAD2000.

   Wtih TurboCAD, you get good 3-D modeling capabilities and rendering tools for life like images, (I believe rendering is an add-on with AutoCAD).  I found it to be  more intuative than others and quite powerful.  To buy it outright is about $500 but look for deals.  TurboCAD V8 can be had for as little as $200.

   Lomax

5. 
   Seth_Frankel | Oct 09, 2002 04:22am | #5

   John,

   You may want to do a search for CAD going back through the archives. It's use, learning and specific apps have been discussed quite extensively.

   Here's a link to a posting of mine regarding its use: http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-knots&msg=223.3&search=y

   FYI, I use Vectorworks and find it to be full function and easy to learn (as for the basics). I've taught quite a few designers the basics in short time. Although its not in your stated price range its worth looking at.

   Good luck,

   Seth

   "Nothing is a

   mistake. There is no win

   and there is no fail . . . there is only

   make."

   John Cage