Recommendations for CAD software?

[Drewpy Dawg]

I know there are a bunch of people here who do CAD and 3D printing and I'd like to get into it myself to a limited extent. I took plenty of drafting classes way back in the day and I've always been good at making 2D technical drawings, but I have never used any CAD software. I'm not looking to do anything super serious or in-depth, but I'd like to use it for designing small parts that I can make in my garage the old-fashioned way or files I can send out to be 3D printed, laser cut, etc. I don't need pro-level software, and I'd like something that's relatively intuitive. I don't expect something good for free, but I also don't want to spend a ton or pay a monthly subscription for something I may not use all the time. Any recommendations from those with first hand experience are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[19Eclipse90]

Autodesk Fusion 360, which can be had for free in a “lite” version, but it’s been plenty for me at home with simple stuff.

 

[Justin DuBois]

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding.

www.tinkercad.com

 

[CrazyDave]

Tinkercad is a great way to get you're feet wet, really easy to design things. I'm not smart enough for Fusion 360, .

 

[Imback]

Fusion 360 is what i use. There are hundreds of videos on youtube on how to use it.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

I use fusion360/autodesk.

It is fairly easy once you get the basics out the way and then you can dive into more detail if you wish.

Hlwever the free version is limited on files and what you can export. You can only work on 10 designs at a time so needs shelfing to restart another. it can work well for basics or tricky jobs. Compared to others who use this for all its worth i use about 10% of it capability! Bit it is a very useful tool and works well and has done many jobs and projects along the way for my car and the community.

Maybe start of with a free simple one and then look to expand in to a better cad software later on. Keeps it cost effective then for you. No point in paying $600+ a year for it depending on software you opt to use.

 

[Drewpy Dawg]

Thanks everyone. I'll look into both.