Recommended CAD software for a beginner?

Question

I've just started a new engineering project, and I would like to use MCAD software this time around (I used Visio on the last major project, if you can believe it).

I'm a software guy (25 years), and I'm trying to improve my mechanical engineering capabilities... :-) I found a number of commercial CAD packages out there (via Google) that have watered-down free versions. Some are 2-D only (not really sure what they mean by that?), some are time- limited trialware, etc. I'd like to settle on one package rather than having to invest time learning one only to abandon it for another.

Can anyone recommend CAD software that is more than just a toy, and is inexpensive/free?

I note that Revell's VEXplorer robot kit has SolidWorks inside... such a kit could be useful for prototyping - is the version of SolidWorks included likely to be too watered down to be useful in the long-term?

Thanks in advance.

dlzc · Accepted Answer

Dear mr.i...:=2E..It means you can only produce standard-view drawings, that they do notenable "hot" rotation of a 3D model to see what the silly thing willlook like.  In other words, they provide a desktop that is no "deeper"than a piece of paper.Are you going to work in any industry, any area of the country?  Ifso, get to know some engineering managers.  Get their opinions.  Mightcost you a lunch or two.Lacking any direction that would allow you to get a job and not haveto relearn a new CAD package, I would suggest that you look at some ofthe open software packages, rather than some sort of butcherware.  Seewhat kind of community support they have... sourceforge is a really good central location for open software.David A. Smith

Mechanical Magic · Answer

Surprisingly several folks are using Google's Sketchup. I'm not talking businesses, but open source design groups. It's free, so many folks can use the same platform without spending a huge amount on software.

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I don't know if there are Sketchup to CAM converters, yet.

I haven't found any cheap, good Mechanical CAD. Dave

Scott Smith · Answer

Dear mr.i...:...It means you can only produce standard-view drawings, that they do notenable "hot" rotation of a 3D model to see what the silly thing willlook like.  In other words, they provide a desktop that is no "deeper"than a piece of paper.Are you going to work in any industry, any area of the country?  Ifso, get to know some engineering managers.  Get their opinions.  Mightcost you a lunch or two.Lacking any direction that would allow you to get a job and not haveto relearn a new CAD package, I would suggest that you look at some ofthe open software packages, rather than some sort of butcherware.  Seewhat kind of community support they have... sourceforge is a really good central location for open software.David A. SmithThanks David. Actually, this is more for my own edification. I'm still working as a programmer, but I've recently rekindled my interest in working with physical (tangible) stuff. I've been able to salvage a number of motors, gears, and other electromechanical...

Scott Smith · Answer

Dave,Thanks for the reply. I actually looked at Sketchup. Anything from Google already starts out a big plus in my book, but I was worried that I'd just be switching one wrong tool (Visio) for another. It seemed like Sketchup was intended more for architectural stuff, but if there's already a group of folks out there using it for mechanical design, maybe it's a good choice.

Mechanical Magic · Answer

While I'm a member of an open design group, I'm not using it.  So thismay be a dead end.  But my source was a college prof.Dave

Recommended CAD software for a beginner?

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