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Cad software that doesn't cost a testicle.

You never really stated what you're going to use the CAD software for, but here's a list of some open source projects that may be of interest:

openscad.org

OpenSCAD

openscad.org
www.freecad.org

FreeCAD: Your own 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD, the open source 3D parametric modeler
www.freecad.org www.freecad.org

KiCad EDA

A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite
www.kicad.org www.kicad.org

I'm sure there are other open source projects out there for this. Good luck... :beer:
 
I bought a $250 perpetual license for TurboCad, which works like Autocad without the command line. I wish it had the command line and shared the hot keys with auto cad (which I'd worked in before, but I don't use enough for a $400/year license as a hobbyists).

I had draftsight back when it was free, and really liked it - and it works on Mac as well as PC. But at $200/year now for draftsight, I'll deal with TurboCad.
 
Splib said:
Did you read the original post ? :confused:
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Yea, what mac user doesn't run parallels or others to run windows based software and 40/yr i wouldn't consider pricey. So I think I did.
 
Eric said:
Actually, they do care. I know because I work for the company. That said, the chances of single users getting an invoice are much smaller than a business. Either way, its still THEFT.
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:homer: Ok, mom. Thanks for the input.
 
Eric said:
Actually, they do care. I know because I work for the company. That said, the chances of single users getting an invoice are much smaller than a business. Either way, its still THEFT.
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Yep. I had a coworker get caught with a cracked version last year. The reseller were professionals about requiring him to buy a license and not assholes so that helped. Sceep might even know the guy at work. Still wonder if sending files back and forth between my license and his cracked version is what caused him to get caught. Figured his computer info or something is embedded in the files but I could be wrong. Single guy doing side work from home not a large company
 
Will Scarlet said:
You never really stated what you're going to use the CAD software for, but here's a list of some open source projects that may be of interest:

openscad.org

OpenSCAD

openscad.org
www.freecad.org

FreeCAD: Your own 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD, the open source 3D parametric modeler
www.freecad.org www.freecad.org

KiCad EDA

A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite
www.kicad.org www.kicad.org

I'm sure there are other open source projects out there for this. Good luck... :beer:
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I use it for all kinds of bullshit.

From shit I need fabricated at work to ag equipment I build for personal use, to knifemaking sketches, to valentines day gifts for the wife, to.........

I work in industrial maintenance and I have access to Autocad and Solidworks through work, but I wanted something of my own so that I could do more detailed projects on and not lose them if I decide to change jobs.

Fusion works well, and the annual "free" license is nice, but at some point, they're going to disallow individuals from using it for free.

Shapr3d is inexpensive, and does what I need.

Plus, ya'll do realize I started this thread a year ago, right?
 
Duc said:
Yep. I had a coworker get caught with a cracked version last year. The reseller were professionals about requiring him to buy a license and not assholes so that helped. Sceep might even know the guy at work. Still wonder if sending files back and forth between my license and his cracked version is what caused him to get caught. Figured his computer info or something is embedded in the files but I could be wrong. Single guy doing side work from home not a large company
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Eric died in October, I'm pretty sure he's not gonna reply.
 
rugger said:
This is interesting since I now work for PTC. :laughing:
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$25 to shit in whoever's sunroof is responsible for making pop-ups open up different sizes/places all the fucking time. :flipoff:
I'm sure we can grow the pool.
 
I use Rhino for everything. It's way more powerful than I've been able to take advantage of and I figure 1000 for a lifetime license is money well spent.
 
Sceep said:
$25 to shit in whoever's sunroof is responsible for making pop-ups open up different sizes/places all the fucking time. :flipoff:
I'm sure we can grow the pool.
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The worst is the Menu Manager popping up to the right and even worse when it only contains a couple of lines. I'll forgive the guy if he's the one that came up with the idea to be able to undock menus/tabs. :smokin:
 
Sceep said:
$25 to shit in whoever's sunroof is responsible for making pop-ups open up different sizes/places all the fucking time. :flipoff:
I'm sure we can grow the pool.
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I'll match that $25. Let me take up a collection around the office, I know a few more who will be on board.
 
I have and used F360 but damn it's finicky as fuck about internet...
I have tried to switch over to FreeCAD and I actually suck using it more than F360 but I have tried to promise myself to stay off F360.
Think they are just going to get us all hooked then drop the subscription model shit on us for a low price then increase it in perpetuity, fuck that.
 
Squatch said:
Off to the Googler....
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I know there's a few big offroad shops that use it, the rendering software is powerful, and the controls are similar to Autocad. If you need info, I'm no pro but I've been using it for probably 15 years now.
The only thing it wont do for me that I wish it would is motion, In solidworks you can set constraints so that assemblies move, say for example a heim twisting, or the ability to articulate a suspension, Rhino doesnt have that without some extensions that I havent figured out, but I've found work arounds so that its not really needed. If I was designing something more complex where that was a worry, I dont think theres any real substitute for Solidworks
everything 1.jpg
 
For 2D CAD, I've been happy with QCad. Reminds me of 80/90s Autocad that I learned on. Works with DXF files.

If when I want to build up a 3D object, then I'll bite the bullet and learn F360 or something else. In the 90s I used Autosurf quiet a bit, but that's long gone.
 
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stupid question, is there a cheap online college course for cad to get the discounted student version of fusion 360?
 
707offroad said:
stupid question, is there a cheap online college course for cad to get the discounted student version of fusion 360?
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They have a free version. It has the same modeling potential, but without some of the generative design, analysis, and machining capability.
 
Eric said:
Actually, they do care. I know because I work for the company. That said, the chances of single users getting an invoice are much smaller than a business. Either way, its still THEFT.
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Im sorta surprised that with CD registration that its still an issue or have they gone away from CDs? Further once one has a copy since when did it become an annual licensure deal or is that for updates and such only?

On that...being an ACAD user there was a old story about Adesk doing a "sting" in the 90s running around.

They sponsored a creative use of ACAD software contest which in reality it was an attempt to sort thru paid for vs. copied versions cuz one had to identify the company and version being used (registration was via snail mail at the time). Winner was a monk using it to design stained glass windows, Splines with width work nice for lead lines and printing it full scale yields a pattern for making the windows. The problem came up when they check and find he was using a n un licensed copy...supposedly the prize for winning was a new version of the software for the monk. No more was said though no doubt they did find other companies/users...
 
DVanVorous said:
Im sorta surprised that with CD registration that its still an issue or have they gone away from CDs? Further once one has a copy since when did it become an annual licensure deal or is that for updates and such only?
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WTF is a CD? :laughing::flipoff2:

Autodesk hasn't shipped CD's in >10 years AFAIK. Same with Annual payment.
 
Sceep said:
WTF is a CD? :laughing::flipoff2:

Autodesk hasn't shipped CD's in >10 years AFAIK. Same with Annual payment.
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I know Solid works was doing CD copies as late as 2014. The outfit I worked for stopped buying the "update" disks around 2015 when it was found that the updates did any better doing the desired 3D tasks than the ones being used. No annual payments but the catch was, once installed it was a leech and couldn't be removed to reinstall on another new 'puter ...

In comparison and contrast to my ACAD LT or Inventor disc...vintage 2006. All it took was the requisite CD key and S/N off the packaging. But that's also earlier than 10 yrs ago so...
 
InDaRed2 said:
Solidworks crack. How to's are on youtube...
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Careful with this. DS does not fawk around and if you get busted, they will make you cough up the price of a full seat (at best). If you're using it for enough commercial work, they usually skip this step and just file lawsuits.

Duc said:
Yep. I had a coworker get caught with a cracked version last year. The reseller were professionals about requiring him to buy a license and not assholes so that helped. Sceep might even know the guy at work. Still wonder if sending files back and forth between my license and his cracked version is what caused him to get caught. Figured his computer info or something is embedded in the files but I could be wrong. Single guy doing side work from home not a large company
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Definitely a possibility. They absolutely embed meta-data in some saved files (native SW files, at the least), so creating and then sending files from a cracked version to a legit vendor/business will also alert DS.
 
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