Design Software

[Storer]

I am looking for some design software to enable me to produce CAD designs for parts I will need CNC machined.

I have no experience in this area, so something intuitive or simple would be good.

Not too expensive would be good and needs to be Microsoft compatible.

I am sure there must be some every-day users out there in Pistonheads land that can advise on some simple software.


Paul

[X8Matt]

Google Sketchup is fairly intuitive for a novice, and there is a free version so you can try it out. I think you need to pay for the version that lets you export CNC friendly files.

[Doctor Volt]

Some nice free ones here

http://www.freebyte.com/cad/cad.htm#2D3DCADSystems

Check all the other links

[SixtySpeedTwin]

I use SolidWorks but thats a bit pricey for what you need.

I was impressed with a video showing the RS DesignSpark which is free.
I belive its based on space claim which is getting more popular in the more cost sensitive end of the CAD market.

As long as it spits out IGES, STEP or parasolids your good to go.

[nsa]

Tinkercad might work:

http://youtu.be/lPV9iu1rEz0?t=10s