CAD freeware

[supersingle]

Just wondering if anyone has any recomendations for CAD freeware available on the net. I'm not massively great with computers but I'd like to learn basic CAD operations with a starting aim of designing and building a hydraulic motorcyle lift.

There seem to be plenty of programmes available but I don't know what to go for. Anyone have any experience.

Thanks ss.

[roy the boy]

Downloaded 'Draft It' for my Dad to play with a while ago - not actually used it myself.

www.cadlogic.com/products/draftit/index.htm

Edited by roy the boy on Tuesday 17th October 07:58

[.Flyer]

Have a look at SketchUp. It's a 3D modeling program, originally for architects, but it can also do mechanical design (amongst many others). Google bought the company earlier this year and have released a free version. The link to the free version is here.

[leorest]

I bought TurboCAD Delux Version 11 from Staples for £20 a month ago. Not free but near enough for me.
This is not the pro version so has some restrictions like you can't constrain stuff. Other than that is seems like an excellent way to learn CAD which is exactly what I bought it for.

BTW Machinemart do hydraulic bike lifts for quite a good price (I doubt you'd make one cheaper) Now If you'd like to design a car lift I'd be interested!

Leo

[smp]

Have a look on the Solid Edge website and download the FREE 2D drafting package.

HTH

Simon

[supersingle]

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I'll be able to design and build the bike lift without the usual 'things not fitting together properly' hassle I normally get.

There are some stunning animations of mechanical components on some of those links. Wish I could do that.