CAD program to do something basic

[elster]

I am wanting to design and draw up a box to store my watches in and a few winders.

What program is nice and easy to get to grips with, preferably freeware, although will pay for a token fee not something extortionate?

[528Sport]

I like turbocad
Autocad is a complete headache but that is cos i can't use it

[DrTre]

Google Sketch up

Edited by DrTre on Thursday 10th June 22:25

[Odie]

this is worth buying http://www.turbocad.co.uk/turbocad-designer-2d.htm...

i use autocad at work, but i like turbocad too

[camp freddie]

Another vote for google sketchup combined with the free podium rendering plugin you'll be able to create photo-realistic pictures. Upgrade to sketchup pro with you more output options.

Failing that autocad is a good call

[shirt]

use sketchup. no idea why people are recommending autocad as the cost of a licence is ridiculous for this purpose. if you want illegal software - I.e. torrent download - get solidworks.

[Colin 1985]

+1 for turbo CAD, for simple and 2D stuff noting is as fast or as easy.

You can get an older (but still useful version) from ebay for around £30, or download for free.

[Colin 1985]

shirt said:

use sketchup. no idea why people are recommending autocad as the cost of a licence is ridiculous for this purpose. if you want illegal software - I.e. torrent download - get solidworks.

TurboCAD is much cheaper than autocad.

[Fresh_Clip]

Once you have your drawing are you going to manufacture all the parts yourself or maybe get them cut out on a CNC router? If you're going to hand-make I'd say Sketchup will suit your needs and its free. If you want to output to a file that can be read by a machine or turned into code for one I think you'll need a commercial package. I haven't used TurboCad for years but it was the first app I had and as I recall, easy enough to learn. I use SolidWorks now but the learning curve is kind of steep. Lot's of resources on teh interwebs though.

[shirt]

I could teach my mum how to use solidworks. not to an advanced level granted, but simplicity is its strength.

op - use sketchup. if you need anything doing for manufacture, there's plenty of us on here who'd do what you need for free. a watch box would take minutes.

[leggly]

UNLEASH THE GEEKS! Use a shoebox they're only watches

[TopCAD]

If you do me a sketch of what you want and email me a scan i'll draw it up for you if you want.

[TonyToniTone]

http://www.zmodeler2.com is free

[elster]

DrTre said:

Google Sketch up

Will download once home and have a look.

Fresh_Clip said:

Once you have your drawing are you going to manufacture all the parts yourself or maybe get them cut out on a CNC router? If you're going to hand-make I'd say Sketchup will suit your needs and its free. If you want to output to a file that can be read by a machine or turned into code for one I think you'll need a commercial package. I haven't used TurboCad for years but it was the first app I had and as I recall, easy enough to learn. I use SolidWorks now but the learning curve is kind of steep. Lot's of resources on teh interwebs though.

I haven't decided what to make it out of, so not sure yet. If wood it would be going to a furniture maker and I make all the elctrnoic parts.

I will have a look at TurboCAD, I do have a copy of AUTO CAD 2004 but I didn't find it easy to use without going into learning properly about it. Is turboCAD easier to use then?

shirt said:

op - use sketchup. if you need anything doing for manufacture, there's plenty of us on here who'd do what you need for free. a watch box would take minutes.

I will give it a bash this weekend then, thanks.

TopCAD said:

If you do me a sketch of what you want and email me a scan i'll draw it up for you if you want.

Thanks for the offer, but I would like to do the basics myself. If I get stuck I may well be asking though. Thanks

leggly said:

UNLEASH THE GEEKS! Use a shoebox they're only watches

I know, the OH told me they all come in boxes.