need CAD suggestions

Hello,

I've been looking for a new CAD system. I'd like to go with open source, if possible. I tried out the latest FreeCAD, and was not able to figure it out. Maybe I just need a good tutorial. Any pointers would be appreciated.

I've also looked at openScad (pretty good, but doesn't do toolpaths, as far as I know) and BRLCAD, which I am starting to learn.
If I could find something that can do both 3D-STL as well as conventional G-code subtractive machining, and make good 2D drawings, too, that would be great. FreeCAD looks like it could do that, if only I could get up to speed with it. I got version 0.17, which might just be too new to have to bugs worked out, yet.

Thanks much in advance,

Jon

Not free, but I quite like QCAD . Coming from an AutoCAD background, I find it has a similar look and feel. Recent releases of the CAD/CAM version also have the beginnings of a decent toolpath planner for 2D shapes and a dedicated LinuxCNC export function which works well.

I'm with you on FreeCAD. I really want to like it, but it's still a long way off being the fully-featured, stable one stop CAD/3D/CAM package it promises to be. That said, there are a few video tutorials for it here in this very subforum that show off its potential.

Qcad is 2D only, OK for sketches but maybe not good for 3D machining.
I watched Laurent's 30 minute video on FreeCad. At first I was put off by the French setting on the software, but he gives the lecture in English, and I took French in high school, so I was able to follow it. I'm going to try my first drawing over, I think I might do better now.

Thanks,

Jon

My (admittedly brief) experience with FreeCAD is that its true 3D profiling toolpaths are still a work in progress and it will struggle doing anything other than flat (2.5D) geometry and facing.

FWIW, the part that Laurent demonstrates in his tutorial videos can still be made in QCAD, or indeed any 2D CAD package. It's nothing more than a bunch of flat outlines stacked on top of each other.

I think it's worth trying bricscad, unlike the free version that is useless
www.bricsys.com/en-intl/mechanical/

Greetings eFalegname,

I went to the website and it appears that the software is compatible with Linux?

I could not find any system requirements information.

Cheers,

David

Hi David, Bricscad is a multiplatform CAD for Mac, Windows and Linux (see linux logo). Simply register and go to the download page to choose your operating system from the drop-down menu, then you can download a 30-day trial version; some time ago I tried it on a not very powerful laptop and I can say that BricsCad is not eager for resources
Floris

Ecco: www.bricsys.com/common/knowledge/topic.jsp?id=65