Could you recommend CAD software?

**helihurley** · 22nd August 2011, 16:18

I'm after some cheap or even free CAD programe just so I can draw some basic 3d desig ideas. Any recommendations?

**Ellis** · 22nd August 2011, 16:45

Google Sketchup is completely free, very easy to use and worked well for me.

I made these within just an hour or two of downloading.
http://yourimg.in/m/31119d9.png
http://yourimg.in/m/vwm6pch.png

(real things... http://yourimg.in/m/f1pli9r.png)

As I said, the program is extremely intuitive. It's not the most complicated piece of software, but it works.

**helihurley** · 22nd August 2011, 18:12

Thanks. Just got it downloaded hopefully it will do the trick.

Has anyone got any recomendations for higher quality programes if i want to try them in the future aswell.

**Laser** · 22nd August 2011, 19:44

autodesk 123d

**helihurley** · 22nd August 2011, 19:58

Thanks.

@Relentless, well done for managing to draw those motors, been playing around on it for ages now and im rubbish at it.

**Ellis** · 22nd August 2011, 20:47

Thanks! Once you understand the tools and you're able to navigate around the program comfortably, you're there. I completed the drill motor within 40 minutes of download, and it's precise down to fractions of a millimeter! Watch some tutorials and use the manual/help, you'll pick it up quickly enough.

**PJ-27** · 22nd August 2011, 21:16

I've said in the past we should have a section on the forum were everybody uploads their 3D models in different formats. That way people going I wanna put a B&Q drill in my robot can just check the section and download one someone else has already made. That way people can have accurate components in their CAD's and just worry about designing the other bits.

**jonny** · 22nd August 2011, 22:07

i just use prodesktop, it's free and can also do 2d cad. and it can export as .stl which is handy

**PJ-27** · 23rd August 2011, 23:25

ProDesktop!!!!!!!!!!!!

The most awesome CAD software ever!!!

(Everyone that took their GCSE's in the last few years will know what I'm on about)

Difficult to find nowadays though......