which cad program????

[Big DE]

Which cad program do i need to open a .dxf file and get measurments
Thanks Big DE

 

[mikeschn]

There are many.... okay, most cad programs can read dxf and measure stuff..

I'll assume at the moment you'd like something easy and something free...

This should be right up your alley...

http://www.ribbonsoft.com/qcad.html

Mike...

 

[angib]

Here's my CAD software page, listing cheap and free CAD packages.

You have to choose between a viewer and a full CAD package:

- A viewer will only let you look at dxf/dwg/etc files, take measurements and 'red line' (ie, draw corrections/notes), but will be easy/easier to use.

- A full CAD package will let you create new files as well as modify existing ones, but you have to learn how to use it. Learning all of a full CAD package is at least as hard as learning all of Photoshop, say.

Andrew

 

[mikeschn]

Andrew,

Here's one you might add to your list...

http://www.solidedge.com/free2d/

I use a UGS product at work which is very high end... although I haven't had a chance to look at UGS Solidedge yet, I will very soon.

Mike...

 

[GHOSTSSX]

We have solid edge 19 at work. Haven't played with it yet, but it seems pretty good. Plus we have a take home license!

CHUCK

 

[angib]

Here's one you might add to your list...

http://www.solidedge.com/free2d/

Thanks. That has to be a pretty comprehensive program - it's a 250Mb download!

Andrew

 

[KrazyKyngeKorny]

DeltaCAD $40 shareware, 45day trial or CADstdLite freeware.

 

[humbird-SKO]

I'm in the process of looking at the suggested CAD programs, I would like to share some of my ideas.

I tried modeling software years ago, what I remember is Blender before it got popular,
and SketchUp before Google acquired the company.
I got nowhere with these software packages.
My dad uses AutoSketch.

I use the 3D program in my head, which has helped me in my work,
but I have never trained to get my ideas out in any form besides text.
Frustrating. And so far the software is nowhere as easy to use as my brainCAD.

OK, knowing that, can anyone suggest a few programs that might be right for me?
Or am I doomed to build first and show pictures later?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mikeschn]

3D modeling is not easy. I think folks have a lot of luck with sketchup.

If you're not a 3D modeling kind of guy, than grab a good 2d package...

QCad comes to mind... http://www.qcad.org/

Mike...

 

[TheDuke-TNT]

Actually, even SketchUp after Google is pretty good. Once you get used to it, it has enough accuracy to design almost anything that doesn't have to be machined, like teardrops. I start directly in Sketchup now, and my 2D CAD files rarely get opened.

 

[Carter-TNT]

You can download the evaluation program of Rhino 3d from www.rhino3d.com. It is the complete 3d package but only allows you to save 25 times. There is no time limit so if you open or create files and don't save it will not expire. There are tutorials for beginners included and more at the web site. It is a very comprehensive program. It will open many common file types including .dxf

Jim