Newb from MI

[bfitz]

Been reading from the site for awhile, and am anxious to do a build. Hopefully I can get a design before the thaw. Can anyone recommend a decent CAD program? I'd like a program that is relatively robust, but won't take months to learn how to use or destroy my budget. I have enough skills to "figure it out" but would rather be designing than figurin'.

Thanks to all for this forum!

[Miriam C.]

to the playground bfitz. We have a listing of free CAD programs in "CAD secrets" forum.
http://tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=36

Look forward to seeing what you come up with. And as you are planning remember to include a cause you will want to share the pictures, to keep the bubble oil level.

Enjoy

[toypusher]

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to check the section on CAD secrets for some info on a program

[Mike C.]

Hi bfitz,


Welcome to the forum. Looks like everyone has already pointed out the free CAD programs here.....so I will just say, get in and post, ask questions and post pictures as you go. Glad you joined.


See you around.

[John T. Hodgen]

Just one more thing,
DITTO, DITTO, DITTO. I think that about covers it!!!!

[bobhenry]

Damn I used a #2 pencil and a compass. You mean I could'a spent 3 month trying to learn a ' puter program and done the same thing.

Pencil , paper , compass, one hour " PRICELESS "

[bfitz]

Thanks for the replies.

I've visited the CAD discussion room, downloaded Google's autosketch, and have been playing.

It seems pretty intuitive and easy to learn (especially with the tutorials.) However, I'm thinking the simplicity may be its downfall as well...after just a little time playing, it seems like you can't make a hole through an object unless the hole enters/leaves on parallel surfaces. It makes me wonder what other issues will come about after I've spent hours learning/drawing.

I'm half inclined to agree with bobhenry that a pencil with some graph paper will be the best option. I manged to build a "aero-capper" for my truck without a hint of a drawing. Then again, it seems like half the fun of this site is "geekin' out" with other teardroppers.

Thanks again!

[mikeschn]

Check out ViaCAD 2D/3D.

http://www.punchcad.com/products/viacad2d3dV6.htm

It's actually a pretty good solid modeling program.

Mike...

[Anthony J Grant]

I find the temp to be a motivating factor, keep moving it helps keep the core temp up.

Welcom from Milan.

Tony