VIACAD, Cubify, ??? there are so many programs out there.
just for clarity. my ref to plasma table was just an example. to start, i will CAD a few small parts and then have some CNC shop or person cut it for me. but i would likely start doing more with it, maybe a real CNC machine in my garage, etc
in the example video that PunchCAD has, some of the advanced feature look like i would use them, eg; the pull a surface, and ability to segment a surface and then manipulate just that piece of the surface.
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now Cubify, i have no idea about this item. is it easier than ViaCAD? what about imports and exports, ViaCAD can open or export some of the other popular formats.
i guess i am looking for the intuitive GUI that has lots of good features, one that has good public support (forums) and a bunch of video tutorials, etc. $300 for the program is not an issue for me, etc.
one of the cool features i saw in SolidWorks demo video is that the software will "locate" parts to each other, like moving a bolt to a hole and it snaps into the hole. question is, can any of the programs do "auto" task? eg; if i carve out a solid cylinder from a plate and i then want the carve out to be a pin, can i apply a "pin profile" so that it automatically trims the pin dia down a few thousandths so that the pin can fit (real world fit) into the hole.
2D view of 3D part is a needed feature. some sort of animation module would also be nice so i can make short video of part in motion, etc.