[ranchak]

I am new to CAD, I have looked at Dolphin, Rhino and a few others. I should state that I haven't put much time into trying to learn the features of each, mainly I try to draw a simple object and see if I can be successful. So far I haven't been very successful, I'm sure this is my ignorance, not necessarily the software. To me it seems like the programs are not overly easy to learn on your own, almost like you need to have experience with another CAD program and then adapt to the new program. I guess I've had the most "success" with Rhino, but I still haven't put much time into trying to learn the software. I know this question is going to open up a huge can of worms, but here it is: For someone who wants near instant gratification, mainly be able to make a simple part quickly, is there another CAD/CAM package I should be looking at? My budget is around $1000, but I would prefer to be around $500. Most of the parts I want to design are going to be 2.5D. The amount of money that I spend will be determined by how user friendly the software is.

[harley4ever]

Im a Dolphin user and have grown over the past year to like it quite a bit. I have used other systems that cost much more and agree that all software has there specialities. I didnt buy dolphin do to any 3d. I bought it to do most of the machining I need which is 2.5d. All software involves a little learning curve but I really think Dolphins is quite easy. Not to mention, they help out with pricing for hobby users. That would be my suggestion as it fits all the major categories, performance, easy and most important cost.

[TOTALLYRC]

I am new to CAD, I have looked at Dolphin, Rhino and a few others. I should state that I haven't put much time into trying to learn the features of each, mainly I try to draw a simple object and see if I can be successful. So far I haven't been very successful, I'm sure this is my ignorance, not necessarily the software. To me it seems like the programs are not overly easy to learn on your own, almost like you need to have experience with another CAD program and then adapt to the new program. I guess I've had the most "success" with Rhino, but I still haven't put much time into trying to learn the software. I know this question is going to open up a huge can of worms, but here it is: For someone who wants near instant gratification, mainly be able to make a simple part quickly, is there another CAD/CAM package I should be looking at? My budget is around $1000, but I would prefer to be around $500. Most of the parts I want to design are going to be 2.5D. The amount of money that I spend will be determined by how user friendly the software is.

Viacad 3d $99, 2D $69.

You should be able to draw simple objects in minutes.
For example, to draw a 2 x 2 square, pick the square tool from the tool palette. Draw any old square with the mouse, then type in 2 for the w and 2 for the l in the boxes at the top of the screen. It takes longer to type it than to do it. The first box is always highlighted so you just type the first number and tab to the second box and off you go. Hit enter to finish.
They offer demos for all of their products.

I just finished the online demo for Onecnc, it looks and works very well for what I need but the 3k price tag means more work to pay for it before I buy it.

I currently use Deskcnc as my CAM and it works fine for 2.5d stuff and it will do 3d within limits. $250. They offer a 30 demo

Mike

[ger21]

There are plenty of good, FREE 2D CAD programs. Add the easiest CAM package you'll find, Vectric's Cut 2D and you 'll be cutting parts for $200.

Free CAD:
http://www.doublecad.com/Products/Do...0/Default.aspx
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.co...2d/index.shtml
http://download.cnet.com/progeCAD-Sm...-10777481.html
http://www.a9tech.com/a9cad/

[ranchak]

I knew I would get some good suggestions here, I will have a look at these and see if any of them work for me. unfortunately my patience/attention level is short, if I know I can draw the part faster with paper and pencil I get discouraged and give up on using the software.

[grumpygeek]

It may not be what your looking for, but I have not found a simpler 2d cad program than CadStd. I have been using it for about 6 months in combination with Cut2d to make all kinds of parts out of MDF. I think I will move on eventually, as I would like to be able to assemble parts in 3d, but for now it suits me.

- GrumpyGeek