[UKRobotics]

Just wondering if anyone can reccomend a good *cheap* alternative to solidworks.

I have used solidworks before. I like the simplicity of the interface and how it all works, but i dont need the complexity and advanced features just for a bit of light hobby use and certainly don't have a few thousand dollars to spend.

So I was wondering if there was a cheaper simpler 3d cad package out there that looks and feels like solidworks but doesnt have the solidworks price tag.

I had a go with rhino 4.0 demo but didnt get on with that at all. It was much more like 3Dsmax than solidworks. I just want something simple that's 3d where I can draw 2d shapes and extude/cut-extrude to 3d and spin them about like solidworks.

Does such a thing exist?

[DareBee]

There is no alternative to SW - use it or die!

Maybe take a look at Alibre. They have a free Xpress version and the paid versions start inexpensive as well.
It is the same sorta principles as SW only much more difficult UI with more steps.
My opinion only - during the few minutes I played with it.

[HuFlungDung]

OneCNC Solid Creator is the CAD side of OneCNC. It will easily do what you want and if you want to machine something later on using CAM, you can upgrade and continue to use the same interface that you learned in Solid Creator.

[mcphill]

Are you a student, or do you know one? You can get Student Licenses for SW much cheaper than the professional packages. I think they have limited life (a year?), but not sure.

[blowlamp]

Take a look at ViaCAD 2D/3D. It's only $99 but it's great - I use it for all my drawing. See here http://www.punchcad.com/products/viacad2d3d.htm


All the best.
Martin.

[ger21]

I'll agree that Alibre is where you should be looking, but I'll disagree with the "Much More Difficult UI". Maybe for an experienced SW user, but when you're used to one program, you can say that about anything you're not used too. An Alibre user might say the same about SW. Maybe.

Alibre is the same type of CAD program at Solidworks, and if you download the free version, they'll email you offers for the full version for as low as $499.

It is the same sorta principles as SW only much more difficult UI with more steps.

[DareBee]

Very true Gerry
That is what I was eluding to but didn't type enough words (I guess).
With more seat time I could come around - maybe