Which CAD are you using

[Surfman]

Greetings from Montreal.
I am new to this forum but have been very impressed by most of the work I have seen in this forum.
I am contemplating building a cockpit and was wondering if you guys were using any kind of 3D CAD software for the design phase ?
Do you have any preference ?

Thanks in advance.

[Matt Olieman]

Welcome aboard, this is the place that other builders well help and answer your questions. I use Turbo-Cad Pro, but not necessarily a preference, it just works for me. Many CAD programs available, I'm sure others will put in their two cents worth :)

[Michael Carter]

I may be in the minority here, but a pencil and a steel rule still works best for me.

There are little or no dimensions available for a lot of my projects. Only a lot of photos and extrapolation of dimensions from known sizes of surrounding objects from time to time.

When I draw something up, it's usually full scale and then I study it for awhile to see if it looks or seems 'right' to my sense of spacial and perspective awareness.

If it doesn't seem right to me, it probably isn't and I'll make changes or adjustments.

[Trevor Hale]

I am using Autocad LT 2005. Love it, wouldn't use anything else. But it takes a bit to learn. I use it for work, so It is just natural for me.

[Tomlin]

AutoCAD 2007 Here.

[ivar hestnes]

My CAD is "coffee assisted drawing" :D

Paper and pencil.

[Surfman]

Thank you for the info. I am currently looking at Google SketchUp. Any comments on this one ?

[cbaye]

I have SolidWorks 2006

[spitfire9]

What program is good for someone completely new to cad ?

[Michael Carter]

I used to use Microsoft Viseo. It's not a true drafting program, but it's great introduction to CAD and it's a pretty cool program.

[Kennair]

I have Autocad 2006, but buggered if I can get my head around it! I always end up using MS Publisher as it gives me measurement and intuitive drawing. It's just one step up from pencil, paper and ruler but most of my drawings end up being adjusted come manufacturing anyway. However, having seen some of the pro CAD plans here I can see the benefit of this level of drafting.

I guess you've just got to decide on one and get into the learning tools and help files.

Ken.

[DaveC3]

I use CadStd. It is simple and they have a free version. The full version is inexpensive ($37.50). One of the features I like is the drawing and text will export into a DXF format so I can convert it G-code for my CNC machine.
http://www.cadstd.com/

[IanH1960]

TurboCad Pro - (currently on V12) for both 3d solid modelling and drafting engineering drawings.

Ian

http://buggies.builtforfun.co.uk/Sim

[Deesystems]

Ive used http://www.emachineshop.com/download/index.htm

Its free and give you a material price list also
If i remember correct it can export to DBX.

Dee

[phil744]

Solid Edge V16. Cant get my head around Autocad

[Mike.Powell]

Been using TurboCAD for years. Every now and then I will upgrade by buying a version that's only two or three versions out of date. Ebay seems to be a good source for the older versions.

[GlynD]

I have found "Moment of Inspiration" (http://moi3d.com/) very good for a person who hasn't used 3D programs very much before - i.e. Me.

Still in Beta but you can download it and it won't time out until 25th November. Looks like the final price will be $195...

Cheers

[BlackWidow]

Im am using SolidWorks 06 (Well Trying lol)