Some of you may know me - I've been modelling for a few years now. (Old Trafford from Yahoo days)
I'm looking for a really good 2D drafting programme for PC format. I've been using paint shop pro, but it really isn't designed for that sort of thing. I need a package that I can produce good mechanical engineering drawings that can be printed. I need a programme that has variable line widths, capability of solid or open areas, no 'wobbly' curves or circles and capable of working in high dpi (resolution). I don't need 3d and I don't need something designed for architecture or garden design. My budget is um limited but not tiny. Any ideas?
Stuart
I do everything in Rhino3D - it's got what you mentioned, and a whole lot more. Of course there's always Autocad if you have the dough and the time to learn how to use it. I hear Google sketchup isn't bad, but it may be too pedestrian for your uses.
Cheers,
Oliver
Thanks for that Oliver
just looked at their site - but 995 Euros is a bit more than I wanted to spend or can afford. Do you know anything about 'solid edge'?
Stuart
I use CorelDraw for all my drawing and decal designing.
Hi Stuart,
I take it you are talking about the new 'free' download for "SOLIDEDGE 2D". Solid edge have done a good 3D package for a long time, and this is there way of introducing people to their software. I have downloaded it myself, had a bit of a fiddle, but not used it extensively. I liked what I see, and for the price, how can you loose. If in the future you wish to move up to 3D, then you are already familiar with the way their menue's etc look, so could be a less daunting transition.
Other programs I use at home and professionally include Autocad, AutocadLT (the 2D version of Autocad), Revit (structural buildings), Sketchup(simple pretty pictures), Pro-Engineer (seriously good and expensive) and some Delcam programs (for mechanical design), and DElftship (for ship hull work). Have tried Turbocad (autocad look-a-like), and a few others.
A lot of card-modellers use Rhino3D (for which it is very good), but not to sure it will be wholly suitable for your application.
My recommendation would be go for the Solidedge 2D, and learn it well. (their tutorials are very good).
my thoughts
kiwi
Thanks very much Towboat and Kiwi
I downloaded solid edge (only took 1.5 hours but then the internet speeds in Greece are rather like the old cocoa tin and string telephone technology!)
I have had a quick play and it seems to be a very serious package. I would love Rhino or Turbocad but simply can't afford them. I think solid edge will do all I want - just a question of getting up to speed on it which I think could take a bit of time!
Thanks again
Dear Stew,
Only just joined puddle ducks, may be I can give you some info regarding CAD packages. There is no doubt the best 2D software is AutoCAD which I have been using for the last 3 years prior to manual drafting. The 3D capabilities are very good but not the best especially when it comes to presentation and Spline (Bezier Curve Modelling Work). If you must have AutoCAD why not download a free copy of the American/Chinese developed ZW CAD (which is free in the LT version). This is almost the same as AutoCAD LT and the good news is that it will read all Autocad files as well as save them in the DWG format. The free choice is really unbelievable, just log onto CNET.com and search for free cad programs, hope this helps,
Regards iky-one
Thanks for that Iky!
I shall have a look at it. For the time being I'm getting my fingers inky the old fashioned way. in between quick forays to learn the mysteries of CAD!
all the best
Stuart