CAD recommendation needed

[Rod]

I want to build a travelscope for a trip to NT next year. I thought this time I might get the plywood laser cut.

I would like to supply accurate drawings of the parts I need to minimise the likelihood of errors but I haven't done any CAD work before. Can anyone recommend a CAD program to me - preferably freeware and easy for a beginner to learn?

Thanks,

Rod.

[h0ughy (David)]

progeCAD 2008 Smart!
The Free .DWG CAD

progeCAD 2008 Smart: the freeware CAD finally available!

http://www.progesoft.com/en/smart-2008

[bojan]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

progeCAD 2008 Smart!
The Free .DWG CAD

progeCAD 2008 Smart: the freeware CAD finally available!

http://www.progesoft.com/en/smart-2008

Could be OK.. reads and writes in AUTCAD format, which is industry standard.

[DavidU (Dave)]

Use CNC routing or waterjet cutting. Laser actually burns the wood and you are left with black carbonised edges and joints.
I got timber Laser cut once, ONCE

[Rod]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

progeCAD 2008 Smart!
The Free .DWG CAD

progeCAD 2008 Smart: the freeware CAD finally available!

http://www.progesoft.com/en/smart-2008

Hi David,

Thanks for that. I've downloaded it. It looks good but I need to spend some time learning it.

Rod.

[Rod]

Originally Posted by DavidU

Use CNC routing or waterjet cutting. Laser actually burns the wood and you are left with black carbonised edges and joints.
I got timber Laser cut once, ONCE

I had heard this but didn't expect it to be a problem. I know others just sand the black off. But I'll compare prices. If the cost is comparable, I'll try one of the options you suggest.

Thanks,

Rod.

[cristian abarca]

Rod The ones I got done were router cut not laser.

Cristian

[Barrykgerdes]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

progeCAD 2008 Smart!
The Free .DWG CAD

progeCAD 2008 Smart: the freeware CAD finally available!

http://www.progesoft.com/en/smart-2008

I have tried Procad and although it works OK there is still a learning curve. I have used Autocad for 26 years now and am reasonadly proficient in 2D drawings. It is expensive so I have not upgraded since 1990 (Autocad 11 for DOS). However I work backwards I do the drawings after I make the prototype! I also have a copy of Autocad lite for Windows. This is great for transfering drawings into MSword but has some limitations in facilities for drawing although it will display them OK

There are other CAD drawing programs but they are all difficult to use without practice.

I might add here that Autocad is so important to my computer operation that I dual boot from Windows 98-2e because I need the DOS 7.0 to run Autocad 11.0.

Barry

[snowyskiesau]

I recently bought a copy of Alibre. It's a 2D/3D package and very capable.
It's normally $US1000 but there's currently special on where you can get it for only $US99. The special offers ends soon though.

The version you get is the current one, 11.2 and you don't get the upgrade to version 12 which is due soon (end of the month I believe). You can buy maintenance for $US300 which does give you the upgrade to the next version and any others for 12 months.

[astro744]

Originally Posted by Barrykgerdes

I have tried Procad and although it works OK there is still a learning curve. I have used Autocad for 26 years now and am reasonadly proficient in 2D drawings. It is expensive so I have not upgraded since 1990 (Autocad 11 for DOS). However I work backwards I do the drawings after I make the prototype! I also have a copy of Autocad lite for Windows. This is great for transfering drawings into MSword but has some limitations in facilities for drawing although it will display them OK

There are other CAD drawing programs but they are all difficult to use without practice.

I might add here that Autocad is so important to my computer operation that I dual boot from Windows 98-2e because I need the DOS 7.0 to run Autocad 11.0.

Barry

Don't look at AutoCAD 2010 then or you may be tempted to spend the $6k+ to upgrade. Lots of intuitave features were introduced many versions ago and the latest has PDF underlay which I like for drawing over the top of old scans. My work subscribes so I get the latest version each year. Had to go to 2GB RAM with XP with 2010 though on a notebook. 1GB worked but the computer was less responsive.

Sometimes Autodesk offers full upgrades from LT through its dealers for considerably less than the full price.

May I suggest to the original poster, Autosketch Ver. 10 at about $350 it is the latest and compatible with AutoCAD as its produced by Autodesk. (Check out the Autodesk site). It's available through many dealers including HT. Autocad is the industry standard to drawing as Photoshop is to image editing and well worth learning if you get the chance and have the time.

[Barrykgerdes]

Originally Posted by astr0744

Don't look at AutoCAD 2010 then or you may be tempted to spend the $6k+ to upgrade. Lots of intuitave features were introduced many versions ago and the latest has PDF underlay which I like for drawing over the top of old scans.

Now that would be useful. At present I need to do that with a measuring stick and blow ups.

Originally Posted by astr0744

My work subscribes so I get the latest version each year. Had to go to 2GB RAM with XP with 2010 though on a notebook. 1GB worked but the computer was less responsive.

That is how I got my AutoCad But I have been retired for 19 years now and don't have that resource.

Originally Posted by astro744

Sometimes Autodesk offers full upgrades from LT through its dealers for considerably less than the full price.

May I suggest to the original poster, Autosketch Ver. 10 at about $350 it is the latest and compatible with AutoCAD as its produced by Autodesk. (Check out the Autodesk site). It's available through many dealers including HT. Autocad is the industry standard to drawing as Photoshop is to image editing and well worth learning if you get the chance and have the time..

I do occasionally look at their web site in case of bargains
Barry

[Bruceaust]

Hi Rod,
I have used a number of cad programs but now use Rhino 3d for nearly all my cad drawings. It is a true 3d package but more than capable in 2d as well. It is very intuitive to learn also and the interface does not change much from upgrade to upgrade. If you use a MAC there is a free downloadable version available at the moment from the Rhino website.

Also I have a CNC router. I can cut the bits for your scope at very reasonable cost!

Regards,

Bruce

[Rod]

Hi Bruce,

That's a great offer. Thank you! Unfortunately I don't have a Mac but there is a trial version of Rhino which may work.

The design I had in mind was based on Greg Babcock's as shown here:

http://www.synrgistic.com/astro/10inchtraveler.htm

I like the design he uses on the 12 inch scope but I would be scaling it to a 10 inch F6. The only major change I was planning was to add a middle ring like Albert Highe does on the second scope on this page:

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1123

That way the tubes can be broken down for transport and threaded inserts used for the attachment points.

Does that seem doable if I came up with the drawings?

Thanks,

Rod.

[Bruceaust]

Hi Rod,
Anything is do-able!
If the CAD drawings are accurate (and clean) the cut parts will go together very easily. I will be happy to cut the parts for you.

It is a nice design you have chosen. If I could source a large mirror I would like to build something similar myself.

Regards,
Bruce

[Rod]

Thanks Bruce,

I'll try and master one of the CAD programs and when I have a design together I'll be in touch.

Rod.

[Satchmo]

For just laying out 2D designs something like design CAD is all you need ..$49

http://turbocad.com.au/Products/Prod...782&cid=12&tm=

[Bruceaust]

Hi Rod,
I agree with Mark, for 2d cnc routing of your scope parts all you need is a simple cad package as he sugested. It is heplful if the cad program can export as a DXF (drawing exchange file, most cad programs will do this). The key to good cnc is good cad skills. Good drawing files produce good cut parts.
I mentioned earlier that I use Rhino 3d, as I do a large amount of 3d work as well as 2d profiling. It is really all I use now for 90% of my "cad" work.

Regards, Bruce

[tnott]

I have used the Emachine shop program for all three of my scopes as well as laser cutting. This freeware also comes with tutorials that makes it easy to use.

Laser cutting can do quite small intricate shapes but the black needs to be sanded off the edges. Also, the entry side of he laser is a tiny bit wider than the exit side too. About 0.2 of a mm. So some important edges had to be sanded square.

Some other form of cutting may not have these issues but I haven't used them.

[Rod]

Thanks Mark and Tim,

I'll definitely have a look at both the programs you mentioned.

Rod.