Engine Swap Forum

Hey,

   I need to learn how to make CAD drawings so I can submit drawings to machine shops instead of relying on them to draw my parts for me (and paying them to do it).  I need some decent software to do that, do you guys know of any free to download or does anyone want to share theirs?

  I have a graphic design degree and am fluent in several design softwares so I think I'll pick the CAD software up pretty quickly. 

 

thanks,

Fred

---

Instrument Cluster and Speedometer Repair

This one looks cool and is free to download, any thoughts on it?  Basically I just need to be able to design things like motor mounts, brackets, flanges and things like that. 

 

http://www.alibre.com/xpress/software/alibre-design-xpress.asp

 

Fred

---

Instrument Cluster and Speedometer Repair

Does it have to be 3D?

When u say "...drawing files...", do u mean the actual dimensioned/ GD& T'd drawings, or the "machine interpretable file" (such as dxf)?

I'll send some links on Monday. Have some saved in my favs.

Kurt

---

Argh... guess I'll stick w/ the plan...

Well, I'm not sure.  I'd like to be able to do 3D drawings like the ones you did for our motor mount thread if possible.  That way I can better visualize my ideas.  But, I also need to be able to create a file that I could send to a machinist and he/she could use as-is for say CNC plasma cutting or water jet cutting for example.

 

Fred

---

Instrument Cluster and Speedometer Repair

Are there any other stipulations or is "free" the only requirement...... Rumor has it that Santa can get ppl anything they want... He must shop on ebay...

If anybody is interested:

I've heard rumors that there's a personal edition of SldWx for ~$150 that's completely legal and has all the useful features of SldWx. It just can't be used for business purposes. I'll get some facts on that.

Kurt

---

Argh... guess I'll stick w/ the plan...

What can I say, as necessity is the mother of invention so lack of money is the necessity of free stuff online!

 

 I think I'll try the free version of Alibre first, if it's something I think I may like then I'll look into buying a version of Solid Works or some other more popular software. 

 

I'd like to know if I can get Solid Works for 150$, let me know what you find out.

 

Fred

---

Instrument Cluster and Speedometer Repair

I spoke to my local-ish solidworks rep, they are offering pretty sigificant discounts for the end of their fiscal year, but nowhere near the $150 mark.

if that comes along, you can bet your butt i'll buy a seat for every computer in the house.

the rep was talking in the 2k area +/- $200 and the $150 he mentioned was an "annual subscription" fee for access to their support network

i know that an educational copy of autodesk inventor can be had for less than $400 - not as awesome a package, but VERY functional, and totally servicable.  - no cool blue/white background