Blueprint software

**garage nut** · Oct 14, 2019, 11:40 PM

I use Fusion 360. The full package is free for one year to hobbyists and there is a zilion Youtube tutorials.
Also mudules like sheetmetal and animation and Cam.

**tmoore4748** · Oct 18, 2019, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Crusty

I thought you just wanted to convert the files to another file format and it works for that, though in somewhat limited fashion. I didn't have any luck translating to a pdf file (likely a 3d to 2d issue) but translating to jpg files did work and I was able to manually add dimensioning before the export.

It's at least an easy to use package which might be enough for some folks.

Thanks for at least trying. I wasn't too clear, I guess, and that made sound pretty dumb. But, I did take your advice, and I'm trying out the basic package of DesignSpark (you have to pay to get the Mechanical package), alongside a few others. I've managed to get my job to put AutoCAD on my work computer, but they're still haggling on getting me a mobile copy. So far, DS looks a lot like AutoCAD, maybe SketchUp. I like it. Thanks for the advice!

**Crusty** · Oct 18, 2019, 04:56 PM

It's tons easier to use than SketchUp but it reminds me of it too.

**old_toolmaker** · Oct 19, 2019, 08:34 PM

tmoore4748,

I am using Key Creator. Its predecessor was Cadkey. I have been using it since 1985. I am not sure if it is still available but I like it for drawing and it had another module called Draft Pak for importing fasteners, threads etc.
You might check it out!

**tonyfoale** · Oct 20, 2019, 09:29 AM

I use pencil and paper. It is a well proven programme with few bugs and there is no problem with incompatible file formats. It is a method equally at home with 3D, 2D or 1D. It is quick to learn and quick to use. There are no upgrade costs, nor annual maintenance contracts. Admittedly some of the youth have a little bit of a problem coming to grips with the unfamiliar GUI but the geriatric class take to it like a duck to water. Truly cross platform, it works the same whether you use Windoze, DOS, CP/M, Prolog, Linux or Mac on your computer.

**olderdan** · Oct 20, 2019, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by tonyfoale

I use pencil and paper. It is a well proven programme with few bugs and there is no problem with incompatible file formats. It is a method equally at home with 3D, 2D or 1D. It is quick to learn and quick to use. There are no upgrade costs, nor annual maintenance contracts. Admittedly some of the youth have a little bit of a problem coming to grips with the unfamiliar GUI but the geriatric class take to it like a duck to water. Truly cross platform, it works the same whether you use Windoze, DOS, CP/M, Prolog, Linux or Mac on your computer.

Agreed 100% Tony, I have hand drawn in Isometric projection for years and apart from your comments I also find it a lot faster. I only make a CAD drawing to hand to someone else.

**old_toolmaker** · Oct 20, 2019, 06:50 PM

tmoore4748,

I also have an old drafting software CAD/CAM program named "Bob Cad". I don't know if it is still supported, but it is also capable of 3 axis machining. That is what I used it for.

**jdurand** · Oct 20, 2019, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by tonyfoale

I use pencil and paper. It is a well proven programme with few bugs and there is no problem with incompatible file formats. It is a method equally at home with 3D, 2D or 1D. It is quick to learn and quick to use. There are no upgrade costs, nor annual maintenance contracts. Admittedly some of the youth have a little bit of a problem coming to grips with the unfamiliar GUI but the geriatric class take to it like a duck to water. Truly cross platform, it works the same whether you use Windoze, DOS, CP/M, Prolog, Linux or Mac on your computer.

I have 3D printers and CNC machines and their AI hasn't learned to read yet, so alas, I need to use CAD software to tell them what I want them to do.

Also needed CAD for drawing up our new house. LOTS of changes and layers of items.

**tonyfoale** · Oct 21, 2019, 03:07 AM

Originally Posted by jdurand

I have 3D printers and CNC machines and their AI hasn't learned to read yet, so alas,

Yeah the machines are pretty dumb. I manually write G-code to talk to my mill up to 2.5 axis and get my son to make CAD drawings for 3D+. I also get him to do any 3D printing.

PS. In addition to manual G-code I have written some software to generate G-code files for specific applications. One example is for cam design. I design the profile in my software and then I choose whether to save it in eXcel, DXF or G-code format.

Blueprint software-camfolloweranimationroller-01.jpg

Click for full size.

**jdurand** · Oct 21, 2019, 06:12 PM

Don't have a kid so get to do it myself.

Housings like this would be hard to do with pencil and paper. When I used to use a drafting board and T-square I hated curves. Now I hardly design things with straight lines.