Thread: CAD for Router designing

Fusion 360 is free and is more than capable to fully design a machine. I’ve designed a few.


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Thanks Chris. I'll check it out.

You will generally model most things you need.

Common components may be available to download on the internet. GrabCAD is a useful site.

Manufacturers of quality components will often have CAD models available for download.

I hope so...don't fancy modelling ball screws or linear blocks, etc.
Thanks for the GrabCAD tip. Should make things easier..
Now to find enough time to learn Fusion. Have already seem some U Tube videos so that's a blessing.

I didn't actually model mine. I just pictured it in my mind and started building it. It seems to work OK.

Originally Posted by Sterob

I see numerous people designing CNC Routers using 3D CAD software, so they know it will all fit together before they start buying parts.
I assume they already contain all the models required. I cannot fathom drawing each model that I need...

Is there a favourite package that people use?
A free one would be good...lol

Was considering just designing as I go, and visualising what I want but not sure, I would get a good result.

Steve

I've generally built things straight out of the model in my head, finding it's quicker to adapt & change design along the way.
Having said that, I often desired a more structured planning approach which is why ive been searching recently like you.
The most promising totally free program I've been playing with is DesignSpark, free on the RS components site which is intuitively designed for rapid prototyping. It comes with the advantage of a huge library of components sold by RS. Check it out on YouTube.

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My current build is also just as i go along....however i did draw a little bit and pieces of it on cambam.....must admit my drawing skills are terrible.
The control panel is the easy part

Hi Sterob - Try FREE CAD. FreeCAD: An open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler it also has a CAM (g code generator) section in it. Its free. I use Rhino3D and Alibre but I use these commercially. I design my machines in Alibre. Peter