Free quality 2D CAD software - "Solid Edge"

[scooter]

Gday

Just a headsup on the above, "Solid Edge 2D CAD program. Full version.

Seems to be a well regarded 2D program, comparing to industry standard Autocad.

Tis a free download, does require registering, including supplying a valid email address so they can email you the licence key.

I've done this, fired it up & had a play. Tres cool !

Requies Windows XP.

Download link here (http://solidedge.com/free2d)(sez to be opened in Internet Explorer V6.0 or later).

Bit more info here (http://www.industrysearch.com.au/News/FREE_SOLID_EDGE_2D_CAD_SOFTWARE-21804).

Has an online support forum too, apparently, details came with the licence key email but haven't checked it out yet.


Cheers.....................Sean

[specialist]

I read your post with interest, I've wanted to try solid edge for a while but was dubious of the "free" tag. I will however try it out. I have been using turbocad for a number of years, and have found a fully functional version that is free although there is no support now for it. I have had it running on all version of windows except xp home. for any interested, it can be found here (http://www.freecad.com/cgi-bin/dcd/dcd.cgi?az=redirect&link_id=000000110&url=www.freecad.com%2Ffiles%2FTCAD_LE_setup_files.zip).

The site that I found is totally dedicated to all free cad/cam programs.
This is the link to it for those who might be interested. Link (http://www.freecad.com/cgi-bin/dcd/html/CAD_Programs___General_Purpose/index-5.htm)

If you have any cad questions, Please feel free to ask. I'm no expert, but have a fair knowledge of Turbocad, Autocad, and alibre express.

specialist

[notenoughtoys]

Hi, I downloaded a free trial turbocad to use but felt that it was fairly involved and i was taking a lot of time to work my way through trying to draw a plan. Is solid edge more user friendly or is turbocad a bit easier to use then I perceive it to be ??
I guess I'm a bit impatient, I wanted to jump in and draw the plans so II can start "building" and don't want to waste time learning a comprehensive computer program, I ended up getting the old graph book and geometry set out where I felt comfortable but I guess cad is the way to go?? :no:

[scooter]

Dunno, mate, I guess there is a fair learning curve with any capable CAD program.

I'm not much use to you, wait to see if anyone knowledgeable chimes in.

[specialist]

There is a real learning curve for all cad software, however, I would recommend that you take the time to learn, just start with simple stuff at first. I did all the 2d exercises in a drawing book (Engineering Drawing by A W Boundy, the one that I used for my appreniceship) just to get the hang of the tools.

http://www.mediafire.com/?e5de2gmblxv this is a free copy of turbocad, it's a old version without 3d, just to learn on.
http://www.mediafire.com/?6ebnkdn9ddt Same file, different format of compression. the download is about 16mb.


http://www.mediafire.com/?bm4b2cynibh this is the manual for the above copy of turbocad, although you can use it for the trial version that you have downloaded. download 1.5mb

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Robert