FreeCad

Hi

I had a quick look at Sketchup a few years ago and, currently having some time on my hands, thought I’d have a serious go at learning it. Shocked to find it is not free anymore, but a prohibitive (to me) US$695.

There is a free online version, but I prefer not invest time on something that can be changed, withdrawn, or become payable, any time, and can only be used online.

Anyway I found FreeCAD and after spending the first evening using it am very impressed. I wondered if others had any thoughts, experience.

link?

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Originally Posted by Glennet

Anyway I found FreeCAD and after spending the first evening using it am very impressed. I wondered if others had any thoughts, experience.

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I've been using Draftsight for 2D sketching which is adequate for about 90% of what I need to do. I use it at least once a week. All software and drawing files stored on my PC.

I have also dabbled in 3D or a bit of 3D printing etc and was directed to Autodesk Fusion 360 by some of the graduates at work who seemed to have used it extensively at uni. That ones all cloud based so you dont have to be continually updating the software but you have to have an internet connection, however, nothing stopping you from downloading the output files and storing them locally. Fusion appears to be a an expensive package to buy from Autocad, but they allow long (and repeatable) free trial use for students or non profit enthusiasts.

I did this Attachment 426219 as a copy of an antique gliding instrument with Fusion.



Like Glennet, I worry a little that a free CAD supplier can change conditions or pull the pin, but these two seem to be in it for the long haul.

Regards
SWK

I've been using Sketchup 2017. I see the free version looks like its now web based. However is Sketchup Make not the free verison at this link.
https://www.sketchup.com/download/all

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Originally Posted by Woodified

I've been using Sketchup 2017. I see the free version looks like its now web based. However is Sketchup Make not the free verison at this link.
https://www.sketchup.com/download/all

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Thanks, I understand now. It starts off as a 30 day trial of Sketchup Pro, with all the features, and then continues as Sketchup Make unless you buy the license.

However my first impressions of FreeCAD are good so I’ll stick with that for the moment.

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Originally Posted by rob streeper

link?

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https://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/Download

I just recently switched from Sketchup to Fusion 360. I'm really enjoying using a product with outstanding company support.

As mentioned, it's free for non commercial use.