Need advice for Drawing/Designing Software - Lateral-g Forums

tyoneal · #1 12-31-2007, 03:17 AM

Hello:

I am wanting to do some designing on some projects I am working on. These are Automotive oriented, and therefore would appreciate a few suggestions with this in mind.

Here is what platform I am using:

Mac Power Book
1.5 Ghz Power PC G4
1 GB DDR SDRam

I don't have much experience with this type of software, so I would like to get a program that is (Hopefully) somewhat intuitive, and/or relatively quick to get up and working.

Would like to be able to do some basic design work (Visually), and as things move forward, work out the engineering necessary for a prototype.

Would like to have a data base with it, or access to stock graphics of the basic muscle cars we work with, as well as basic components. (If possible)

Drawing, Modifying, Coloring, shading, setting tone and shading, 3D rotation just the basic stuff. Would like not to buy a professional program just because of the initial outlay of cash involved and the complications with some of those is huge.

If it has packets that can be bought at a later time to expand the capabilities, that would be fine.

Would prefer something mainstream enough where additional instructional (Printed) help, or a forum might exist with other users. (Drawing for Dummies etc.);-)

Automotive Designing/Drawing is the primary use, technical representations would be secondary if it is a choice between the two. Definitely would rather have both.

If I can graphically produce something that will convey an accurate concept, and do enough engineering where I can know if the idea is at least possible with available materials, that would be perfect.

I can take it to a P.E. and they can refine it down, double check my calculation, and I can get something in my hand for prototype costing and economic evaluation.

That's all! (lol)

Thanks for your help,

Best Regards,

Ty O'Neal

ironworks · #2 12-31-2007, 07:11 AM

Solidworks

ccracin · #3 12-31-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironworks

Solidworks

I couldn't agree more, but wait till he gets a quote. Hang on to something!

Garage Dog 65 · #4 12-31-2007, 09:24 AM

There are a couple others:

Check AutoDesk - they build AutoCad, AutoCad Lite and QuickCad/QuickSketch (and many others). I use QuickCad at home and it's an entry level product. You can add plug ins that allow you to import/export files in standard autocad formats used in CAM. Once you have a need to go up to AutoCad - you have already used the drawing interface. I think I got QuickCad for $180.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...&siteID=123112

At work we use a Mac platform. We use VectorWorks 2008 here in engineering. It's much easier then command line drawing like what is in AutoCad. I started CAD work on a MAC using MiniCad (product is now Vectorworks) and it was very easy to learn/operate. You can start with VectorWorks Fundamentals as an entry level product - and then upgrade as needed.

http://www.nemetschek.net/

I recently ordered SolidWorks for $200 for home use.

http://www.solidworks.com/

Here's a free download demo if you want to try it out first.

http://mkt.solidworks.com/emarketing...external+short

Jim

tyoneal · #5 01-04-2008, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garage Dog 65

There are a couple others:

Check AutoDesk - they build AutoCad, AutoCad Lite and QuickCad/QuickSketch (and many others). I use QuickCad at home and it's an entry level product. You can add plug ins that allow you to import/export files in standard autocad formats used in CAM. Once you have a need to go up to AutoCad - you have already used the drawing interface. I think I got QuickCad for $180.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...&siteID=123112

At work we use a Mac platform. We use VectorWorks 2008 here in engineering. It's much easier then command line drawing like what is in AutoCad. I started CAD work on a MAC using MiniCad (product is now Vectorworks) and it was very easy to learn/operate. You can start with VectorWorks Fundamentals as an entry level product - and then upgrade as needed.

http://www.nemetschek.net/

I recently ordered SolidWorks for $200 for home use.

http://www.solidworks.com/

Here's a free download demo if you want to try it out first.

http://mkt.solidworks.com/emarketing...external+short

Jim

======================================
Where did you find Solid Works for $200?

Was it a special student deal?

Thanks,

Ty

Garage Dog 65 · #6 01-04-2008, 07:05 AM

Yes, it's the student package direct from Solid Works. It's the full program - just isn't licensed for someone who will be building and selling designs or files. I work in a Training department so I get access to the lower cost.

HWY Nova · #7 01-04-2008, 07:37 AM

Definitely SolidWorks.

I have used SolidWorks (virtually daily, including weekends) since the beginning of 2000. It is one of the easiest to learn. I admit I had 8 years of Pro-E before that and years of AutoCAD before that.

Like any CAD system, you have to use it to become proficient at it. Being able to think in three-dimensions is an advantage. None of the CAD systems on the market will teach you that, they are simply tools that can be used to express your creativity.

CAD is great for a car-builder to get technical on design/layout for front and rear suspension (for example), as well as coming up with a frame layout, or a cool instrument cluster design. The possibilities are endless.

--Eric

96z28ss · #8 01-04-2008, 09:07 AM

Isn't a power book a laptop?
You can use a laptop but for 3d models its real slow.

Jason@Driverz · #9 01-04-2008, 09:20 AM

Ty,
I am pretty sure that you can only get Solidworks for P.C./Windows based computer, therefore you could not run it on a Mac. I have a similar laptop and was looking into an AutoCAD program myself.

Here are a couple of sites that I had book marked.

http://www.architosh.com/

http://www.csi-concepts.com/index.htm

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...index_top.html

I really couldn't find anything that fit in my budget ($0), but good luck finding something.

Thank you,

Jason

CarterHickmanDesigns · #10 01-04-2008, 09:24 AM

Ty, I am a mac guy myself and I use a program called MODO. Now its not an engineering type software but more of a modeling/graphics software. It is quite deep and will require some commitment to use but the results can be see on my website.

MODO site

my site

Goodluck with your search!

Carter