CAD and pre-made CAD models

[Steven UK]

Firstly i'm a regular CAD user as part of my job but i just love to free hand something that's close to my heart. However using CAD does help get everything in perspective and scale and stop my mind getting carried away. So i was wondering what systems people were using i keep seeing computer generated layouts so i know there are some out there.

I would like to do it at work but that would probably be 'career limiting'...

also are there any pre-made bus models out there?

Not sure if this is the most appropriate thread... but posted anyway...

Thanks in advance Steve.

[PNW_Steve]

I know that may folks are using SketchUp. I fiddled with it and never became proficient.

I am in the process of learning Fusion360. I am finding it a little more "intuitive".

Also, Fusion360 is available for free.

[Steven UK]

'Free' i like free, what platform is it?

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Steven UK

'Free' i like free, what platform is it?

According to Autodesk's website it is available for Windows & Mac. No Linux support.

[Steven UK]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

According to Autodesk's website it is available for Windows & Mac. No Linux support.

And it says $300 per year...

[PNW_Steve]

You missed the part where is says "free".

Hobbyist, students and startups can get it for free. I don't know anyone that has had to pay for it.

[PNW_Steve]

See: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fu...s1YaAiR88P8HAQ

"Free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups
Full use of Fusion 360 for as long as you need it
Start by downloading the 30-day trial
Once you’re in, simply register for free use
Download now"

[Steven UK]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

See: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fu...s1YaAiR88P8HAQ

"Free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups
Full use of Fusion 360 for as long as you need it
Start by downloading the 30-day trial
Once you’re in, simply register for free use
Download now"

PNW apart from the fact you are part of the very exclusive group of people called Steve, that was an awesome bit of money saving information. It will cost me a grand in a better computer probably...

[wendysdrivethrudude]

I took drafting/architecture in high school.
I personally downloaded the educational edition of AutoCAD Architecture 2016. It's like regular AutoCAD, but also has a build function so you can made more 3D drawings and sections and perspective drawings.
It's really nice for visualizing the space.
I also like that it prints to scale, I just can't figure out how to get it to print at home.

[Iceni John]

I use CAD all the time when planning what will fit where - Cardboard-Aided Design. It's all well and good to make drawings on a computer or freehand, but eventually you'll still need a full-size mockup to know exactly how it will look in real life. With a full-size replica you can get a better idea of shadows at different times of the day, and you can see the overall flow of line and perspective that a 2-dimensional drawing cannot do. You can see exactly how much room there is if you stretch out your arms or stand straight upright, useful when planning the shower or bathroom. You can make sure the TP holder is in the right place so you don't need to do a Houdini to reach it. Think of it as the poor man's version of a clay mockup for a new car.

John

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Steven UK

PNW apart from the fact you are part of the very exclusive group of people called Steve, that was an awesome bit of money saving information. It will cost me a grand in a better computer probably...

Runs reasonably well on the I3 based PC I bought for $125 on CL... Call me frugal...