Need Low Cost Autocad Replacement

I think there is value in learning parametric modelling, and Fusion 360 is the right price. AutoDesk only rents software as of this year, so if you want AutoCad you will have to subscribe. Draftsight is every bit as capable as autocad 2d from a few years ago and it behaves properly. I tried a few other 2d cad packages that were "autocad compatible" but they behaved totally different. Draftsight is the only clone that "feels right" to me.
 
I think there is value in learning parametric modelling, and Fusion 360 is the right price. AutoDesk only rents software as of this year, so if you want AutoCad you will have to subscribe. Draftsight is every bit as capable as autocad 2d from a few years ago and it behaves properly. I tried a few other 2d cad packages that were "autocad compatible" but they behaved totally different. Draftsight is the only clone that "feels right" to me.

Thank you. Nice to benefit from other's experience. That is where forums like this come in handy.
 
Just like Maker of Things, Jon said, I've been using AutoCAD since release 9 on a 286 with math co processor! Man, that was the days!
When I integrated over to Draftsight, It was like I never left AutoCAD. Pretty much any keystrokes you used in AutoCAD, they are usable in Draftsight. It does have a few things that are different, no doubt, but to me are far much better than AutoCAD had then when I changed over.
 
Doing the Looking for easy 3D cad.... Like most of you , I just came across " Design Spark Mechanical 2.0"
I was recommended to it by a Tech Guy at Solid works. It is a close match to Solid works. it runs with an operations guide right in front of you. It seems to have a VERY simple dash board. AND IT IS AVAILABLE FREE
I JUST DOWN LOADED IT AND ONLY HAVE ABOUT THREE HOURS INTO IT BUT IT APPEARS TO BE "JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR !
I also have Fusion 360 ( free as a hobbyist ) but it isn't proving to be the easy program that I thought it might be. I never figured out Auto Sketch Must have been me " Overthinking" it
TurboCad was awaaaaay tooo buggy for me. I guess I'm just hard to please
 
Doing the Looking for easy 3D cad.... Like most of you , I just came across " Design Spark Mechanical 2.0"
I was recommended to it by a Tech Guy at Solid works. It is a close match to Solid works. it runs with an operations guide right in front of you. It seems to have a VERY simple dash board. AND IT IS AVAILABLE FREE
I JUST DOWN LOADED IT AND ONLY HAVE ABOUT THREE HOURS INTO IT BUT IT APPEARS TO BE "JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR !
I also have Fusion 360 ( free as a hobbyist ) but it isn't proving to be the easy program that I thought it might be. I never figured out Auto Sketch Must have been me " Overthinking" it
TurboCad was awaaaaay tooo buggy for me. I guess I'm just hard to please

I Tried TurboCad way back and had the same reaction. I am too insecure with CAD to like a "buggy" program. Don't you just love those demos. They should realize that they can scare the ordinary guy.
 
I think it was turbocad that automatically joins all the lines in an object, but there is no explode command so it seemed practically impossible to do anything quickly.
I've been using AutoCAD since release 9 on a 286 with math co processor! Man, that was the days!
When I integrated over to Draftsight, It was like I never left AutoCAD. Pretty much any keystrokes you used in AutoCAD,
Now if we could just get the fingers to hit the correct keys we would be all set!walking-stick.gif

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A question... Does Fusion360 produce output that will drive 3D printers? It would be nice to learn a tool that works in addition as well as subtraction...
 
A question... Does Fusion360 produce output that will drive 3D printers? It would be nice to learn a tool that works in addition as well as subtraction...

I just asked my resident AutoDesk expert, he says ''Yes, STL files'' Apparently this is what most 3D printers use.
 
Yes .stl is the de facto standard. However it is available only via "cloud export". (grouchy old man sick of cloud this cloud that) Fusion was built with additive machining as a major focus probably to go along with their new 3d printer, Ember. More importantly fusion outputs locally .stp which is the standard modelling interchange format so any 3d cad or cam software can import your parts. Also exports .dxf locally fwiw.
 
Do you still have your old AutoCAD
If so you can get to work on Windows 10
The AutoCAD I have today is from 2000 and got to work on Windows 10

Dave

I have a background in AutoCAD and mechanical drawing. I dropped AutoCAD years ago as the cost of the upgrades increased extensively. I would like to get back into it without facing a massive learning curve.

I am looking for a low-cost replacement that would have most of the AutoCAD features.
 
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