- Joined
- Feb 1, 2015
- Messages
- 9,647
I bought a seat of SolidWorks in 2012. I have been using SolidWorks for fifteen years and although I wouldn't consider myself a master of it, I can model anything that I can conceive and usually very quickly and efficiently. However, for the average hobbyist, $4K+ is an unthinkable expenditure.Solidworks for me. It's expensive but it was a one time investment, seems to have plenty more features in my 2013 version than I'll ever use.
I see that anything I can make, I can draw, but not the other way around.
That said, I started drafting manually and worked up through AutoSketch and AutoCad. It is inconceivable for me to think of going back to a non parametric CAD package. The learning curve is a bit steep at first but if you put a bit of effort into it you will become proficient . The time saved in converting ideas to working models will soon repay the effort put forth in learning the CAD software. I find a great deal of satisfaction in creating a model in software and finally making the real article and comparing the two side by side. Asode from that, working with 3D models is a great way to discover potential problems before time, materials, and tooling are expended.