Sources for CAD software

[Piggiron]

Concerning FreeCAD, I found a YouTube channel with an extensive amount of video tutorials I'm currently watching.
Here's the channel link: https://www.youtube.com/@MangoJellySolutions/featured

Here's the Play list link I'm watching: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWuyJLVUNtc0UszswD0oD5q4VeWTrK7JC

[Piggiron]

Concerning FreeCAD, I found a YouTube channel with an extensive amount of video tutorials I'm currently watching.
Here's the channel link: https://www.youtube.com/@MangoJellySolutions/featured

Here's the Play list link I'm watching: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWuyJLVUNtc0UszswD0oD5q4VeWTrK7JC

I've been watching the above linked tutorial while designing a part as I follow the tutorial. While the video series is fairly recent, the current version of FreeCAD has changed it from what's shown in the videos.
For instance, the "Edit Controls" in the Combo View Box is no longer there in the newer version (v-V 0.21.2).
I also found the toolbar for Padding (additive & subtractive) are not there, by default. To add them, hover mouse pointer over toolbar area, right click, and select "Customize". Select "Toolbars" and use the Catagory drop down box to select "Part Design". There you can select all the tools you want and name the toolbar what you want.

[4GSR]

Jimmy,

The first chance I get, I'll download the program and give it a try.
Work been busy and I'm trying to get some things done in the shop, too. But keep the cards coming. It's all much appreciated, Ken

[Piggiron]

It's been quite a steep learning curve for me with my computer/program skills being self-taught or shown by co-workers. Up til now, eMachineShop free, 2D CAD program is all I've ever used.

I almost decided to swap over and try Ondsel ES, based on the video I posted about earlier, but I tend to stick with open source programs when available due to the fact that as time goes by, the business supplied, free programs tend to evolve into having less functionality while the open source ones tend to increase in functionality.

The only downside is what I'm experiencing now. The video tutorial series videos are only a year or two old, yet some of the things discussed are already obsolete due to new versions of the program being released.

[Piggiron]

Instead of cluttering up this thread, I decided to create a new thread for my journey into FreeCAD with the plan to post differences between the video tutorial and the latest version of FreeCAD along with answers/solutions I find or figure out along the way.

[propforward]

I've been researching this a bit to help someone at work.

Onshape has a free version for Hobbyist users, and is well regarded. I intend to download it and try it, just to see how it is. Onshape requires cloud conectivity.

Solidworks for makers is significantly less expensive than Fusion, and allows you to install and store files locally.

I use Inventor and Solidworks every day, and Inventor doesn't even hold a candle to Solidworks. Autodesk products are about 10 years behind Solidworks.

Frankly, for a LOW COST CAD for home use, I recommend Solidworks for Makers. That's the direction I'll go when I can't afford 2.5K a year for engineering software.

Pity Solidworks have done such a crap job marketing their maker edition really.

[PJ]

I've been researching this a bit to help someone at work.

Onshape has a free version for Hobbyist users, and is well regarded. I intend to download it and try it, just to see how it is. Onshape requires cloud conectivity.

Solidworks for makers is significantly less expensive than Fusion, and allows you to install and store files locally.

I use Inventor and Solidworks every day, and Inventor doesn't even hold a candle to Solidworks. Autodesk products are about 10 years behind Solidworks.

Frankly, for a LOW COST CAD for home use, I recommend Solidworks for Makers. That's the direction I'll go when I can't afford 2.5K a year for engineering software.

Pity Solidworks have done such a crap job marketing their maker edition really.

Hmm I may need to investigate the "maker" edition.. 
I purchased a perpetual license of SW 2022 Standard back in late 2021 that still works perfectly except it runs on windows 10 but not on 11.   
So now if I want to keep my OS current and keep using SW, I have to have service pack 2.0 which they want me to pay essentially cost for another license.
Needless to say, that's not happening.

Let me just say I was on the drafting board for several years out of college in the 80's and have used AutoCad since essentially V1, Inventor since it's introduction late 90's and Solidworks since 2005
Problem I have is after using professional version CAD packages for so long, its very hard to go backwards to hobby type stuff.   Unless Autodesk offers a non-cloud based Fusion, that one is off my list.  Unfortunately dinosaurs like me are being forced out as most software is going cloud/subscription route.  SAS if you will.   I mean really why let people keep using something that works when you can force them into all the useless new features, flashy UI and keep them perpetually paying? 
Until I can figure out which way to go the old CAD workstation is staying Windows 10 and SW 2022  Air-gapped and sandboxed from the internet.

 

[PJ]

After my last post I decided to revisit the email chain I had going on with my CAD reseller regarding SP update.   Sent yet another friendly request and wouldn't you know it, received a quick reply saying oh sure no problem give us a call.   So I call and the individual I spoke with said all I needed to do was email their support team who would set me up with a download link.  Thats it??  Sent them an email and poof.  Done.  No charge.  Very happy camper right now.  Of course it was only a SP update for now older version but at least I can update windows if need be.