I use DraftSite, the free version. Its pretty basic but I find it saves me time figuring out measurements and dimensions on projects that have alot of angles, odd shapes or curves.

Something that is all 90 and 45 degree corners/angles is fairly simple, or I use an app on my phone to figure out the cut length for a single uncommon angle.


However on a large project (20 hrs or more) I like to throw it into CAD and see what my "perfect world" dimensions should be. Especially when radius's and multiple angles are at play.

Another reason is that I want to become more proficient with CAD systems. I took a semester of AutoCAD back in 2003 (and luckily still have the text book), ten years later I am pretty rusty but when I use it several times each week (and add more to my skills each time) it comes back to me. Its another skill set that I want to have to offer to customers as I begin to expand my welding business. In addition I hope in the future to make use of services that can cut CNC plate for me, I talked to one business and they will give me a better price if I can send them a .dwg file that is exactly what I want delivered.

It may seem like a waste of time as the hours I spend in CAD on a job are not billed out. (Eventually when my skills become more proficient I will charge for this service). But its a couple hours 2-3 times a week that I do this. Set up some nice streaming music or maybe a TED talk lecture in the background and start snapping lines. Time spent learning or refining a skill set is not wasted.

Otherwise I waste the same amount of time arguing with people on internet forums about the merits/demerits of outside neck turning brass for a .223 in a SAAMI chamber vs a custom "tight" chamber.

Or looking a cat GIFs

 

I do most of my projects on Autocad...............But that is what I do for my day job so it probably doesn't count.

 

When I first went into management, and in an out of the job site office all day. I got to see what those engineer types could do on the computer. Once I seen Auto-Cad I had to learn it. Auto-Cad is very useful for heavy lift plans. Or just seeing if a derrick / crane would be within it’s radius to make a pick.

 

The more you use it the quicker you get with CAD. I do CAD drawings of about anything I build like Sask says. Let the machine do the math. Angles, lengths, copes, all done in a matter of a few key strokes and mouse clicks. I find it easier to use the keyboard prompts rather than using the mouse to make selections and snap lines. It will come with time and practice.

I also use Draftsight free version. My license on AutoDesk expired so I switched to Intellicad until I updated computers and my previous version would not install on the new OS. Draftsight is free for home and non-commercial use and has excellent tutorials. Now that II'm 'm retired, it doesn't make sense to pay for a program.

 

I use delta cad cost about 40$ it is simple and basic, not a 3 d program but for drawing stuff for cnc plasma works great. I found the programs with a lot of features had way more than needed and took too long to learn. All in all worth having. Mike

 

3D CAD definitely has it's place in the design process, for more-complex projects. I don't head to the CAD program, though, until I have a few sketches (pencil & paper) done. For me, 3D CAD replaces the 'first prototype' in the process (which sometimes was just paper and cardboard taped together--and sometimes was a quick test, in the same material as the project, of a specific joint that I had not used before).

For most projects, I find I can get away with 'a quick sketch on the back of a napkin.' For a project with more complexity, 3D CAD definitely has its place, once you are CLOSE to a final design. It can really help with visualization of complex joints and finalizing dimensions.

I actual enjoy the design process and using 3D CAD and I do this as a hobby. I was 'drafting' drawings of my projects long before there was 3D CAD. If you just want to build, don't waste a lot of time in the 3D CAD process. I look at myself as a designer who actually likes building the prototypes, so I don't mind taking the time to draw it first.

KDub

 

I use CAD because I find I can't draw for crap.

Started using cad for proposals, gave me a finished design to put in a photo of the location.

Combined with the 3d printer it has really helped my presentation capabilities.

I use Geomagic and Rhino the most.

 

SolidWorks for me - saves time in the long run. Helps me think through things prior to fab.
Usually end up with 2 or 3 versions. Easier to make changes on "paper" rather than in steel.

 

It depends on the project. Most times its not neccesary.

I do use Solidworks every once and awhile, but nothing I do at home needs the acccuracy its capable of. Its mostly for playing around with dimensions. When I start to build something the dimensions usually change anyway.

If I had a CNC plasma, or any automated machining/cutting capabilities I would make much more use of it.

Its nice to have to make drawings though.

Sent from my S4 using Tapatalk

 

I guess it is a matter of how complex the proyects are and if you are going to do it yourself or need a shop to make some pieces for you. If you plan on using any CNC machine, then I guess it is a must. I guess there is a balance point where the effort in calculations and drawing it by hand VS the aditional information you get from the CAD. Up to that point, you are probably better off doing it by hand. Above it, resort to CAD!

I use Autocad in a daily basis but it is mostly floor plans for installations (telecommunications mostly) so I don't use 3D features at all. Came handy when I did some works remodelling my house!

 

I must say that Cardboard-Aided-Drafting is just as useful for figuring out odd shapes.