[TheForge] RE: Layout tools

[Andrew Vida]

CAD isn't a panacea, but it surely has it's place.  Drawing by hand is a 
lot more fun, at least for this old mechanical drawing teacher, but as 
someone else pointed out, making changes becomes a mess in a hurry and 
the more complex the work, the harder it is to keep things straight. 
One great aspect of CAD for mechanical design is the ability to check 
for interference between parts.  A good CAD package will also provide 
tools for lists of materials, as well as many other tasks.  I have used 
AutoCAD, which IMO sucks ass from the standpoint of GUI design, 
DesignCAD which is a great true-3D package for the money, and MasterCAM, 
which isn't really considered CAD, but rather CAM.  I don't see any 
fundamental difference really, except that it will generate tool paths 
for CNC machinery.  It's a great package, but very $$.

Ron Swisher wrote:
> I'm learning Corel Draw 9 because it was cheap and the drawing package 
> is in 2D plus it does other useful stuff.   I believe it will be worth 
> the effort but I have no real data yet.
> 
> Ron
> 
>> Is cad worth the effort and expense, or is it just cool toys?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> JRF
> 
> 
> 
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-- 


	-Andy V.

Trust I seek, and find in you
Everyday for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters