Which version of CAD?

[mspiegle]

A long time ago, I used to have a DOS version of CAD that I played around with alot. I wasn't too bad with it, but it took me a while to figure out what everything did.

Now, I actually have a use for it. I want to draw up some simple parts to send to a water-cutter and have them cut me some pieces.

I know theres TurboCAD and AutoCAD... theres probably some other kinds of CAD too. What do you guys have experience with, and which do you prefer? If it helps any, the parts will generally be flat 1/8th inch aluminum with holes cut into it.

I'm assuming that AutoCAD is much more complicated than TurboCAD, but I don't necessarilly need that since i'm making simple parts. If they have the same learning curve, then i'll just use AutoCAD since I already have it (newer version).

[M-technik-3]

I used to use Bentley Microstation.

[chrisd]

Usually, the waterjet cutters can deal with pretty much any program that'll output a dxf file. I am a huge fan of solidworks, but it's overkill for this part. I think that surfcam free version would be the best for you. It's not crippled, but only does 2-d, and CAN generate toolpaths for CAM, but that may be a useless feature. look at it here: www.surfware.com

[Purdue89E30]

I took a class that used IronCAD. It's 3D solid modeling like Catia and Pro Engineer.

[rs4pro3]

I like Autocad so far, (only thing I know how to use). Next semester I have to take an elective in some other program, I was planning on taking Solid works.
I hate it with autocad where every year they change it they change little waysto modify a drawing. At school we've gone from 2003 to 2004 and now they have 2005. Last semester I had to borrow the huge manual from my Instructor to figure out how to change a draining from Inches to Metric.

[mspiegle]

Wow, thanks for the feedback everyone. Got lots of different answers, but solidworks seems well known. Is it difficult to use/learn? I'm a very computer savvy person and can learn things quickly... but I have a short attention span.

[Beej '86 325es]

I use both AutoCAD and SolidWorks at work to design parts from sheetmetal. SolidWorks has a very nice add-in for sheetmetal that is easy to learn if you know the basics of the program. I actually went to a training class for a week to learn to use the program, but it is a very user friendly 3D modeling program compared to Catia or Pro-E.

I'm not sure if this is for a business or a small run of parts you are making, but SolidWorks makes a cheaper student version. I believe the only difference is that the files cannot be used on any other computer.

[E30-323ti]

I use AutoCAD 2004 at work and 2000i at home.

I've been using it since R12 (DOS) and do a bit of Lisp programming & menu writing for the company.

I've used it for getting my caliper brackets/rotor hats etc... made.
Bloody handy to know how to use.

[MattE30]

I am learning Catia right now in school. According to my professor, the entire airplane and most of the automotive industry uses it.

[MachineMasterG]

solidworks is the bomb ..but very $$$pricy id just draw it up in autocad and give the guys a .dxf or try emachineshop.com???ithink thats what its called and they have a very easy to use cad program to use and they will quote and make and delever your parts ...ive been programming cnc and machining for over 20 years most places will make your parts off a drawing on a napkin !!!

[Beej '86 325es]

I am learning Catia right now in school. According to my professor, the entire airplane and most of the automotive industry uses it.

I work in the aviation industry. We are using SolidWorks and trying to use it more often for projects. A guy that works with me and used to work for Bombardier used Catia there though. He seems to like it better, but probably just because he's more used to it.

[AndrewBird]

I use AutoCAD all the time and like it. IT does have it's flaws though, just like any program, but most are minor. AutoCAD is only good for 2D drawings IMO.

I use Inventor for 3D stuff. Inventor's assembly program sucks, but their drawing program is pretty good.

Andrew