I want to learn drafting on the computer

[hazmat]

Rat - what are you doing with your "drafting"

Google sketchup is easy to learn & very powerfull. The price is right too (free). 3D is much easier for testing out ideas than 2D. Sketchup is primarily geared toward architectural work, but I used it to generate a design & plans for a custom twin sized crib for my (special needs) neice. You can put dimensions on your model & then print the various "drawings".

I'm a mechanical engineer (use ProEngineer at work) and I am amazed with this free program.

Sketchup model

Finised product - over 200 board feet of hard maple

 

[hazmat]

I should note that if you desire to get into a new profession - drafting is old school - it is now "modeling" - as in 3D. The models are parametric - ie if you are designing a widget, you can create one part based off another one in the assembly - if you change the "parent", the child changes to match. More info here wikipedia solid modeling

 

[_RaT_]

I should note that if you desire to get into a new profession - drafting is old school - it is now "modeling" - as in 3D. The models are parametric - ie if you are designing a widget, you can create one part based off another one in the assembly - if you change the "parent", the child changes to match. More info here wikipedia solid modeling

Thanks, very cool.

 

[mwechtal]

_RaT_,
I also use TurboCad. I started with the free version over 10 years ago. Then they had a sale, and I bought the standard version. Every few years I upgrade to the newest version when it's on sale for about $50.

Mike