Re:W.E.T. Cad software

I have been reading and learning from this group for some time now
and am collecting pieces for a homemade machine. I work daily with
AutoCAD and though I am fluent in it, I am aware of other programs
out there that do a tremendous amount of work. The company I work
for stays current with each update of AutoCAD and a few of the
features are fantastic. Most of what we do is only 2D however and
the CAD trend is into 3D then into solids modeling. I say all this
because even tho' I use AutoCAD everyday at work, I cannot afford it
at home so will have to learn a significantly cheaper program for my
hobby. An older version of AutoCAD may provide all the CAD program I
require. I do not need many of the features available at work. Is
it possible to purchase old versions of AutoCAD, at a drasticly
reduced price, and then if it plays out, upgrade to a later version
as money comes in? You are only learning one program and will
have/should have lots of support.

Randy

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, wthomas@g... wrote:
> Hi All:
> These words are very true but when you can no longer afford
the
> CAD package what else can you do. I have used and owned AutoCAD
from
> version 2.4 to 2000 version. (about 20 years) Now they want the
same
> amount to upgrade to the 2004 version as if I had upgraded to the
> 2002 and then to the 2004. $1120.00 for each package and I had 2
> packages. One at home and one at another shop. I have paid more
for
> upgrades in eight years then I paid for the original packages. One
> reason I didn't upgrade ever two years was because of the
retraining
> necessary for each upgrade. Where I only use the CAD on a part
time
> bases now it was just now worth it to upgrade.
> My question to the group is WHAT SOFTWARE IS LIKE AUTOCAD?
> I do 2D most of the time but I do some 3D for my own product or
tool
> design. I am now semi-retired and just work to pay for my tools
> (toys) shop expenses. If I had keep AutoCAD I would have little
time
> to play. Thanks in advance.
> GOD'S BLESSINGS
> Bill
>
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> From: "turbulatordude" <dave_mucha@y...>
> Date sent: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 16:22:38 -0000
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Cad software
> Send reply to: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
>
> [ Double-click this line for list subscription options ]
>
>
>
>
> >
> > If you already know a CAD program, you will never be satisfied
> until
> > you by it or a clone. Do so by all means, and get on with
enjoying
> > your CNC hobby.
>
>
>
> <snip>
>
>
> Truer words !
>
> NOTHING will substiture for the package you know.
>
>
>
> >
>
> > Vector. IMService has offered a cad only version of Vector Cad-
Cam
> > to hobbyists for many years. The price is less than $60.
> >
> > Vector is very easy to use and has the ability to control both
> > sequence and direction of DXF entities when you export. It also
> > includes an offset function that allows you to create tool center
> > paths (with gouge avoidance) from to-size drawings.
> >
> > Combined with a free dxf to g-code program like Ace converter,
you
> > won't need any additional cad-cam software for simple 2 axis
> > machining.
> >
> > Combined with DeskCNC ( which is not a CAD program Dave )
>
> Op's sorry about confusing DeskCNC as having a CAD type interface.
>
> But, in reference to your above comments, from people who knew some
> package well, and tried another, it was horrible. And from reviews
> of people who started with Vector, they really like it. Should be
> reviewed by any person looking for a CAD package.
>
>
> Learn one, learn it well, don't worry about AutoCAD compatability
> that is just sales hype. export DXF and you have compatabillty.
> Besides, many programs can open dwg files directly.
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
>
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