CAD program suggestions

[gzac31]

I've been using Autosketch from AutoDesk for 10 yrs but with my new computer it's not working as it has been discontinued. Any suggestions for a new CAD program that can work with DXF files to work with my Shopbot.

[EricSchimel]

The closest thing you're going to find to something like AutoSketch would probably be SketchUp.

You can still get the 2017 version of SketchUp free here: https://www.sketchup.com/download/make

In SketchUp you can add "Extensions" they are little addons that can make it more powerful. I make one that exports directly to Vectric and builds all of your toolpaths for you:

https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/fabber

It's also free.

There are a lot of videos on YouTube about learning SketchUp.

[GeneMpls]

I use Fusion 360- also free for hobbyists and very powerful. There is a learning curve but many tutorials. Gene

[Martin Reid]

Dear Gary

I'm also an AutoSketch user (since the 90's). I can always get my copy to work on any 32-bit windows machine; XP, 7, 8.1 and 10. But it will not 'install' on any 64-bit operating system as it had a 16-bit installer.

I agree 32-bit systems are getting harder to find and in an effort to future proof my systems I have an unused 32-bit windows install disk so I can do a fresh install if I ever need to.

I have also looked at 'similar' software for ease of 'transition' and will use DesignCad now sold by TurboCad.com. I will go for DesignCan rather than TurboCad as the interface is closer to that of AutoSketch

https://www.turbocad.com/designcad/designcad-2018.html

I also use SketchUp, particularly for 'rescaling' DXF's from PDF's. It's also handy for creating STL's for CNC or 3D Printing. But not great at creating printed workshop drawings.

Anyway that is my two penn'orth
Sincerely
Martin

Some of Martin's AutoSketch drawings
https://sites.google.com/site/martin2reid/drawings-and-models

[EricSchimel]

Fusion has some really incredible toopathing built in. It's got it's roots in metal machining however. I find that I have to do a lot of tweaking to get the toolpaths to do what I want to. Modeling is very different in Fusion too compared to AutoCAD/AutoSketch/SketchUp (or any other vector modeler). Fusion is parametric and timeline based.

I use both, but jumping from AutoSketch to Fusion is going to be culture shock! :)