Wondering if this is a good 3d modeler for beginner?

[eds]

Hello guys,
I am looking for a FREE 3d modeler that i can use to draw out my new r/c project. I found this one and was wondering if it is good? http://www.download.com/Alibre-Design-Xpress/3004-6677_4-10619206.html?tag=tab_scr Or i also found this one http://www.download.com/ProgeCAD-LT-2006/3000-6677_4-10497787.html?tag=lst-0-10 or are there better ones that are free? I would be useing it to draw out r/c cars and stuff. Thanks Ethan

[Rc_Racer_01501]

Ive tried it, Its like a mini AutoDesk product. Its really poorly put together and just doesnt have the easy interface to use. If you want to model quick things for rc try sketchup. You cant go wrong for free :)

[eds]

Which one did you try? alibre or progecad? thanks Ethan

[jagboy]

I've used Alibre and it was pretty tough to learn. I didn't spend a whole lot of time, but wasn't very intuitive. I haven't tried ProgeCAD but when it says 'DWG native' it makes me think that it would be pretty hard to do 3D stuff. If you only want to do 2D stuff, try it, but also try eMachineShop. It's super easy to use.


JB

[Rc_Racer_01501]

I tried both because i to used to search around looking for easy draw and model programs like you but i finally gave up and taught myself 3dmax. I would recommend Sketchup, Im going to take a look at that emachineshop program now.

[eds]

i tried emachine shop but i couldn't make more then one part. I want to be able to make my whole project 3d. Also what would be the difference between these programs and CAD? It looks like i can take free lessons online to learn these programs. lPeace Ethan

[decline1]

The beauty of CAD is that it's somewhat universal. Say you want a chassis made up, you just send off the file to a place to cut it. Using a proprietary file-type can cause problems in that type of situation. If you have the means to acquire a CAD program, I'd suggest Solidworks. Very easy to learn compared to most I've tried.

[eds]

I would get solidworks but I need to put my money into my project itself.So I won't be able to buy solidworks or CAD. I don't need aton of features either and I am not exetremly picky about software. and I will be makeing all the parts for myself so i don't have to send the designs anywhere. Maybe put them online and be albe to print them but thats it.Peace Ethan

[eds]

Yep you guys where right I spent like 2 hours trying to learn some of alibre and I still couldn't do much.I will try sketchup.Peace Ethan

[bubba069]

I have been using autocad for going on 15 years now, I have used Solidworks, Pro-E, UG, Inventor, and catia along the way as well (If you haven't guessed I'm an engineer).

For the price (ie free) Alibre is quite nice, and I'm sorry but to learn a CAD program you will need more than 2 hours of playing with it. It took a 1 week, 8hr/day training class to cover solidworks alone and that was blowing through a 400 page manual, and there were some in the group that left due to the fact they couldn't keep the pace.

Did you go trough the maunals or the tutorials that come with it? Im being serious, most people don't know that there are tutorials that come with programs like this.

[CJ42991]

we'v got inventor 11 on our computors at school and it is so easy to use...

[eds]

Yea I went through alot of them. I understand it takes awile. Its just that I got frustrated becuase I couldn't understand all the rules of it. Like I would try to turn my 2d into a 3d and it wouldn't let me. I did what the tutors said except on a different shape and it wouldn't let me turn it in to 3d.I ultimately figued out that for the amount of time I would put into learning it I wouldn't get much out of it because I probaly wouldn't use it much. Peace Ethan