If you code at all OpenSCAD
If you've never done modeling at all TinkerCAD
If you want the easiest experience Fusion360
If you live the FOSS doctrine -- FreeCAD
It's possible that I'm not familiar enough with it, but in my experience OpenSCAD makes the vast majority of projects take way longer compared to non-scripting-based CAD software. I learned Onshape for a class and haven't used OSCAD since. (though it definitely still has some niche uses)
I find the same thing but It seems clear to me if you understood 3d geometry really well you would have a ton of benefit
I bounce around between FreeCAD and OpenSCAD but I started on Sketchup.
First design was on freecad. The others on openscad.
I use AutoCAD r14 for 2D and for 3D modeling I use Delcam PowerSHAPE (now it has been acquisition by Autodesk), it's back when I study in university. Later I change it depends on what company use/have. Last I use NX in work.
For tips and tricks you'll be find it more when you do more practice, it is difficult to say what need to do. But for basic I'll say :
For starting software there are many option out there. But I can recommend you view of it, especially that has educational/hobbyist/free version.
All of them have similarities in how to do 3D modelling, each of them has pros and cons. Choose one that you like and master it, try other CAD package and you'll find which one is home to you. 😂
Keep practicing and be better.
I might be a bit of an odd case, but I use Autodesk Maya 2014. I was trained for 3d modelling and animation on it and it was still on my computer from those old days. I'm familiar with the tools and I get get what I want out of it quickly. I'm definitely missing some modern features but I'm not printing anything that needs more.
I've got other priorities at this stage in life to bother learning a new system that may not bring any benefit.
If you're new to 3d design I usually recommend starting with Tinkercad. I moved from there to Fusion 360. Fusion is a huge pain in the butt if you don't want to way them large sums of money, but it's the cad software I most enjoy.
Step 1. Start with TinkerCAD
Step 2. Graduate to Fusion 360
Step 3. Go back to TinkerCAD because F360 was difficult
Final Step. Read other people's comments about moving to Fusion 360 and cry a little
For learning or use. Fusion 360 still offers a free version for home use. There are great tutorials on YouTube or buy a $30/month Udemy account and get access to tons of courses and everything else in their library and cancel when you're done learning.
For Mac and Windows only, limited to 10 editable designs and 1 drawing at a time.
The window part kills me... Wish there was a real Linux alternative.
I used to run Fusion 360 in Chrome on my Chromebook and then chromium when I flashed the Chromebook to Ubuntu after my support schedule ended. I get it for free through the school district where I work and am using my two licenses on my computer and on my friend's computer where I definitely do much of my modeling. -cough- lie -cough-
If you or anyone you know has an email account from an educational institution, you should be able to access it for free!
Shit I didn't know about the education email thing, I'll have to give that a shot soon.
I'm currently using the hobby license of it.
Started with solidworks in 2008 and that was a big mistake. Its too good and its not open source lol
Same which is why I pirate it
lol hatekeepers. I'm going to use that -- what an apt term
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