CAD programs?

[Gene Martin]

Given that I'd rather be in the shop that being on the computer, I need a fairly simple CAD program that will yield the results in a .DXF format.

I need to have more of my blade styles water jet cut and the local, who does great work, charges $35 for each new style. It's a one time setup fee, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Sam doing it gets expensive rather quickly.

Are there any recommendations for a decent CAD program with a reasonable learning curve? I don't need 3D, I don't have any CNC machinery, it's for the CNC waterjet.

Thanks in advance for all the help.

Gene

 

[Matthew Stagmer]

Autocad has helpfull tutorials built in. Hotkeys make it the easiest to me, but I am sure others wont agree.

 

[MadBug]

Gene,
Do a Google search on CAD Freeware. There are quite a few programs you could try out. It looks like most of them will save in .dwg, or .dxf.. These are the file types your waterjet guy is going to need.

 

[Prophet118]

Siemens has a free version of their Solid Edge 2D drafting software on their website. I use AutoCad, but I've played around with the Solid Edge 2D software and it's pretty good and will do what your looking for.

Here's the link......

Solid Edge