You're welcome, Trev, just have fun with whatever you try, Paul

Thanks, Barumite,
I just downloaded the trial version of Alibre.
I like that they provide a quick start. I will give an update once i have tried it.
Trev

Excellent, Don't sell yourself short when it comes to learning something new. You might be surprised how quickly you pick this up.
Just my opinion, but I believe it does us good no matter what our ages are, to try and experience new things in our lives, and what you are doing is a prime example. Well done.
I personally have not used Fusion 360, but know of chaps that run the full-blown version to design,draw and run 5 Axis Machining centres, they love it. Obtaining things for free is great and I am onboard with doing the very same thing, I don't know what features are missing from the free version, I will be interested to hear how you are progressing in the coming weeks.
I mentioned in my previous post on the software I currently use and have been since 2009.
I went on to the Alibre website and had a poke around, which is something I don't normally do, however I did find a version for personal use called Atom3D. Had I been starting out in 3D modelling, I think it would have been worth considering. As well as free, I do like cheap also
(who doesn't) At $149 US and $50 US yearly support it isn't breaking the bank. The onsite video does provide a good demo. Have fun😊
Paul

OK, Ron
I am downloading Fusion 360, full well knowing it is well over my head. 😮😮
I'll be calling you for help!!😁😁 Just Kidding.
All kidding aside, I did take mechanical drawing in High School, loved it. Shame I did not pursue it.
Trev

Yes, 123D Design support was discontinued several years ago but still downloads were available from other sites. There are also helpful videos for it on YouTube. Easy to use but also does some amazing results for its simplicity. The downside is Autodesk removed their library for 123D Design models and no one (like Thingiverse) has the version 123D files for download.

Lew

I am looking at nanoCAD it has many similarities to the commands and placement of toolbars
I reviewed the
Introducing nanoCAD11 - Lesson 1

Lew,

123D Design is no longer available. Autodesk has discontinued it.

Hi Stephen
I have used Fusion 360 in the past ( the free version for non commercial use) and with certain restrictions on the number of active documents you can work on at any time it is fine for a hobbyist. You can save your non active documents and swop to active subject to a max 10 active so no real problem. I have just reinstalled a copy as my present PC did not have it installed. I found the installation challenging as you use Autodesk's site to install and need to select the UK site along the way (if UK based). You will be allocated a user name as well as the email address you register and I used the auto generated password. Finally got it working but unlike other programs the sign in will not pick up the saved username or password so you have to enter this manually each time. There may be a setting to avoid this but I just created a text file on my PC and copy and paste to the login screen. I could just change to a very simple password but I prefer a certain level of protection of my data.
So there is no need to pay and it works with some effort to learn the program on the part of the user.

dave976

I’m confused now on Fusion 360. I’ve downloaded the free for personal use version. I’m sure if you’re not generating an income above a certain threshold you can use that software for free? I think it’d apply to most of us here using it just for our hobby?

Stephen

Ron, what Autodesk does, does not surprise me a bit. Both of my Autodesk products are not supported but still works for me. The 123D Design does act a little weird after I use it for a couple of days and I have to restart the app then I am OK for a while.

Fusion 360 right now is under $400 (US) per year "on sale" - wow, that is about eight times what I bought the Autosketch 9 for 10-12 years ago on a CD and still runs great (for me). Someone is selling it on Ebay for $39.99 US). There are tutorials on youTube if you want to look at it.

I just took a look at Delftship - looks interesting but is not for me. It looks rather "artistic" rather than functionable.

When I have a need for 2D drawings it usually for design parts, i.e., motor mounts, structures, etc., and if I need to do a whole boat because no drawings exist.

The majority of my of my CAD work is 3D modeling because I can print it. From servo mounts to superstructures and almost everything in between I use 123D Design solid modeling. Tonight I am working on a motor mount - its printing right now.

Lew