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06-04-2015, 05:13 PM #1
- Join Date
- Apr 2015
- Location
- Lakeport, CA.
- Posts
- 174
Open source alternatives to FreeCAD?
I'm throwing in the towel on FreeCAD. While I have no ME or CAD background/training, I know a bug when I see one (or many). FreeCAD has too many, and it's too much of a frustration collecting an ever more cumbersome bunch of workarounds.
Part of the problem probably lies in the fact that I'm trying to use it on Linux and OS/X, when I suspect it's most commonly used on Windows. I also realize that it's probably designed for someone who DOES have a CAD background, and is optimized for particular usage patterns. The problem seems to be when you go outside well traveled paths, it just falls over.
I'll admit, I probably don't need a full-blown CAD package to do what I want to do. What I want to do is:
- Design/print the occasional SIMPLE mechanical part/tool.
- Design/print specialized artsy things that mostly relate to pottery, and that originate usually from some sort of 2D vector drawing, with the intent, usually, of extruding/lofting them to simple cookie-cutter-like tools.
Since it's on the short list of tools that seem to have proven themselves on most platforms, I think OpenSCAD will be the way to go with the first requirement. I've just resisted the learning curve. But..., if when I started messing around w/ FreeCAD I knew what I know now..., I would DEFINITELY have switched to OpenSCAD.
On the artsy side..., Blender? Talk about a learning curve. I don't know what abilities OpenSCAD may have regarding importing things and then operating upon them, so perhaps it could be an option.
Anyways, would anybody care to share their experience/thoughts on tools for designing things, that are available on BOTH Linux and OS/X? Preferably "open source", but if the tool is priced for a dilettante or hobbyist such as myself, then commercial stuff is a possibility.
BambuX1Carbon($2k) vs MarkTwo($20k)
05-31-2024, 12:45 PM in 3D Printers (Hardware)