Michael Horne

At the moment, I use TinkerCad for my modelling. I'm finding myself hitting the limits of what it can do, especially when I want to make something rounded (too many segments!)

What's the next best option with the least pain? I was thinking FreeCAD, as it's free, but don't KNOW if that's the best option in terms of learning curve. I've tried 3DS before but it was "too much" for me old brain! 🙂

Mar 5 at 1:15pmWeb
Show threadjamesb (MW1CGG)Mar 5
@recantha Tried OpenSCAD? It's good if you're more programming minded.
Show threadMichael HorneMar 5
@jamesb I think I need something fairly "visual". I'm used to the whole "Add a shape, change a shape" of TinkerCad. At the moment, though, I'm interested in anything which isn't going to kill my poor brain! ;-)
Show threadGordonMar 5
@recantha From what I understand (I didn't cross over from a different CAD package) Freecad isn't the smoothest of learning curves, but a lot of work has gone into making it easier than it was. I recommend the Mango Jelly tutorials on YouTube if you want to try it.
Show threadkianryan ☑️🐙🏳️‍🌈Mar 5
@GordonTGopher @recantha Seconded. I teach FreeCAD now, and it's very teachable. A very different package to a few years ago.
Show threadMichael HorneMar 5
@GordonTGopher Oh MY that's a lot of videos!
Show threadGordonMar 5
@recantha It is! I found they were in good bite size chunks for tired brains. You can also skip some until you need to use a particular function.
Show threadNathan DumontMar 5
@recantha I like FreeCAD. I had been taught a different parametric CAD tool before but found the skills pretty transferable. I've found investing time in learning a tool is more likely to pay off if it's open source. I spent a while persisting with KiCAD over 15 years ago while everyone else was using Eagle but I'm very glad I did now!
Show threadMichael HorneMar 5
@hairymnstr Oh yes.... THAT debacle!