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CAD or Tech Drawing package
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luckyjoe
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Frenchtown, NJ
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Jan 20, 2000, 11:41 AM
 
I am looking for a decent drawing package to run on a 266mHz iMac Rev. C. I used to run Canvas 3 on a PB 540 and never upgraded to the more recent versions.

I need to create technical drawings for eventual manufacture by a machine shop. Dimensional drawing, contours, extrusion and shaping are is probably the minimum CAD-type feature I need, but more features would be welcome. I will not have to provide digital files for manufacture, only printed drawings.
Any suggestions for software?

Are there reasonably priced CAD programs or am I stuck with a kitchen sink like Canvas? Does the latest version of Canvas even perform well for this funcion?

Tom P.
Rev. C iMac
     
vatin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
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Jan 21, 2000, 11:57 AM
 
Hi

I have used Diehl Graphsoft Minicad and now VectorWorks. Its a very nice package, well featured and can do almost everything you need and more. Also its very easy to learn and to use. I recommend you to visit their web page at:
http://www.dielgraphsoft.com

and download the tryout of VectorWorks.

In my opinion its the best not-only-architectural CAD avaiable.
Jose 'vatin' Restrepo
     
tr
Mac Elite
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Columbus, Ohio
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Jan 21, 2000, 12:23 PM
 
the link above is incorrect (because i just tried it). it's missing an "h"

use this one
http://www.diehlgraphsoft.com


tr
     
cejones
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Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
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Jan 21, 2000, 12:37 PM
 
I agree, Vectorworks is the best mac CAD program currently available.
     
peewee
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Jan 21, 2000, 12:44 PM
 
tra powerCADD, its really powerfull 2d app, easy to use isometrics when you buy the wild tool package too.
the light versions of both are reasonably at $350. it's absolutetly for pro's.
for easy to use 3d try designworkshop lite, best is: its free, though limited to angular shapes (in 3d).
     
Planner
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Jan 21, 2000, 01:35 PM
 
Look at PowerCadd or PowerDraw Lite. I've used PowerDraw/PowerCadd since 1988. It is the best by far 2D package available. I've tried them all. As previously noted the PowerDraw Lite / Wildtools Lite bundle is about $ 340.00. For what you're talking about it will be great. These are by Engineered Software (www.engsw.com)
Good Luck. They also have a demo you can download to try it out.
     
Gordon Hawley
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Jan 21, 2000, 02:16 PM
 
MacDraft is the best 2D CAD package out there - IMHO. ;-)
     
kevinm
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Jan 21, 2000, 02:47 PM
 
Architosh is the definitive Mac CADD web site.They have descriptions and links to many CADD and related applications. http://www.architosh.com/
     
Cyberassassin
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Jan 21, 2000, 02:48 PM
 
As far as what you are looking for, Vectorworks might be up your ally. As for the most powerful mac CAD Application, I use Archicad. It is one of the best for 2D and 3D. I woudl check out www.architosh.com. They have a great list of resources....

     
James M. Zavislan
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Jan 21, 2000, 03:58 PM
 
The best package I can recommned is Ashlar Vellum 3D. We use it extensively. It is very easy to learn and is as powerful as Autocad. They even have a 2-D version of the program for $50.00 that is very good as well. We used to use Canvas and than we went to Vellum.

It can export to CNC machines and has IGES and DXF import/export. It is great.
     
biglouie
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Jan 22, 2000, 11:34 AM
 
I have used Minicad since version 4 and now Vectorworks. Highly recommended for architectural and engineering use.
     
   
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