2D CAD software suggestions

[jabcb]

Am considering some parts for our two cafe builds that would be made via waterjet cutting & CNC bending.

Had considered using eMachineShop but I think I might have lined up a local company.
eMachineShop has free software that looks to be easy to use for this purpose.
But the local shop doesn’t give out free software.

Any suggestions for cheap/free CAD software that easy to use for these 2D parts?

[Flywheel]

I would think AutoCAD should have a free 30 day demo/trial version of their 2D software you could download. Most machine shops should be able to use their dwg format, if not, you should with the demo be able to create a dxf file of the drawing.

[MikeD]

iirc you can print out your emachine drawings with the measurements. Takes a bit to get to know the software, it can be odd in areas

I used to use an old version of autocad lite, but it doesn't run on my laptop anymore. I hear others are using google sketchup with good results, lots of tutorials out there for it.

[buzzer]

I am just doing the same and have used the free version of Solid edge 2d to design parts for my cafe racer build. There are some good tutorials out ther on how to use it as well.

Here is the link to the free software

http://m.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_ ... ge/free2d/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is a link to a tutorial i found to be good

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l4PfM3SWV2k" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is a link to my build.
https://jtccc.wordpress.com/our-motorbi ... afe-racer/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I am also happy to share the designs i have already done for the exhaust flanges, rear sets, rear brake steady, front mudguard bracket and i will be doing more over the next few weeks.

[akendall1966]

Try to Google free cad software there are various free packages out the freecad / sketch up of note

http://cad.about.com/od/Personal_CAD/tp ... ckages.htm

[jabcb]

Thanks for the tips.
Gives me something to look into on some boring cold winter nights.

We have just a few parts in mind. Its useful to know there are options for getting them designed & made.
For now, we are working on the GT250 motor & I’m collecting GT550 motor parts.

[jabcb]

Now finally getting started. Decided to go with AutoCAD Fusion 360.

[jabcb]

Rats.

Learned how to use Fusion 360 & drew up a simple CL450 exhaust bracket.
Looked for a sheet metal tutorial & found out that Fusion 360 doesn’t model sheet metal bending.

Now back to looking for a CAD package that models sheet metal bending.