What CAD can you guys recommend for progressing beyond TinkerCAD?

I really enjoy OpenSCAD and will continue to build that skillset but sometimes I just want to much about with a mouse in 3D space. I used to really enjoy doing mockups in SketchUP when that was still a free Google project.

I’m definitely not designing engines or commercial products. I’m mostly just designing small things for the 3D printer.

Also, Open Source is a must. I’d rather struggle with a free product that could be made better than pay for a commercial product that does way more than what I need it for.

  • Aniki 🌱🌿@lemm.eeOPEnglish
    0·
    8 months ago

    My hangup with open source is mostly about affordability. There’s no real “casual” CAD licensed software. I pay Adobe the 10 bucks a month tax because it’s nice to have real Photoshop when I want it and my time is better spent doing a thing in Photoshop and moving on vs. learning gimp [just…no…] so I’m not morally opposed to a non-FOSS solution I just don’t want to spend the money.

    Definitely curious about Shape. Thanks!

    • wjrii@lemmy.worldMEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      I have gone on ad nauseum about my concerns over OnShape’s business model and lazy EULA, but if you use Linux exclusively and find you dislike FreeCAD, just know what you’re getting yourself into and it’s a fairly nice tool, as long as your internet is stable.

      Linux options for mature and full-featured mechanical CAD are… limited. Free ones even more so, as you’ve seen.