A friend of mine just bought a used water jet. The machine came with some antiquated autocad software which is a pain to learn and use. I believe the computer that operates the machine reads dxf files so any cad software that can create such a file will work. Does anyone here know of an inexpensive program what whould have the basic functions and maybe some fonts and such that would be able to create dxf files? Thanks.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
There's a constant source of clean water for you to use, and all you have to do is collect it.
Featured Video
SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than BeforeHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
AutoCad LT
It's been years since I've bought it, but AutoCade LT used to be around $300-$400 dollars and did everything the basic drafter would need. You might be able to buy an older copy on Ebay or Craigslist for half that. '
(not sure if this link willl work but I'll give it a try)
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=autocad+lt&tag=mh0b-20&index=software&hvadid=65232335&ref=pd_sl_52lcc7f48w_e#/ref=sr_nr_p_36_3?rh=n%3A229534%2Ck%3Aautocad+lt%2Cp_36%3A677459011&bbn=229534&keywords=autocad+lt&ie=UTF8&qid=1294508461&rnid=386490011
Thanks for the swift response. I remember buying autocad lt ten years or so ago and giving up on it on account of it was too labor intensive. I switched to chief architect some years later and found it extremely user friendly. My buddy had autocad, I'm just trying to find a program that will do the cad functions available in chief without all the extra stuff chief does that drives up the cost. I'm sure autocad isn't something my metal fabricator is going to want to take the time to learn. If he can create dxf files on a simple cad program, that is as easy to operate as chief, he's in business doing the drawings for himself. At the moment he relies on the services of a fellow who took the time to figure out autocad.
p.s.
I actually watched the fellow who does my friend's inputting for him the other day. In using autocad he typed in all the commands, just the way I remember it in autocad LT. It's a pretty laborious way to go about doing a drawing. I did the same drawing in chief after I got home in a fraction of the time, and that guy knows his way around autocad.
Why not try Google's SketchUp Pro V.8
I would heartily recomend Google Sketchup 8 available for free at:
http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/gsu8/download.html
Only the Pro version has DXF export ability, but otherwise the interface is the same among all sketchup versions there. I was introduced to Sketchup a few years ago at architecture school and it's quite useful and accurate. plus you can't beat the price :-)
--
Jay
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the reply. I'm familiar with the free version of sketchup but I believe you're correct in that the dxf export ability only comes with the pay version. If I'm not mistaken it's fairly expensive. It would have way more capability than my friend needs so I'm looking to only pay for what he'll use.
Tom
Check out TurboCAD
I've been using programs from TurboCAD for about 13 years and have had very good luck. I currently use TurboCAD Designer 15 (the latest version available is 17). It's a 2D drafting program that has some pretty advanced features for a $50 program. It is a whole lot easier to learn than AutoCAD LT. I have never created files for a water jet, but I have had excellent results saving files I create with TurboCAD in various file formats, including .dwg (autocads native format) and .dxf files. I often create drawings with TurboCAD, save the files in .dwg format, and send them to professionals who use AutoCAD. I have never had a compatibility issue. TurboCAD also offers more advanced programs if you need more features (like 3D modeling) but it sounds like the basic Designer program may be just what you are looking for. turbocad.com
Thanks, that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I'll get right on it.