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.

  • @[email protected]
    1•8 months ago

    For quick, uncomplicated parts, SolveSpace works pretty well. It’s missing some features (like chamfers) that limit the kind of parts you can design, but it’s lightweight and relatively easy to use.

    For everything beyond that, FreeCAD seems to be the only option (Or one of its forks, I find Ondsel easier to use). It has some issues and a pretty steep learning curve, but it is open source and you can design basically anything with it.