Setting up CAD on a Mac

[Cheeseburger]

Hi there. Long time Mac user here, wanting to learn out the realm of 3D scanning, CAD and CNC programming. My first port of call is to get my head around 3D design - Autocad.

 

I know Autocad is available for Mac, but due to my wider interest in 3D scanning and CNC programming I think it would be wiser of me to stick within the Windows operating platform. Luckily, I can set up my Mac to run both OSX and Win platforms.

 

 

I've not regularly used a Windows-based computer since my university days 12 years ago. As such, i'm wondering which version of Win would be considered the best/most stable platform for current release CAD software?

[tzframpton]

You're right - Windows based platforms is what you'll need as a prerequisite for the full array of software you'll need. Windows 7 and 8/8.1 works just fine for all latest Autodesk-based software. Couldn't tell you in regards to CNC programming and G-Code. You'll have to refer to whatever system's software requirements that you'll be using.

[JD Mather]

Are you a student?

If so, you might want to learn Inventor instead.

http:\\http://www.autodesk.com\edcommunity

 

or

Autodesk Fusion 360 will run on Mac OS and includes Fusion CAM technology preview.

http://fusion360.autodesk.com/resources

[Cheeseburger]

No, i'm 35. I'm actually an offshore welder looking to change careers into another facet of fabrication. I want to test the waters by servicing my hobbies (guitar and car part making), eventually scaling up if I find I have a knack for it.

[tzframpton]

Gotta agree with JD... forget AutoCAD. Jump right into the industry standard with a newer and better platform such as Inventor.

[Cheeseburger]

OK, thanks guys. Seems I need to ask a lot more questions before I jump into anything. Maybe if I give more detail you can advise me within this thread?

 

Basically, I have a $10K plan in which I hope I can set up a cottage industry. I plan to buy a handheld 3D scanner (most likely a Fuel 3D, when they hit the shelves), CAD software, Mach 3 Software, and the remaining I will set aside for a CNC router. With this setup I figure I can make certain items, make moulds/templates for reproduction, and also develop code for milling, gear cutting, etc.

 

Firstly, I want to learn as much as possible about CAD programming. I plan to cut my teeth by building a few 'virtual' guitars and random obsolete car parts. I imagine these items will be challenging to design (for a beginner), but by the time i'm able to render a 1959 Les Paul and send it to Mach 3 or routing I should have a fair idea of the basics. From there I want to learn how to 3D scan input/design much more challenging shapes, such a car quarter panels, dashboards, custom intake manifolds... the list could go on.

 

I imagine it'll be a couple of years before i'm game to step out on my own, in the mean time I can trial and error my way to success. If worse comes to worst I still have a career as a welder I can fall back on.

[Tiger]

Perhaps take a look at the programs that you are intending to use, and see what filetypes they handle. AutoCADs big advantage is that it can be basic and handle basic shapes - but like the rest of your responders, I doubt that it will be the best program for you. (that said, these guys will go through fire to convince you that 3D is the way to go :wink: )

 

A quick look at some websites I found:

 

Mach 3: Allows direct import of DXF, BMP, JPG, and HPGL files through LazyCam

 

Fuel 3D: Fuel3D exports into a range of commonly used 3D file formats, including .STL .OBJ and .PLY with color.

 

So you need something that can import from Fuel 3D and Export to Mach 3.

 

Perhaps something to keep in mind.

 

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

(I have a husband that builds guitars, have a steel one here at home, very cool )

[Cheeseburger]

An afternoon of looking and it seems Rhino 3D would be my most practical starting point. I may even trial their Mac beta platform right now.

 

Forgive me if i'm off the mark, but could one suggest the main software options in the CAD industry are homogenising toward a common product? I'm guessing after two decades of development most programs would be fairly similar in content and options? Hmmm....

[Tiger]

Oh noes, now you've done it, now you get to see the dark side of CadTutor!

 

Nah,just kidding

 

Me personally, I think while the programs willl be more and more similar (the developers look at each others products, and cherry pick what they want to implement in their own product), I doubt that there will be just the one CAD-software in the end. When I get question (I work for a reseller of Autodesks products with training and support) about AutoCAD and why there is just soo much one can do there, I always answer that it's a program that every type of engineer can use, ofcourse it will try and cover everything and be (in some respects) very complex! There are so many professions that use CAD-software that I don't think that one program can service them all to the extent the clients want.

[JD Mather]

Basically, I have a $10K plan....

 

You will need more than that for a decent scanner and software (for the scanner, not including CAD yet).

Put the scanner on the back burner for a while (advanced topic).

 

On that budget - check out Fusion 360 (I think it is $25/month, but not sure).

Runs on Mac OS, has Fusion CAM, but you have to have internet access as it is a cloud-based program.

At least you can get into learning the CAD on the cheap.

[tzframpton]

I imagine it'll be a couple of years before i'm game to step out on my own, in the mean time I can trial and error my way to success. If worse comes to worst I still have a career as a welder I can fall back on.

Instead of using your welding skills as something to "fall back on" why not combine it with your CAD endeavors? Take a look at my smoker project where I combined my CAD skills and welding skills, along with some flat pattern CNC laser cutting: http://imgur.com/a/atzmk

 

Since you already know the welding trade I'd say that you're ahead of the game. CAD doesn't perform magic... you have to know where you want to go as you're designing. CAD platforms can assist in lots of areas, but it makes a great minder even greater.

 

Feel free to keep asking questions. Lots of folks here to answer.

[zaphod]

Try to build a CNC router, as far a CAD/CAM packages go, you get what you pay for, most of them have their own ability to create 3D models as well as import DWG's .STP and on and on.

From what I have learned from my CNC machining career it is often better to create the lines/models in the package that is going to process the G-code, rather than import it. And trust no one else's drawings unless they are paying "to machine exactly this shape to its size and scale" so many people overwrite dimensions its sad really.