I just have to share this! First, I'm not promoting any company. I stumbled on this while looking for free-cheap CAD software to help me with a few things I'm playing with. This company provides a free CAD software for you to design parts and it links to them for quotes and orders. That's great if you have a business and need any volume. What lit me up is that this free software has standard DXF file export so you can take any design to your local small jobber and get custom parts. Even neater, it has 3D modeling so you can look at your parts in advance. There is even a simple rotation function that I have used to "move" parts and see how they act in relation to others. You can do basic brackets to complex sprockets and hinges. You can see my screen shots below and find instructional videos on their web site. Take a look, play with it and go make friends with your local CNC cutting guy! http://www.emachineshop.com/audio/index.htm
that is quite revolutionary..removes so many steps from producing components..amazing. Im going to have to load this onto dads computer..(im on a mac)
I should add, you really have to view the tutorial videos on their web site to get any idea of just how capable this little tool is. One of the better segments demonstrates design of a milled part with recessed bores, curved surfaces and threaded holes. Have fun!
I also stumbled across that site a couple of years ago. Had enough plans to 'work out', but nothing ever came done of course. Now I know some guys who can help me out with lasercutting and such when needed. It's sure a great concept when you're kinda in a jam and really need to have something made after you've drawn it out.
I almost forgot to close the loop on this one! I have a buddy that does regular business with a local that has a nice cnc plasma cutter. I've given him 3 different files and gotten back great parts for very little cash. (It pays to have friends in the right places!) Anyways... Here you go. Finished parts. I only debured the small holes and trued the edge of the big holes since a plasma cut isn't quite square. (only laser cutting is. Even water jet has a slight angle to the cut.)
emachine shop's software is pretty cool and capable. It also allows you to design sheetmetal parts - something the 3d CAD that I bought requires an added cost upgrade to do. The only problem I found with it is the need for frequent updates......which can be a problem for rural folks like me who are stuck with dial up Your parts came out nice! Tim D.
Yeah, this is very cool software! I've also used it now for the last 2 or 3 years. The great thing about it is that it's so easy learn unlike (i.m.o.) AutoCad. I export to DXF and send off to the local profiling shop where they laser cut my parts for me as well as the odd bending. They now have a CNC bender which does make the bending jobs a bit more expensive but obviously more accurate too. I'm having quite a few parts made this way for my '34 Chev project, like the 4-link mounting brackets, engine mounts, headlight mounts, suicide spring perches, etc. It's also cool for doing layouts to see how parts relate to each other. I would however like to be able to place different parts together in an "***embled" view as you can sometimes only see that way if the item's design will work. Here are a few of my screenshots:
Here is the radio bracket I designed with this software for my '53 Chevy. I had the pieces cut and simply placed them together like a jig-saw puzzle and welded them together. It sits in the opening behind the stock dash speaker grille. The grille will be mounted to the two hinge arms (also done witjh this software) you see sticking out. That way the dash looks stock and the glove compartment stays functional. Do yourselves the favour and try it out - it's worth the time. They also have very easy to follow tutorials that only takes a few minutes to run through.
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