What easy software are you using to do sketches...

[Owen Evans]

Hi Bob,

I use AutoCAD, but only because that's what I have at work!

A friend has been using FreeCAD, (https://www.freecadweb.org/) which he says is easy to use. And like the name suggests, it's free! Attached a couple of snapshots of some hand pump valve parts off his Bedford MWC that he sketched up. Certainly looks impressive; I probably need to spend some time having a proper look at this software.

Owen.

[Tony Smith]

Hey, can I butt in here and ask another software question?

What software would I use to design a drawing with text within a donut-shaped circle, by specifying the ID and OD of the donut, and the text and height of the letters? I must be able to specify the height of the letters as a measurement (eg 5/16", 0.750", or 10mm, etc), not at say a font size of 24, or 36.

I need to produce a scaled image, then print it for photo-etching brass plaques.

[Jonathan Moore]

I use QCad, it takes a little bit of time to get used to but in reality it's very easy to use. As I produce the components myself I have never needed the 3D side of things.

Jon

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Hey, can I butt in here and ask another software question?

What software would I use to design a drawing with text within a donut-shaped circle, by specifying the ID and OD of the donut, and the text and height of the letters? I must be able to specify the height of the letters as a measurement (eg 5/16", 0.750", or 10mm, etc), not at say a font size of 24, or 36.

I need to produce a scaled image, then print it for photo-etching brass plaques.

Not sure. AutoCAD has a tool that lets you align text across a curve. The problem is you are limited to specific font styles, so it depends what you're trying to achieve/replicate. Although it's not on a curve, I wanted to do something similar for my C15 water bowser. Not happy with the available fonts, I ended up drawing each letter out individually. Time consuming, but I'm pleased with the end product.

I suppose with time (and patience!) something similar could be done following a curve?

Owen.

[gjamo]

You can wrap text around a surface with KeyCreator.

[Jonathan Moore]

You can also do that in Qcad

[Bob Carriere]

Two votes for Qcad, Freecad and KeyCreator added libre CAD and Sketchup.......

Will try them out.

My goal is to produce some clean line drawings in 2D of various CMP components like the cargo box (2B1) with dimensions, 2 gal POW holders, etc.

The drawings are really necessary to communicate effectively with the metal fabricator who will cut and bend the various pieces according to the drawings I supply...... then I can assemble/MIG them at the Barn. We can do the smaller parts with the 40 in. pan/box brake but the tailgate in 14 gauge and the headboard are too wide at 81+ inches.

Thanks for the input guys. More suggestions or personal experience with similar software will be appreciated.

Bob C

[Matthew P]

I've been using SketchUp for several years now. This year I spent the money on the Pro version so I can export files to my metal fabricator to feed into their CNC laser cutter. But if you just need human readable files then SketchUp is free.

As for the curved text you are looking at something like Inkscape (free) or Adobe Illustrator (subscription fee). That is in the graphic arts realm. I have a friend who has the pay for it software and will do work for me for $25 USD a drawing. She did the logo for our business and also our Christmas ornament design.

Matt