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

[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

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Bob

One thing I've learned the hard way is to confirm if measurements are inside or outside of the bend. Ask them how they indicate the difference on their drawings. I had one project bent up for me the whole thing was off either over or under by 1 or 2 thicknesses of the metal.

There are conventions for how to measure and draw for sheet metal drawings but I can't find my metalworking books right now, but the probably changed how they do it now anyway.

Let us know what you find out.

This thread has been interesting to me, years ago I paid a lot for a good CAD program which worked great until they kept changing operating systems on computers. Just because I expect a computer to last twenty years.

Cheers Phil

[Bob Carriere]

Hoping t find a drawing software for free of the occasional CMP we produce and be able to post my work with proper dimensions for future reference.

Fusion 360, a spin off the AUTODESK, is claimed to give the best on a one year free hobbyist license...........however it is complex.

I though that maybe learning AUTODESK would occupy my mind during the covid period....... did not realize it would add more aggravations and anxiety.

Hope you and your family are doing well.

Bob C