Need advice for Drawing/Designing Software

[tyoneal]

Hello:

I am wanting to do some designing on some projects I am working on. These are Automotive oriented, and therefore would appreciate a few suggestions with this in mind.

Here is what platform I am using:

Mac Power Book
1.5 Ghz Power PC G4
1 GB DDR SDRam

I don't have much experience with this type of software, so I would like to get a program that is (Hopefully) somewhat intuitive, and/or relatively quick to get up and working.

Would like to be able to do some basic design work (Visually), and as things move forward, work out the engineering necessary for a prototype.

Would like to have a data base with it, or access to stock graphics of the basic muscle cars we work with, as well as basic components. (If possible)

Drawing, Modifying, Coloring, shading, setting tone and shading, 3D rotation just the basic stuff. Would like not to buy a professional program just because of the initial outlay of cash involved and the complications with some of those is huge.

If it has packets that can be bought at a later time to expand the capabilities, that would be fine.

Would prefer something mainstream enough where additional instructional (Printed) help, or a forum might exist with other users. (Drawing for Dummies etc.);-)

Automotive Designing/Drawing is the primary use, technical representations would be secondary if it is a choice between the two. Definitely would rather have both.

If I can graphically produce something that will convey an accurate concept, and do enough engineering where I can know if the idea is at least possible with available materials, that would be perfect.

I can take it to a P.E. and they can refine it down, double check my calculation, and I can get something in my hand for prototype costing and economic evaluation.

That's all! (lol)

Thanks for your help,

Best Regards,

Ty O'Neal

[ironworks]

Solidworks

[ccracin]

Solidworks

I couldn't agree more, but wait till he gets a quote. Hang on to something!

[Garage Dog 65]

There are a couple others:

Check AutoDesk - they build AutoCad, AutoCad Lite and QuickCad/QuickSketch (and many others). I use QuickCad at home and it's an entry level product. You can add plug ins that allow you to import/export files in standard autocad formats used in CAM. Once you have a need to go up to AutoCad - you have already used the drawing interface. I think I got QuickCad for $180.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=331041&siteID=123112

At work we use a Mac platform. We use VectorWorks 2008 here in engineering. It's much easier then command line drawing like what is in AutoCad. I started CAD work on a MAC using MiniCad (product is now Vectorworks) and it was very easy to learn/operate. You can start with VectorWorks Fundamentals as an entry level product - and then upgrade as needed.

http://www.nemetschek.net/

I recently ordered SolidWorks for $200 for home use.

http://www.solidworks.com/

Here's a free download demo if you want to try it out first.

http://mkt.solidworks.com/emarketing_enu/start.swe?CID=1-6G7S4F&SSId=1-6FWIOJ&SWEMethod=StartSS&SWECmd=InvokeMethod&PRO=1-NKZ7N&SWENargs=SSId%3D1-6FWIOJ%2CSSName%3DGoogle+Premium+Demo+external+sho rt%2CSSLC%3D%2CSSCC%3D%2CCID%3D1-6G7S4F%2CCOID%3D1-6G7S4L%2CPRO%3D1-NKZ7N&COID=1-6G7S4L&_sn=lk2ZsGQj5s-QKLQr9586J9L6QbtGtWtUNoizleWil74_&SWEView=URLRouter&SWEHo=mkt.solidworks.com&SWETS=1199119228&SWEApplet=SSRoute&SSName=Google+Premium+Demo+external+short

Jim

[tyoneal]

There are a couple others:

Check AutoDesk - they build AutoCad, AutoCad Lite and QuickCad/QuickSketch (and many others). I use QuickCad at home and it's an entry level product. You can add plug ins that allow you to import/export files in standard autocad formats used in CAM. Once you have a need to go up to AutoCad - you have already used the drawing interface. I think I got QuickCad for $180.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=331041&siteID=123112

At work we use a Mac platform. We use VectorWorks 2008 here in engineering. It's much easier then command line drawing like what is in AutoCad. I started CAD work on a MAC using MiniCad (product is now Vectorworks) and it was very easy to learn/operate. You can start with VectorWorks Fundamentals as an entry level product - and then upgrade as needed.

http://www.nemetschek.net/

I recently ordered SolidWorks for $200 for home use.

http://www.solidworks.com/

Here's a free download demo if you want to try it out first.

http://mkt.solidworks.com/emarketing_enu/start.swe?CID=1-6G7S4F&SSId=1-6FWIOJ&SWEMethod=StartSS&SWECmd=InvokeMethod&PRO=1-NKZ7N&SWENargs=SSId%3D1-6FWIOJ%2CSSName%3DGoogle+Premium+Demo+external+sho rt%2CSSLC%3D%2CSSCC%3D%2CCID%3D1-6G7S4F%2CCOID%3D1-6G7S4L%2CPRO%3D1-NKZ7N&COID=1-6G7S4L&_sn=lk2ZsGQj5s-QKLQr9586J9L6QbtGtWtUNoizleWil74_&SWEView=URLRouter&SWEHo=mkt.solidworks.com&SWETS=1199119228&SWEApplet=SSRoute&SSName=Google+Premium+Demo+external+short

Jim
======================================
Where did you find Solid Works for $200?

Was it a special student deal?

Thanks,

Ty

[Garage Dog 65]

Yes, it's the student package direct from Solid Works. It's the full program - just isn't licensed for someone who will be building and selling designs or files. I work in a Training department so I get access to the lower cost.

[HWY Nova]

Definitely SolidWorks.

I have used SolidWorks (virtually daily, including weekends) since the beginning of 2000. It is one of the easiest to learn. I admit I had 8 years of Pro-E before that and years of AutoCAD before that.

Like any CAD system, you have to use it to become proficient at it. Being able to think in three-dimensions is an advantage. None of the CAD systems on the market will teach you that, they are simply tools that can be used to express your creativity.

CAD is great for a car-builder to get technical on design/layout for front and rear suspension (for example), as well as coming up with a frame layout, or a cool instrument cluster design. The possibilities are endless.

--Eric

[96z28ss]

Isn't a power book a laptop?
You can use a laptop but for 3d models its real slow.

[Jason@Driverz]

Ty,
I am pretty sure that you can only get Solidworks for P.C./Windows based computer, therefore you could not run it on a Mac. I have a similar laptop and was looking into an AutoCAD program myself.

Here are a couple of sites that I had book marked.

http://www.architosh.com/

http://www.csi-concepts.com/index.htm

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/imaging_3d/index_top.html

I really couldn't find anything that fit in my budget ($0), but good luck finding something.

Thank you,

Jason

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

Ty, I am a mac guy myself and I use a program called MODO. Now its not an engineering type software but more of a modeling/graphics software. It is quite deep and will require some commitment to use but the results can be see on my website.

MODO site (http://www.luxology.com/whatismodo/)

my site (http://www.carterhickmandesigns.com)

Goodluck with your search!

Carter

[HWY Nova]

The perceived slowness of a laptop/notebook computer is based on the graphics driver. My laptop has no problem whatsoever running SolidWorks..... without slowing down.

I called my SolidWorks distributor and asked about running it on a MAC. He is getting back to me. I'll post his answer when I get a response.

I have heard, however, that SolidWorks 2009 is being coded such that it will work on a MAC (only a rumor at this point!).

--Eric

[ironworks]

I knew nothing and I had never used any other program and within days I could design parts and have them cut. No I can design parts, send them to Eric ( Hwy Nova ) and he can fix my design and make it so much better, and we have some of our parts on the way from the machine shop now.

Before I could not read and now I can, Hooked on Phonics worked for me.

That program is really nice and friendly, Just finance it, I got it through a leasing company and it is worth the payment every month without doubt. I bought a bunch of new equipment a few months ago and that was the program I got. I have it at work and on my lap top. It is faster on my lap top, but a smaller screen.

Rodger

[Garage Dog 65]

Power Macs have the ability to run PC and Mac stuff. Not exactly sure what Ty is running for hardware - is a 'powerbook' considered one of the Power Mac line of machines ?

We have Power Macs here in Engineering and they can run both Windows and Mac OS files - even at the same time. We have a couple setup with dual bootup capability with dual screens - literally mousing into the left screen and it's Windows with Word, Excel etc. - move over into the right screen and it's all the Mac desktop and OS programs.

[tyoneal]

Power Macs have the ability to run PC and Mac stuff. Not exactly sure what Ty is running for hardware - is a 'powerbook' considered one of the Power Mac line of machines ?

We have Power Macs here in Engineering and they can run both Windows and Mac OS files - even at the same time. We have a couple setup with dual bootup capability with dual screens - literally mousing into the left screen and it's Windows with Word, Excel etc. - move over into the right screen and it's all the Mac desktop and OS programs.
===========================

Here is my Hardware info:
Hardware Overview:

Machine Name: PowerBook G4 15"
Machine Model: PowerBook5,4
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.5 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.8.6f0

Is this helpful?

Ty

[tyoneal]

Yes, it's the student package direct from Solid Works. It's the full program - just isn't licensed for someone who will be building and selling designs or files. I work in a Training department so I get access to the lower cost.
==========================

Here is one form of solidworks that is in the "SCHOOL" program for $89.

http://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/marketdisp.html?PartNo=849761

It doesn't mention MAC's specifically, but I think I found another one that did say this computer would run it.

If you learn otherwise, let me know.

I was also searching some of the different sites that advertise schools that teach this program. I figure I'll use them if our local Junior College doesn't.

The license duration on the school programs I found was 24 months. However, when I talked to Solidworks two years for that money is a lot cheaper than the $4000, they wanted for the Office version. (Holy Crap!!)

The site above has a lot of different design programs here are some of the others.

http://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/market.html?category_id=244464

Basically, if I could learn to use the program reasonably well, do some designing, rendering etc. I'd be a happy camper.:D
==============================================

Thanks to Everyone that has taken the time to write so far, I really appreciate it.

Please feel free to add some more comments or info as you see fit.

Best Regards,

Ty

[Jason@Driverz]

Power Macs have the ability to run PC and Mac stuff. Not exactly sure what Ty is running for hardware - is a 'powerbook' considered one of the Power Mac line of machines ?

We have Power Macs here in Engineering and they can run both Windows and Mac OS files - even at the same time. We have a couple setup with dual bootup capability with dual screens - literally mousing into the left screen and it's Windows with Word, Excel etc. - move over into the right screen and it's all the Mac desktop and OS programs.


the "Mac Pro" has the ability to run multi- OS through emulation. It has a current CPU is Intel. "Power Mac" refers to older G3/G4/G5 chipsets that were created by Motorola "PowerPC". That has since spun off of Motorola and is its own company, producing chips for Sony Playstation and Nintendo.

There are several unix based engineering programs that are adaptable to Mac OSX (ten). Beacause of this they are used in mathamatical based environments.

PC = Win-Tel based system Windows/Intel
Mac= Mac OSX (ten) regardless of the CPU

Ty is running a PowerPC (PPC) G4 @1.5Ghz, there will be no way Solidworks is going to run on his set up. I have a similar based laptop set up. I would run it in a heartbeat if I could.

Let me know if you find a good Mac AutoCAD program.

-Jason

P.S. I should point out with lots of $$/Time it is possible to install PC cards on Power Mac towers. However this point is moot since we are discussing laptops.

[Garage Dog 65]

Thanks Jason for the feedback - sounds like you nailed it. I'll check with my IT guys at work tomorrow and see what they are running on their Mac workstations that let them run PC stuff. Thx !

[96z28ss]

I moonlight after my 9-5 job and have Unigraphics NX and it cost $11k and it costs $2,700 a year in licensing.

I mostly design stuff after work for a company that does Tier 1 stuff for the automotive industry.

If anyone here wants stuff designed, my rates are resonable. Any little bit helps in getting my car done

[tyoneal]

Thanks again guys for the continued input. I am watching daily to stay up with what transpires.

Maybe it's time to get an upgrade?:D

Looking at my Now Due Property Tax Bills, Maybe Not. ;)

Thanks again,

Ty

[Garage Dog 65]

Checked with our IT Mac support guys. They said "it's time to upgrade" .... don't they always say that ??!! (especially when it's not their money...)

They did provide a couple solutions:

On a G4 you can run VirtualPC (which is $soft - software company that purchased Connectix) - and install a copy of Windows. They don't sell it direct anymore - but here is a link to purchase it (this is version 5 - you might be able to find version 6):

http://www.amazon.com/Virtual-5-0-Mac-Windows-Home/dp/B00005TZTX

Jason, they are running an emulator card in their towers. That allows them to run Win/Mac apps at the same time. You got it correct sir !

They were also concerned about your graphics cards ability to keep up with the intense graphic environment of Solidworks - even in emulation. Again they recommended upgrading and suggested: a 17" MacbookPro, 2GB RAM, and Parallels and WinXPsp2 to run it.

Hope that helps !

Jim

[DDY RCKT]

I don't know if it'll run on a mac, but I've been working with Autodesk's new Alias Studio Automotive version, and it's really trick! You can run it two ways, as a CAD program, or a sketch program.

[tyoneal]

To All:

Are any of you familiar with this product?

IMSI TurboCAD Mac Pro v3

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?s=topSellers&fnode=home/shop_mac/software/pro_design&nplm=TQ170LL/A&mco=5813C4A

Here is a list of the MAC Software dealing with designing.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=1F085899&node=home/shop_mac/software/pro_design

Anther page, (Some Overlaps)

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=C6543E2C&node=home/shop_mac/software/creative_software

Based on your knowledge, does any of this look like it would be able to create a drawing and put it into such a format that other programs could read it enough to cut a part or ???

Thanks for any help further that you can offer. I'm still struggling a bit with the right choice.

Thanks again for all your help.

Best Regards,

Ty