I have experience with AutoCAD 2000-2013 and learning Solid Works at work. I plan on using the software for designing things to 3D print and just other random projects. I am looking for CAD engineering software. All the paid software I find is over $1k and the free software really lacks. there doesn't seem to be any middle ground for hobbyist from what I can find.
Don't say Sketchup.
Blender? There's probably a way to export models to 3D print out of it.
Blender is great I use it but its surface modeling meant for more artistic 3d creations. I'm looking for CAD Solid modeling for engineering.
I really wish there was something that could compete with SolidWorks that wasnt astronomically expensive but I dont think there actually is. Is it feasible for you to submit a request at your job to get a key for Solidworks?
No, I don't think so unless I'm doing work from home. But I need to avoid getting involved in that.
Isn't autoCAD offering a free student license for about 3 years? Or do you need to be in formal education for that? I use solidworks personally so I never looked to deeply into it.
I've heard good things about Sketchup.
I've also heard good things about 123D Design.
http://www.123dapp.com/design
my 3 years has expired :( However you can get autocad as a highschool student if you really wanted to, well you could not sure if you still can.
Looks like they have made some updated since I last looked at them, ill check them out again.
sketchup produces awful meshes, the more complex a model is the more work you need to put into cleaning it up in meshmixer.
Ill check them out too again they seem to have added some new features from when I last looked.
A coworker told me just now that apparently the 3 year licence is per software version, so you can download and install a newer version starting the 3 year period over again.
You chould get a educational copy of Autodesk Inventor which would be free.