On Sep 25, 9:17 pm, Le Chaud Lapin wrote:
Hi All,

I have never really used a CAD program to design anything.
I am definitely not interested in finding out by trial and error.

I post to CCS because the presentation of SolidWorks on its
website gives me the feeling that they understand these issues
and attacked them head on, but any CAD package would do.

Finally, I prefer cheap over expensive.

-Le Chaud Lapin-

My recommendation is to get an overview introduction through a
school's CAD training class. CAD is only one small part of any design
& engineering project.

Cheap: As is commonly said, you get what you pay for. SolidWorks at
$4000 US may be considered expensive. A more important consideration
in the end, is when you have to supply 3D Solids files to people you
collaborate with and manufacturing companies for CNC work. You will
need to send them files in the format they need to do their work.

Learning to model in a 3D CAD program will NOT give you the elements
of mechanical engineering, design, & aircraft engineering specifics.
I would expect you to spend even more time learning engineering
issues, than the CAD side of the project.

Bo