Tinkercad is another free wed-based 3D design program which I have used for
4+ years to make designs to 3D print.  I find it much more intuitive for
beginners and that it has adequate power for the things I want to do.  It
is an Autodesk product.
Here's a part I designed to fix a washing machine:
https://www.tinkercad.com/things/9zdN2nEMbF8

Edward

On Mon, May 29, 2023 at 12:00 AM John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:

> Very cool!
>
> I'm very aware of the learning curves on these CAD programs.I kept Autocad
> on my computer for years until they figured out how to sell you  access to
> a web based version instead of you buying a hard copy to install on your
> own computer. That is when I gave it up. Too expensive for the little I was
> using it for. There are other programs, many free, that meet my needs.
>
> On Sun, May 28, 2023 at 7:51 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Do not underestimate the learning curve for CAD, Computer Aided Design.
> I
> > started in 1978; back then it was wireframe models on a MainFrame
> > computer....that's the best we had, and that was in aerospace.  Now we
> have
> > advanced to Solid Models, that easily runs on any modern home computer.
> > But it really takes time to learn how to use it, to end up with something
> > meaningful that can be sent to a 3D printer to actually form a part that
> > you can hold in your hand.  Fun to play around with though, some of these
> > Web based things (although I've never personally tried).  I still have an
> > ancient copy of Solidworks and am still proficient.  For goof off
> purposes,
> > I reverse engineered the little plastic trim piece on inboard forward
> edge
> > of seat pedestal (I lost one decades ago, but still had the other side).
> > Only cost me $1.38 and 45 minutes at local library...and it actually
> worked!
> >
> > On Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 08:22:41 AM PDT, John Rodgers <
> > jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >
> > CAD - Computer Assisted Drawing.
> >
> > This should be somewhat like AutoCAD, an industry wide drawing program
> for
> > architects, engineers, tinkers and the like. AutoCAD is very expensive
> > software but boy does it do the job. This ONSHAPE web browser software is
> > free for tinkerers and entrepreneurs. You just have to learn how to use
> it
> > to design your new widget! There is a learning curve.
> >
> > On Sun, May 28, 2023 at 9:56 AM Mike Miller <mwmiller6@att.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Hey! Great!
> > >
> > > Uh, what's a CAD? And does fully featured have anything to do with,
> say,
> > > bathing suits? Or like that?
> > >
> > > So I'll try it out as soon as I can figure out what it is that I'm
> > trying.
> > > Or are you coming by to clue me in?
> > >
> > > Mike
> > >
> > > Clueless in Cotati.
> > >
> > > On Sunday, May 28, 2023, 7:24:44 AM PDT, John Rodgers <
> > > jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > You guys might want to check this out!
> > >
> > >  You might be interested in this program. They will let you test it out
> > > for free.
> > > *Onshape Free is a fully featured CAD, data management and
> collaboration
> > > platform available to the hobbyist and maker communities FREE OF CHARGE
> > for
> > > non-commercial use.*
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> https://www.onshape.com/en/products/free?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=Influencer_StuffMadeHere
> > >
> >
>