Free & Cheap 3D Modeling Software
What is the best free 3D modeling software.
What is the best FREE 3D modeling software for serious use?
What free 3D modelling software(s) do you guys recommend?
Videos
Im clueless on where to start or if 3d is for me. So ive tried blender but i found it to be too hard for me at the moment even with guides and such, i know its powerful but by chance is there anything more simple to start with while still being free?
Its like i really want to do something with 3d but i feel lost and dazed.
Howdy Folks,
So, this list came about from a post in another sub, but I thought since I had already done most of the leg work I post it here.
It seems like there is some confusion about where to get modeling software as a beginner. I know I was a bit lost when I first started, and the sticker prices of some of these CAD software suites made me turn a few shades of green. So here is what I've found:
SketchUp
A lot of folks use Sketchup. You can get a free hobbyist version here. However I don't care for it because it's web based.
Thanks to u/1947_Delta1460 for pointing out that you can still get Sketchup Make 2017 here.
Steve Ramsey does a really good intro to Sketchup here. You can get through it, and start doing most things on your own in an afternoon.
Fusion 360
This is the one that I like. You can get a free hobbyist license of Fusion 360 here. I just create a plan sheet and "print to pdf" to send to my iPad.
The Woodgrafter has a really nice 15 episode guide to Fusion 360 on YouTube here. You can get through it and start designing in a long weekend. He also covers parametric design which is a game changer that allows you to scale your plans to fit just about any dimension in just a couple clicks.
SolidWorks
This one is for the hardcore folks. You can get a deeply discounted full feature version of SolidWorks by becoming a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association here. All together it comes out to about $99.
I never got too deep into SolidWorks because it was just more than I needed. It would be great if you're planning to do some metal working along with wood working.
FreeCAD
Thank you to u/ft5jehe for pointing out this software that can be downloaded here. I have no experience with this software, but it looks capable enough and it's free. YMMV.
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Edit: Added SketchUp Make 2017 with link
I’m currently using tinker cad for my 3D printing, however I need something I little more advanced.