This is right on the money.

I've used CAD of most varieties over the years, starting with Unigraphics in the 80's. For about the past 20 years or so, I've used almost exclusively SW. I've had occasional clients that used Creo, but I only dabbled in it.

I'm sure that there is a full spectrum of what people on this forum might have in mind (in how they want to use a 3D modeler), but be aware it can take longer to become proficient at a CAD package than to build an airplane...only half joking.

Re CAM, SW has a 2-1/2 axis one built in. What this means is that it can write gcode that will move the x-y axes simultaneously, but not the z axis at the same time. It can step in the z axis and then proceed to run the x-y, etc.. I do not know what is enabled re CAM on the EAA version.

If people are wanting to do 3D printing, be aware that CAM is not needed for that. The printers have their own slicing software.

If you do decide to give a whirl to a CAD software package, I strongly recommend you find someone who is willing to spend a few hours showing you the basics.

If you pay for a 3 year EAA membership for $99 then Solidworks is only like $33/yr.

I just used Solidworks to design and print a replacement button for my suitcase... but to be honest I struggled to figure out how to make shapes and I'm sure I only succeeded through the button mashing technique, saving, mashing more buttons, saving again, etc.

This is good advice.

Dave

The EAA version does include the CAM package. 2.5D is good for most things. However it is good to know that limit. I have a 4axis mill, so i may be better off spending the money on a more capable CAM system. Thanks.

Feel exactly the same way! I've used UG/NX for about 20 years. For a couple years, we moved to CATIA V5 and then back to NX. Hated those years with CATIA.

I use Fusion 360.

Free vs Commercial Use
 

I have used a few CAD/CAM softwares, but prefer Solidworks for modeling and design work. I'm not real fond of the way Fusion handles assemblies, but have heard that their current system will be changing soon. I use both daily at work.

If you're just getting started, learning in any of the systems would be valuable. The fact that a home-use/educational version of Solidworks can be had through your EAA membership makes it a great choice.

Now, one thing to consider is that the Free/EAA solidworks is for personal/education use only. If you wanted to design something in it, send it to a machine shop to produce, and install in your airplane, Great! That's what it is for!
Now say a few buddies see your part, want one just like it, and next thing you know you're selling your little gadget and gizmo to friends, VAF members, airshow goers etc, well now you're using it commercially. You might get away with it, but risk legal litigation, and losing the privilege of the free version for the rest of us!

If you do eventually decide to do some commercial work with a CAD program, you could either pony up the ten thousand dollars annually for a Solidworks seat, or spend about $400 per year on a Fusion 360 License. While I prefer designing in SW, I'd save the money with a Fusion seat if this wasn't going to be very lucrative work.

One thing I do really like about Fusion is its CAM functionality. I use it for 2.5, 3, and 4-axis programming on a Haas mill, and can say nothing else I've used comes close for the price.

If I was just getting started, I'd stick with free Solidworks :D

If you're not an EAA member...
 

If you're not yet an EAA member, as an RV builder or owner you should be! :D And like people have already mentioned, you get the Solidworks educational version with your membership.

PLUS, if you are not currently an EAA member and have not been a member within the past 24 months, send me an email (please use the media@vansaircraft.com email address) and I will be glad to set you up with a special code that you can use to sign up for a complimentary 6-month EAA membership courtesy of EAA and Van's.

We arranged this with EAA because there are so many great resources their organization offers that RV folks can use -- It seemed like a no-brainer.

If this is a consideration, it's worth pointing out that you can use Fusion 360 for free up to $1000 in annual revenue. See the footnote at the bottom of this page that says *Individuals with “hobby businesses,” generating less than $1,000 USD in annual revenue, are exempt from the non-commercial requirement, thus for the free, personal use of Fusion 360.

Note that Solidworks starts around $2K/year, not $10K. $10K will get you all of the add-ons, which by no means are necessary for the simple CAD work most people looking for "hobby" use would need. Still expensive, but only 5x the cost of Fusion, not 25x.