Need a simple CAD program

[WingsOnWheels]

Goto emachineshop.com. they have free basic cad software that is easy to use. You can also.quote and order your panel right in the tool. I designed my panel and had them ship me the cut parts. Was very easy. Search for emachineshop on the forum, and you can see more detailed posts i have done on the topic. If you go that route, i have drawings for many instruments i am happy to send you.

[Krynn]

Second vote for emachineshop's software.
It's really easy to use, and it can import/export DXF files just fine.

[Dbro172]

Originally Posted by gossend

Well....thanks for the help guys, but I downloaded the program and tried to use it - no way! Is there a tutorial somewhere, or should I maybe break out the drill and the rat tail file?
Wait!.....I get it! This was a joke, right? Come on now, let me in on it.

No joke, you asked for CAD and that's what you got, in a simple, free downloadable version. If you have no experience in cad then don't try to cut your teeth on it designing your airplane... Think up what you want and let a professional CAD it up for you for a few hundred bucks.... www.steinair.com

[digidocs]

I've used both QCAD and it's cousin, LibreCAD, for several projects. Of the two, I like the older one, QCAD, a little better. Both have a good free version and don't fall into the trap of trying to do too much.

QCAD:
http://www.qcad.org/en/

QCAD manual:
http://www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu/bel...e%20Manual.pdf

LibreCAD:
http://librecad.org/cms/home.html

Hope that helps,
David

[ThomasJay]

Try Front Panel Designer from Front Panel Express. You don't have to use their service. Just export your design to a DXF file so that your machine software can import it.

Regards, Tom

[rockwoodrv9]

Set the drawing units of measure first. Then just start trying things.

If you learn to use the "offset", "trim", the PLINE command with the "fit curve" edit on the PLINE, you can do about anything you need for your panel.

Best of luck.

[Funguy]

Draftsight is a pseudo AutoCAD clone. It's a steep learning curve. Check YouTube for tutorials.