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**Gurm** · 19 September 2008, 05:22

Easy CAD/CAM? Isn't that an oxymoron? Y'know, like "Vector Calculus For Dummies"?

Now, in new easy-to-read print, it's "Functions of a Complex Variable Made EEEEEAASSSSYYY!"

.. sorry, I don't really have anything to contribute today.

VJ · 19 September 2008, 05:53

Well, cad/cam is probabely too big a word for what I need. Just don't know what else to call it.

I just want to be able to draw simple geometric objects and movable systems (mainly hinges).

JÃ¶rg

**cjolley** · 19 September 2008, 07:12

Phun?

Algodoo

http://www.phunland.com/wiki/Home

Algodoo,Physic,Physics,Interactive Physics,Interact,Force,Friction,Fluid,Mechanic,Motion,Optic,Energy,Science,Simulate,Simulation,STEM,Plot,Learn,Teach,Home schooling,Game, Education,Invention,Laser,Fluid,Water,Animation,tool,build,draw,software,program

VJ · 19 September 2008, 08:22

Hey, that may be worth checking out!

(looks a bit childish, but if it has the features... )

JÃ¶rg

**gt40** · 19 September 2008, 16:03

Well, I use one that cost me a pretty penny, but if you look hard enough (maybe about 10mins ) you'd be able to find a copy that is 'free'. Easiest to use of all the feature rich packages, with a minimal learning curve. You know where to find me if you want details

**Nowhere** · 20 September 2008, 19:23

Makers of the software secretly count on it anyway

(if you'll do end up using their product seriously after "education period"...)

VJ · 22 September 2008, 02:37

While "phun", it seems a thad too simplistic (not that easy to draw more normal components, e.g. different types of hinges, etc.)...

JÃ¶rg

**Taz** · 22 September 2008, 08:46

A Google search came up with this, might be what you're after

VJ · 22 September 2008, 23:53

Looks good!
From a quick glance the documentation, I cannot conclude whether it supports mechanical movement, but I'll check it out in further detail.
Thanks,

JÃ¶rg

**spadnos** · 28 September 2008, 02:02

BRLCAD is a royal pain in the ass to use. It's extremely powerful, but it follows the old UNIX model of bolting an inscrutable GUI on top of a cryptic (but very capable) CLI.

There's a list of CAD/CAM programs at linuxcnc.org here: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Cam - I think one of the top two links brings you to another good list of F/OSS CAD software.

I don't think there's anything out there that can compete with SolidWorks (for ease of use + feature set, especially regarding assemblies), but I'd love to be proven wrong.

- Steve