Engineers/Computer Gururs

[borry]

hey guys,

I personally dont even know if this is possible however someone may be able to help..

is there a program that i can use to design a 3d object and have all the measurements for it there for it to be built ? sort of like a CAD program im guessing..

what im tryign to do is actually design my exhaust manifold or play around with ideas for exhaust manifolds/intake designs before spending money on fabricating them and having them not work properly...

any advise on what program would be suitable for this type of application would be tops, or any advise via pm would also be great

thanks guys

[pertuan]

A friend of mine uses IronCAD to design his robots. Maybe you can try that.

[Wokkas]

Mate, I'm a Mech Engineer (trade level, but did diploma a few years back), been one for 30 years. Did a CAD course a while ago, and unless you've got 500 hours spare to learn the very basics, forget it.

CAD design for 3D, especially curvatures, apexes and arcs, is a uni degree in its own.

Don't want to sound too negative, as some brianiacs might fly through it, but honestly mate, I'm still having trouble drawing straight lines, with years of draft and drawing experience.

Better to find an easier alternative.

[parawolf]

I second Wokkas' comments. CAD is something you don't just play with like photoshop - it is not easy, and certainly not trivial to produce a result that you could use to generate a prototype on.

A4/A3 cartridge paper, and a set of pencils and an eraser...

[MO]

There are heaps of designs out there just pick one.

[borry]

it was more a hobby thing then anything else, and yeah it wasnt a be all end all situation. i was just wondering if there was a similar product available to the recreational user like myself rather then a degree type program to know it all...

[Mack 6]

I heard etch-a-sketch is a good piece of kit. Used it for all my circuit board layouts for elec engineering.
Too bad it's not compatible with any printers, so you need to take the whole unit in. Remeber to avoid bumpy roads otherwise you'll lose all your work.

[old_mate]

Originally Posted by Mack 6

I heard etch-a-sketch is a good piece of kit. Used it for all my circuit board layouts for elec engineering.
Too bad it's not compatible with any printers, so you need to take the whole unit in. Remeber to avoid bumpy roads otherwise you'll lose all your work.

hahahaha!

isnt etch a sketch one of those red things with knobs at the bottom that u use to draw real basic stuff on???

if so, thats classic

if its not, i thank u anyway for making the mental image. best laugh i have had all day

[Mack 6]

Yes, that's what it is. Here's the computerised version

[old_mate]

hahahaha

u got barbie'd hardcore. Awesome stuff lol

[Mack 6]

Yeah.
Barbie comes round. gives me a Rub and Tug, and leaves. No talking, No cuddles, No hassles.