I almost forgot if 2D is good enough for you there is the 2D version of SolidEdge that has been made free and provides a parametric mode and an acad like mode ... http://www.google.com/search?client=gmail&rls=gm&q=free%20solidedge On Wed, Mar 31, 2010 at 1:51 PM, Forrest W Christian wrote: > I'm again trying to get to the point of being able to produce some > decent product drawings for manuals and the like.... > > I'd really like to be able to import/use the 2D/3D cad drawings > available from most of my suppliers in either .dwg, .dxf or .pdf to > produce a 'real' line or possibly 3d-shaded drawings of the products, > and then be able to show wiring options. > > Of course, I'd love to just buy a copy of soldworks, but I have a hard > time justifying the estimated $4K price tag for the product. So I'm > looking for something not nearly as expensive. I'm ok with spending > money on the right tool for the job, assuming it will really work for > me. I've downloaded and tried several, but they all seem to come with > their own set of issues, and not nearly enough functionality and/or ease > of use to make them worthwhile. > > So, my question is, what tools should I be looking at to do these type > of product diagrams? > > -forrest > > > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > -- Tobias Gogolin Tel. Movistar (646) 124 32 82 Tel. Telcel (646) 160 58 99 skype: moontogo messenger: usertogo@hotmail.com Blog: http://zeitgeistensenada.blogspot.com/ You develop Sustainable Ranch Technology at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/SURA-TECH an Open Source Electric Motor/Alternator at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Performance_Axial_Flux and an Open Source Motor Controller at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GoBox -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist