Chet wrote:

First, I know this is a hot-button issue, but just in case some subscriber
to this newsgroup can benefit from my observations, I'm going to lay them
out.
My experience range is in the lower end CAD graphics programs including both
TurboCad and Dolphin PartMaster.
IF you come at this with experience from other cad software, you'll probably
have very good reasons for liking the software you're familiar with.
BUT if you are starting from scratch, I've got to hand it to TurboCad for
having a very decent program.
The current version of TurboCad is V17, but I cut my teeth on V11 and
recently upgraded to V15.
(I usually stay an edition behind for economic reasons...)
Yes, there is a learning curve to mastering the commands, but the commands
cover an incredible range of issues.
If you try it, commit to learning THEIR way of doing things... It is
intuitive if you start with their mindset.
To clarify, it isn't autocad...
But then you're not paying autocad prices.
I really wanted to like Dolphin PartMaster, and God knows I stretched the
patience of their customer service department, but it never achieved the
level of results I needed.
V15 of TurboCad loaded effortlessly, and has an impressive array of features
including a CAM plug-in.
I own no stock, I get no commission, but if you're toying with getting a CAD
program, please do consider TurboCad.
I sincerely think it deserves better reviews than you sometimes see...
Chet

I also use TurboCAD and am generally happy with it. I started back with
V6 after needing some 2D CAD for a project and downloading the free 2D
version they offered at the time. Shortly after I got an email offering
V6 pro for $99 so it was a bit of a no-brainer. I'm up to V17.5 now.