On Thursday, December 19, 2013 3:00:15 PM UTC-8, Richard wrote:
On 12/19/2013 1:27 PM, jon_banquer wrote:

I'm of the opinion that every home shop machinist can benefit from solid modeling.

One of the major benefits of solid modeling is the ability to create

assemblies/use mating.



The problem is cost. What are the alternatives available to expensive mid-range modelers

like SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge, etc. that offer assembly

modeling functionality?

It seems like $2,0000 is the entry level price for a product that has

assembly/mating.



Suggestions for CAD solid modeling that has assembly functionality that's more affordable?







There is that old oats and horse question again, jon.

Better quality oats always command a higher price.



How much photo-realism is enough for what you want to make?



Design CAD 3D max. (Again) $69 at Frys.

All I DO know is that I can draw up my stuff, fair surfaces,

check for fit, print full sized patterns,

and in the end end up with pretty close to what I drew.



Get the CAM package too?



It's a very competitive market that has way too many players.

A few years ago the Chinese entered the market with their acquisition of VX. The Chinese are also major investors in IronCAD.

At various times good deals become available.