SolidWorks

TObject · #1 03-03-2008, 11:38 PM

Beautiful, I just installed SolidWorks and it took me 15 seconds to make a block with a hole in it. I am sure it’s going to get more difficult than that that but so far I like it.

Anyway, if anybody has any tips or recommendations to the complete SolidWorks beginner, please share.

Matt Pascoe · #2 03-04-2008, 08:12 AM

Solidworks is on my short list of software to learn. I'm hoping that with a decent cad background it won?t be too tough to get the hang of.

I haven?t looked very hard yet, but from my initial search for solidworks it appears that the average Joe cant buy it.

I have been playing with Google sketchup. Pretty cool, free, and I'm hoping a decent intro to 3d modeling. I have yet figured out how to draw accurately with it though...

Sergey, my only tip would be to learn it thoroughly so I can bug you with questions as I learn it

TObject · #3 03-04-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Pascoe

it appears that the average Joe cant buy it.

The basic package is about five grand for a seat plus thirteen hundred per year for software assurance. In the CAD world, I think, this is very reasonable. I am on a special version that is a year behind and does not allow for commercial development. I am doing a feasibility study to see if I am capable of designing with this software or can learn it.

Jeff Weston · #4 03-04-2008, 11:47 AM

If you're looking to learn an expensive program like Solidworks, why not pick up the student version for comparitively free and have at it? $139

http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail....No=43005643FS3

I don't know if you have to prove you're a student, but I saw this looking on the alma mater's website.

Let me know if it works.

[edit] Plain old Solidworks without CMOS is only $89.

http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail....No=46225643FS3

TObject · #5 03-04-2008, 12:08 PM

Jeff,

Yes, basically this is what I am doing. I have not received the license yet, though, but they give you 10 days to play with the software without a license. Except for COSMOS, and COSMOS requires it's own separate license.

Matt Pascoe · #6 03-04-2008, 05:41 PM

Jeff,
I saw the student version, but there was some pretty strong language about proving that you were actively enrolled in an accredited university

The full version is too rich for my blood...

Jeff Weston · #7 03-04-2008, 10:05 PM

Matt,

As long as you are not using the software for commercial purposes, I can't imagine you'll have any problems. These software companies are not 'giving away' their products out of benevolence, they are trying to put them into the hands to train future users whose companies will purchase this software when they hire them. It seems to me that your objective is to learn the software which is mutually beneficial to you and Solidworks and the reasoning behind their student software pricing.

FWIW, I use expensive CAD packages in my business which also use subscription services (pork). The only instances of prosecution against the user license that I've heard of were for companies using bootlegged software and then getting snitched on by ex-employees.

Go for it!
Jeff