First steps into design

[SVB]

Hi all, I’ve got a small 3-D printer and I would like to make some inserts for my trend router table.

I’ve only ever used the printer to print pre-made designs but I can’t find a pre-made design for this item so will need to design my own.

So the question to you wise folks, can I do this with free software? What’s the easiest to use? Any top tips?

Many thanks for your advice in advance!

Simon.

 

[Amplidyne]

I use FreeCad, but you'll get as many answers as there are packages.
Personally, I prefer open source and free where possible, with no restrictions on use. YMMV.

If you're starting from complete beginner, follow the online tutorials until how to use your chosen software "clicks"

It's not immediately obvious.

Have you looked to see if there are any parts already drawn up somewhere like Thingiverse?

https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=trend+router+table&page=1

https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=router+table+insert&page=1

or Yeggi

https://www.yeggi.com/q/trend+router+table/

 

[artie]

https://www.onshape.com/en/products/free

Free and more tutorial videos than you will ever need.

 

[fleyh]

So the question to you wise folks, can I do this with free software? What’s the easiest to use? Any top tips?

Hello Simon,

As has already been mentioned earlier, you'll get as many answers as there are packages.

CAD software belongs to the category of things where you can choose only any two from the following: Free, Easy, Powerful - not all three.

I have wasted years jumping between free and free(ish) CAD software, looking for that "ultimate one."

For DIY or hobby projects (where you don't get paid for the result), nothing beats FreeCAD. The learning curve is steep. Functionally, it cannot hope to compete with commercial offerings like Solid Edge, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, OnShape, etc., but it will never expire, developers will not remove useful features, and nobody controls what you do with your software.

If you do decide to give FreeCAD a go, there are several useful YouTube channels. My favourites are:
- https://www.youtube.com/@MangoJellySolutions - start with this one
- https://www.youtube.com/@deltahedra3D
- https://www.youtube.com/@CADCAMLessons

 

[Sachakins]

Tinkercad, is free and should meet your needs.
https://www.tinkercad.com/