I usually use FreeCAD but lately the constraints solver just feels kinda buggy, crapping out on even fairly simple geometries.
FreeCAD is honestly quite well suited to the 3D modeling I do. Geometrically constructed shapes. Rather utilitarian designs. But it just doesn’t work very well.
What else is there?
Do I need to learn OpenSCAD?
FreeCAD 100% here. I find the sketcher solver mostly works fine, but it helps if you can give the solver unambiguous constraints. It’s often easy to give constraints that happen to have to 2 symmetrically opposite valid solutions. Have you seen these tips on giving Sketcher constraints that make the solver’s job easier? https://wiki.freecad.org/Basic_Sketcher_Tutorial#Additional_information
FreeCAD also encourages a workflow using multiple simple sketches rather than a few complicated sketches, which would also make the solver’s job easier.
What’s else is there?
There is also 2 new alternatives, https://dune3d.org/ , and Blender with the CAD-Addon should be good enough for 3D printing.
I haven’t tried them myself though, since I’m very happy with FreeCAD, and FreeCADs rate of development has accelerated enormously in recent years so I’m excited for it’s future.
Most of the time redundant constrains are added automatically while drawing.
I never add more datum constraints that are necessary.
I’ve made like 50 designs with FreeCAD already, I think it got worse recently.
Ok I’m probably sticking to FreeCAD, not going switch to anything proprietary.
https://github.com/joachimhs/akse3d might be interesting too.
I started with tinkerCAD and now I use fusion 360 free version. Learning the functions takes time, but there’s pretty much one for every action you may need. Like photoshop.
OnShape.
I like that it works in a browser no matter what PC I’m on. Even if the pc is under powered.
All models are public but in only doing shot for around home anyway.
Tried OpenSCAD but variables don’t seem to be veraible.
I also use freecad and I made a lot of progress following this guys tips and tricks
