Fun With Solidworks

[den]

Preliminary 3D Drawings. Requires IE5.5 and installing eDrawings (free viewer.)

Dialup unfriendly.

Comments

[siliconshaman.livejournal.com]

Just out of curiosity, have you tried playing with google sketch up? If so, what did you think of it?

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

I haven't looked at it at all. I don't have time to learn Yet Another Graphics Package and didn't want to get tempted.

[siliconshaman.livejournal.com]

Fair enough... just that it's so easy to use I was sorta wondering how it compares to the professional packages, or if it's like a kiddie version comparatively.

But you've a point, it is a huge time suck, kinda addictive really. It's fun designing gypsy caravans and stuff! I think I see why your job is such a blast!

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

The cool thing about Solidworks is that I can take either of those drawings, and in one step break them down and print drawings for builders and welders to work from.

It's a lot easier to use than AutoCAD.

[siliconshaman.livejournal.com]

Hmm, couldn't do that in sketch up, that's for sure. guess it is a bit of a kiddies version.

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

The base version of Solidworks costs $12k, so it's not something you can just pick up off the shelf. It's slightly cheaper than AutoCAD and you own the software, not a 12 month license.

I'll be bringing it with me to Geektopia. 8)

[siliconshaman.livejournal.com]

*grins*

Pretty damn sure we'd be needing it too!
It's possible to build a solar-thermal powered sterling engine, cranking a generator, out of used auto parts... BUT you need to get the parabolic troughs shaped just so, and figure out how to lay the pipes... and calculate the optimum flow rate and whether to use a pump, convection or gravity feed for the primary circuit... and probably a million and one other things just on one project out of hundreds...

See what I mean mate? Can't do this myself. My specialty is biology, and while I've built hydroponic systems, and therefore know something about this stuff... most of that I'd be way out of depth with!

Umm...not that, that'd scare you off or anything... *nervous grin*

[oceansedge.livejournal.com]

just a hint... 'require' needs a Q not a W *smiles*