TLDR = what’s a good next step after kid-friendly 3d creation tools?
Solved = Fusion360 is voted as winner, we even got a nice tutorial playlist.

Hi all - I’m still very much a new user. Highly skilled in IT but just getting my feet wet in 3D printing, since a month or so. I love the possibilities! I can physically create anything I can image, it’s amazing.

So far, I’ve used mostly TinkerCad and done lots with it. The learning curve is practically non-existent, and it has sufficient features to do a lot.

But of course it’s not perfect. Obvious example: can’t do fillets, except in roundabout ways using negative blocks.

I’ve tried OnShape, OpenScad, Fusion 360, but found them quite a steep hill to climb.

Are these good choices, or is there something in-between that would make it easier for me to advance?

  • dual_sport_dork@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    8 months ago

    All parametric modeling or CAD software is going to have a pretty steep learning curve, I think. For all the things I design I exclusively use FreeCAD. I just can’t get behind being locked in to proprietary and non-free software with predatory licensing schemes for this sort of thing, so I never touch anything from AutoDesk or Adobe… even if it is “free.”

    • scarilog@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      8 months ago

      All parametric modeling or CAD software is going to have a pretty steep learning curve

      I disagree a little bit. I feel like I learnt maybe 10% of fusion 360 several years back and it’s been enough for me to design everything I’ve needed, whilst learning about other features gradually as necessary.

      Op should just bite the bullet and get onto some parametric cad software.

    • PlutoniumAcid@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      Having spent a little time with Fusion now, I agree with you and I am now also trying to wrap my head around FreeCad. I find that parametric modeling is hard compared to TinkerCad’s stacking toddler blocks together 🙃