Drill Press or Drill/Mill ?

[Shield Arc]

I used to use Ceneric Cadd for my construction projects until Autodesk bought it and killed it, about 20 yrs. ago. would like to find something like that again. What are you using?

I use AutoCad LT 2000, (I think). Shop around ebay for some good prices, but make sure you get a full version, and a license! If not soon as you log onto the Internet AutoDesk has you.

NEW AUTODESK AUTOCAD LT 2012 (PERMANENT LICENSE) | eBay

 

[Artisan]

The best way to get the AutoDesk software on the cheap is to register as a student at a college / whatnot and buy the student software. I think AUTOCAD is like 600 bux for a student VS crazy what, 8grand w/o? Or pay a kid to buy it for you. (Caveat Emptor)

Google SketchUp is FREE, I said FREE and it is very powerful. If I were to learn over again I think I would seriously consider Google SketchUp. I would look and see if there are conversion software programs to convert from SkecthUp to dwg and dxf files and if so, just grab a free copy and start watching the video tutorials...

It is Really cool. I actually DL'd Google SketchUp a few days ago and watched one Video, I am very impressed. You will be drawing in 3D in 15 minutes! BELEIEVE IT .

I do not know wnything about what Shield Arc speaks of, the Ebay thing but dang, if it works that is a killer price.

 

[Shield Arc]

For years I was using a copy of AutoCad that belonged to the company I worked for. Well one day I got hit with a virus! Computer guy had to wipe my hard drive clean, no more AutoCad! I bought a real old version off of ebay, then turned around and bought a brand new upgrade version. Got the latest and greatest version of AutoCad for pennys on the dollar.
I taught myself with the help of this book. This book made it real easy to learn, the author writes where people like me can understand.
Here's the first drawing I came across.

 

[jake98]

I tried Sketchup for a few minutes, it seemed whacky, I didn't really give it a chance.. have to revisit it, I guess.

That mill is back-ordered, after all the gut wrenching decisions I think I'm gonna just cancel it. Pisses me off, I was sweating over the decision...

 

[deereman75]

I tried Sketchup for a few minutes, it seemed whacky, I didn't really give it a chance.. have to revisit it, I guess.

That mill is back-ordered, after all the gut wrenching decisions I think I'm gonna just cancel it. Pisses me off, I was sweating over the decision...

I think that is for the better. I have seen bridgeports for not much more then that, and that would be a much better mill.

 

[BobRip]

I tried Sketchup for a few minutes, it seemed whacky, I didn't really give it a chance.. have to revisit it, I guess.

That mill is back-ordered, after all the gut wrenching decisions I think I'm gonna just cancel it. Pisses me off, I was sweating over the decision...

I think back-ordered is standard for them. Both my drill press and mill were back ordered from Grizzly.

 

[LD1]

I tried Sketchup for a few minutes, it seemed whacky, I didn't really give it a chance.. have to revisit it, I guess.

That mill is back-ordered, after all the gut wrenching decisions I think I'm gonna just cancel it. Pisses me off, I was sweating over the decision...

Maybe thats a sign:laughing:

 

[KBarD]

For not much more than the price of a drill press you can get a mini-mill (small milling machine), which is much more powerful. See for example
LittleMachineShop.com - HiTorque Mini Mill, Tilting Column
Of course a used Bridgeport would be even better but they are hard to find and take a lot more space.

- Doug

 

[dstig1]

I guess it depends on the area. No Bridgeports go for anywhere near that cheap here. I'd count on 3-5k...or more. Unless the ways are shot and it needs total rebuild. Check your area and see...

 

[jake98]

Of course a used Bridgeport would be even better ...
- Doug

Welcome to the forum Doug.

My shop is way too crowded for a Bridgeport. Plus, I never even used a mill, that would be overkill as a learner machine for me. I'm still lookin'...