Civil Engineering & Autocad Alternitive

[punch1]

I am a PE/QSD looking to test the waters of starting my own business by doing some side work. While some may disapprove of moonlight it is the only way I can establish clientele to start out on my own. I will be doing work as a QSD preparing SWPPPs and WQTRs. I have been looking around for a substitute for AutoCad. $4k is a lot of money to spend with no clients yet. If you have used a alternative CAD product please tell me of your experience using it with AutoCad generated draws and vice versa. I am think of pulling a loan to purchase AutoCad but I would like to explore my options before I spend the money. Thank you for your responses.

 

[chicopee]

Dassault draftsight 2D is free

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Latest version of Turbo Cad is about $1000. Older versions are in the $50-$100 range - E-bay, Craigslist. Pick an odd numbered version - seem to work better!! You can learn it in about 30 minutes!!

 

[stanier]

Try Briscad

"Sharing knowledge is the way to immortality"
His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

http://waterhammer.hopout.com.au/

 

[stanier]

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=318561

for discussion of Briscad.

https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/

"Sharing knowledge is the way to immortality"
His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

http://waterhammer.hopout.com.au/