   3D modeling / CAD software
  Does anyone know of any free 3D modeling software that let's you define a grid size in inches and has snap to grid? That's pretty much all it needs to do, other than have the ability to manipulate basic geomtry (CSG would be nice though, but I don't need it). It would be nice if it can render in isometric or oblique views but projection is OK. I've been searching source forge for a few hours and have come accross a few things that either you need to be running Linux or looks way too complicated for what I need (FreeCAD, BRL-CAD). The only thing that has come close is 3DCanvas but it only let me define the grid size in feet, and it sucked converting all my measurements to inches, and even so, the snap to grid was glitchy and didn't seem to work properly.If anyone has come accross something like this, it would be greatly appreciated if you could send a link.Thanks.[Edited by - AsOne on December 4, 2005 11:10:27 PM]
  Take a look into Blender or Wings3D.   ;Quote:Original post by MercuryTake a look into Blender or Wings3D.blender A) sucks, and B) is definitely overkill. Wings3D is a subdivision modeller and is unsuited to CAD work.   ;Quote:Original post by capn_midnightQuote:Original post by MercuryTake a look into Blender or Wings3D.blender A) sucks, and B) is definitely overkill.He asked for a 3d modeller or CAD software. I'm sorry, I completely forgot that it sucks and you're completely right. Let's just put aside all the cool models that have been created with it and the large user base; it blows chunks. Sorry to have even thought about it, yep.Is every single one of your posts meant to be inflammatory? I ask that without a note of sarcasm.   ;Quote:Original post by MercuryQuote:Original post by capn_midnightQuote:Original post by MercuryTake a look into Blender or Wings3D.blender A) sucks, and B) is definitely overkill.He asked for a 3d modeller or CAD software. I'm sorry, I completely forgot that it sucks and you're completely right. Let's just put aside all the cool models that have been created with it and the large user base; it blows chunks. Sorry to have even thought about it, yep.Is every single one of your posts meant to be inflammatory? I ask that without a note of sarcasm.Just because a lot of people listen to a shitty band, doesnt make them a good band.I mean, look at Metallica.   ;  I've tried Blender and it was quite difficult for me to use, the GUI seemed very confusing. People seem to get used to it after awhile though, but I'm looking for something for short term purposes.I might try Wings3D, it's ok if it's overkill, aslong as I can get what I need to do without extreme difficulty (e.g. will it let me make a cube by dragging it's shape out in orthogarphic views?)   ;  I really happen to like Blender:) but then again I'm a programmer. Captain midnight is probably an artist not a programmer judging by his/her knowledge of modelling software so perhaps you should go with his/her opinion on the subject.CheersChris   ;Quote:Original post by chollida1I really happen to like Blender:) but then again I'm a programmer. Captain midnight is probably an artist not a programmer judging by his/her knowledge of modelling software so perhaps you should go with his/her opinion on the subject.CheersChrisCapn_Midnight is a man.AND WHAT A MAN.   ;  good to know!! I"ve never met him:)CheersChris   ;Quote:Original post by chollida1I really happen to like Blender:) but then again I'm a programmer. Captain midnight is probably an artist not a programmer judging by his/her knowledge of modelling software so perhaps you should go with his/her opinion on the subject.CheersChrisBlender's problem is its interface. The problem is that the developers were trying to be too smart by half. They tout its ground breaking revolutions in interface design. Unfortunately, that means nobody has a freaking clue how to use it. The number one precept of HCI is to maintain consistent user interface, in your app and across apps. I refuse to support bad, bad management. Blender couldn't make it when it was a commercial project, and now it's the poster child for what I call "open source undeath"; it's a zombie whose developer base is able and willing to support its poor design into perpetuation.For CAD you probably want a pure polygon modeller, to maintain precise control over everything. Wings3D is a subdivision modeller. Subdivs are a cross breed between polygons and nurbs. Nurbs are curved surface definitions; rather difficult to render but rather capable at modelling organic objects. Ergo the desire to merge nurbs and polys, to create a tool that is somewhat easier to utilize and render than nurbs, but models organic objects somewhat better than polys.Unfortunately, creating accurate, precise models with nurbs and subdivs is rather difficult. There is a lot of complex mathematics behind them, and predicting how that comes out on the screen is somewhat difficult. If I'm modelling an alien, I don't necessarily have an exact model in mind, as no two aliens are alike anyway. But if I'm modelling a 1967 Ford Mustang, then I need to make sure everything is exactly in place or it won't look right, and subdivs just aren't suited to the task.I've heard of OpenFX, though I've never used it. Might be a consideration. If this is just for learning purposes, you can download a free, learning addition of Maya. Maya is a complete modelling package, though you said you didn't mind overkill. MilkShape3D is a poly modeller, but it is generally for low-poly work, like game models. Finally, there is K3D, another complete modeeling package, based on the same rendering engine interface as Maya (RenderMan). Don't worry, you can get a RenderMan compliant engine for free as well, such as Aqsis .As for my "job" I am a programmer by profession, currently developing ASP.NET code on a GIS web portal. In college I studied computer science with a concentration on computer graphics. Through the course of my studies I've written small opengl projects, developed simple software rasterizers, modelled fully animated shorts, and even conducted original research in the field of CG. In short time I'll be developing a 3D mapping program for GIS applications, because literally every product available on the market is extremely poor quality, either in the GIS tools they offer or the rendering quality they present.   