Public domain CAD software?

[AzCat]

Anything of this sort out there that's useful and w/o a super-steep learning curve? 

[jeffy]

google sketch-up?

[Duncan]

http://www.freecad.com/

http://www.osalt.com/autocad

http://ezinearticles.com/?Open-Source-CAD-Software&id=408192


 

[MOKSUAZ]

google sketch-up?

depends on what you plan on using sketchup for.  just a simple model with very little detail could take the beginner a while, but for something complex that program has a lot of tricks and commands that can be quite frustrating (plus you only get a limited number of hours for free).  

never heard of any public domain CAD software because most if not every CAD version i've used is copyrighted.  if you're looking for a cheap version you might try AutoCAD LT (light), same basic functions of CAD.  unless you're looking to build terrains, 3d models, etc.

[AzCat]

Sorry misspoke above.  Insert "free" for "public domain". 

I don't need a ton of functionality just the ability to do some simple 3-D models of mechanical parts and then dump the renderings & blueprints for my fabricator.  Nothing fancy. 

[ew2x4]

psssst, bit torrent. Idealy, you'd want Inventor. Sketchup is extremely easy to model in. Drafting is sloppy as hell.

If all else fails, just get a 30 day trial of AutoCAD.