Newbie from Arizona

[Jiron]

Hi there y'all, just ordered a table from Luke cyr, curious plasma 4x8 , being delivered first week of December, very excited, I have owned an iron company for 18 years building fencing and Gates, I have since retired and just going to tinker , with that being said I don't know squat when it comes to computers, I am a quick learner, curious where everyone is getting files for all types of stuff, signs , fire pits , and anything else you all think I may need, being a welder for 18 years I don't just want to cut out metal art, I would like to cut and weld stuff, thank you in advance for any advice and information, Jason

[acourtjester]

Welcome aboard, you will find many projects here by using the search function in the upper right. Change wording to expand the search, as well all don't call things the same. There are other sites with DXF files for projects also use Google and YouTube to search. CNC plasma will really open up your ability for new tool constructions.

[MakoInParis]

Hello,
i
I would recommend looking into a software like "AutoDesk Fusion 360". It's a very powerful 3D design software that is professional grade and free to use for 2 years profesionally OR for free for hobbies. You can "easily" design 3D structures, created tech drawings, and create the 2D files to plasma cut.

Download it and FOLLOW THE BASIC TUTORIALS. It will take a solid 20-30hrs to follow the interactive tutorials, so go into it with an openmind and with some reserved patience. Once you get a basic grasp you will be amazed how quick you can design complex projects: Truck Bumpers, Fire Pits, BBQs, Shelving, encasings, ect ect... and have it export the files totally compatible for any Plasma cutting machine.

If you have the time to learn the basics it's a total game changer. For somebody who has already alot of practical experience like yourself, i think you will spend more time looking for the right buttons than trying to understand "how to design something".

[djreiswig]

Hello,
I would recommend looking into a software like "AutoDesk Fusion 360". It's a very powerful 3D design software that is professional grade and free to use for 2 years profesionally OR for free for hobbies.

Where does it say it is free for hobbies? All I see on their site is that it is free for students and educators.

[MakoInParis]

Here you go :

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/ ... n-360.html

[djreiswig]

Thanks. It looks like you have to renew it every year. Kind of like DraftSight used to be.

[MakoInParis]

Never used draftSight, but I have been using fusion 360 for 8 years for laser cutting and 3D printed parts. It’s an amazing software that incorporates mechanical simulations as well.

If you have any questions on 3D design, I will happily answer them.

-MAKO