fusion 360 is so hard to use is there any other options out there
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Lots. Depends on what you’re looking to do.
Inkscape is a good open-source (free) 2D design application that is used extensively. Also Affinity Designer ($50) and just about any other design software that can produce SVG or DXF files (SVG preferred).
For 3D design there are several available including Designs park Mechanical (free open-source). A search here on the forum will turn up others.
You’ll need a GCode generator with these to define your toolpaths and generate the G-Code for the Crossfire. Sheetcam is the favorite here. It’s $140 from Langmuir ($150 for a direct download). The creator is also a member of this forum.
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Brown Fox is an amazing guy with lots of great experience…
if you search software you will find a lot of options …some free…some you buy…
the one I use and like is Inkscape…it is free and there are lots of videos out there to help…then you need a post processor …and if you do not like fusion…then Sheetcam is the next option…it is real easy to use and you can buy it through langmuir for a discounted price…and it is well worth it.
I use Onshape because it is free and I don’t need to install any software. I can simply use it anywhere there is internet, even on my cell phone. I simply click a face of my 3D model and export as DXF.
Instructions for exporting are here https://www.onshape.com/en/resource-center/tech-tips/tech-tip-importing-and-exporting-dxf-files
Once I export the DXF I use Sheetcam to create my machine code and cut it.
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Here is a link to a log grapple that I am designing to be cut on my CNC Plasma. Gives you an idea of what you can do with Onshape. I’ve mated it together so it can be clicked on and moved around to simulate motion and get the geometry correct for proper operation.
Nice. I’m going to look into that.
#MutualAdmirationSociety
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Since you mentioned 360 as hard to use… if 2D is all you need and you’re not going to use the extra fusion features… go with www.deltacad.com
Free demo, purchase $40 for life. Designed to make it simple and fast to draw dimensioned Cad designs.
I often draw my first assemblies in Delta Cad then import the .dfx into fusion
I’ve been using it for fast laser sheet cuts for 20 years. Tried just about all the CAD systems. Dektacad is by far the most simple yet functional program I’ve used.
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Online courses helped me a lot with Solidworks. I used Udemy because it was cheap.
If it may help you out,
here is a link to their Fusion 360 course offerings
https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=fusion+360
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I’ve heard Lightburn is great, but I’m a Fusion 360 guy. Mostly because I use if for both my CrossFire and my Prusa 3d Printer.
For designing parts, try Design Spark Mechanical, it’s free. To make artwork try Inscape, again it’s free. You still have to have something to generate “G” code. Sheet Cam is the go to software. This one you have to pay for but it is worth the price.
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