3DPrinting

Okay we sound similar so I want to make sure you found this playlist about fusion 360.

I recently had the time to sit down and spend time learning fusion after a delete failed attempts previously and the biggest lightbulb moment I had was really getting in the mindset of how parametric cad works. I guess I had assumed it was a buzzword coming from IT but no, it’s like the difference between building infrastructure manually and building infrastructure with something like Terraform.

The other thing that was a big lightbulb for me is learning how to use the history in fusion, the first time I went back in the timeline and changed a dimension and it recalculated everything I about fell out of my chair.

Anyway, I hope that is helpful, I can try to answer questions but I am certainly no expert in fusion hah. that playlist above is what I used to get going, definitely haven’t watched all of it but the first few were really helpful.

Oh also, on shape and others are also parametric style cad so that is probably why they all seemed similarly frustrating.

All parametric modeling or CAD software is going to have a pretty steep learning curve, I think. For all the things I design I exclusively use FreeCAD. I just can't get behind being locked in to proprietary and non-free software with predatory licensing schemes for this sort of thing, so I never touch anything from AutoDesk or Adobe... even if it is "free."

Fusion 360 is the middle ground. Beyond that you're looking at solidworks.

It is just a steep learning curve. Keep grinding. The thing about steep learning curves is that it's more rewarding when you make progress.

FreeCAD might fit your bill. You can do many things but it's definitely not a fully blown professional CAD yet. On the downside, it's not always super well documented.

I exclusively use OpenSCAD. (I've been known even to write Go code that outputs OpenSCAD code on occasion.) And it does require a good amount of just raw-dogging the trigonometry. You can do most things, but it definitely has its limitations.

I think it depends on how you want to make your models. TinkerCAD looks to be more like making models with Clay, drag, drop pre-made shapes to make your models. If you are looking for more of that then perhaps you are looking for Blender or Maya. Both of these softwares can make the models that are 3D Printable.

Most of the advise you will get from those who 3D Print are machines, who want their designs to be mm perfect. Exact lengths and exact shapes dictated by measurements. Which is something that most CAD software like you've listed do very well.

For beginners who want to learn this kind of CAD, from my experience Google Sketchup and Fusion 360 are great starting points due to the treasure trove of online resources. But from my personal usage, FreeCAD fits my design style perfectly, allowing me to make everything I could in Fusion with a lot more precision.

TL:DR You might be looking for software like Blender or Maya, vs CAD software like Fusion or Google Sketchup. All these software will do what you are looking for, but I think it depends on how you want to make models.

You've already accepted Fusion 360 as the answer, but I thought I'd provide my experience, too.

I picked up Fusion 360 pretty quickly because I'd dealt with 3d modelling programs in the past, such as Blender.

Openscad calls to me pretty strongly, but it's kind of a weird mindset and almost more like a puzzle game than a productivity product. Freecad just has too many problems still, especially when dealing with the timeline.

And so I still use Fusion 360 any time I need to bash out something for around the house. For basic usage, I find it really easy to use. I'm sure I'll get into more complex things later, but the ease with which Clough42 on youtube uses it to design nice things makes me think that it won't be that hard to get more into it.