Is there a 3d primer?

[gvjeeper]

I have VCP and Mach3. I'm now starting to look at 3d but have too many questions. Is there a primer somewhere for creating/cutting 3d? Some of my questions are:

- What is a good, cheap (doesn't cost a fortune), program for drawing the 3d images? 123D, Turbo Cad, others?
- Do I need to buy Cut3d to do the tool paths once I have the 3d drawing done?
- Are there some CAD programs that also do the tool path?
- Do I load it into VCarve Pro to ?, convert it to g-code? anything else that I do in VCP?
- If I find pieces how/where do I combine them into one image?

I already know about VectorArt3D and Machinist (I think, lol) so my questions have to do with images that are not from VectorArt3D ..... except for the combining: can I combine pieces from VectorArt3D in Machinist?

[suade907]

I can't vouch for all the software out there but Rhino 3d is one of the best and most reasonably priced, with one of the best communities out there. It's a true 3d modeler with a good rendering engine. It takes a certain commitment to learn but it's definitely easier than Autocad in 3d. It's much easier than you might think if you are familiar with cad but for newcomers I doubt there is one simple solution. If your just looking to create reliefs and such Aspire might be a better choice. Aspire doesn't really take any 3d experience to use it.

Here is the rhino 3d user gallery gallery.mcneel.com/?language=&g=1

[suade907]

Got my hands on Moi3d over the weekend. What a incredible program. If you looking to start drawing in 3d this program is amazing. It won't break the bank either at under $300. It's incredibly easy. but it cannot do cam so you'd have to do your tool paths elsewhere.