This advertisement for an awful commercial software package with a restrictive license in NO WAY helps the original poster learn FreeCAD.

I am not sure why you consider it an awful commercial software package, but I have found it to be quite nice to use for learning 3D design and improving my CAD skills.

The restrictive license is right out in the open and not hidden, so there is no surprise there. I have been using SolidWorks for 8 or so years, and for designing things for around the house for my use and whatever I put on Thinginverse and Printables it has been a great deal. I don’t use it for commercial work, partly because of the license restrictions but also I am not interested in performing CAD work on the side. I do the CAD work I do at home for my enjoyment instead of watching TV.

And as far as not being able to help OP - on more than one occasion, I have had someone tell me that they were using one of the FOSS CAD programs because they didn’t know about being able to get Solidworks for that price.

Everyone has their preference, and mine is Solidworks for playing around at home, so I let OP know about it.

Thanks for the info. I didn’t know about the Titans of CNC option. I can pass that along to people who are not able to get the Veteran deal.

I’m going to throw this copy/paste out again:

SOLIDWORKS MILITARY EDUCATION SERVICES PROGRAM SOLIDWORKS is a proud supporter of our active military and veterans, and thank them for their service. We are pleased to offer the SOLIDWORKS Student Edition at a discounted rate to military actively serving in the US or Canada and/or veterans.

It’s $20USD /$40CAD per year. I’m on my 8th year or so.

PDF link to info

If you are an American or Canadian veteran, you can get the educational version of Solidworks for $20 / year. I’m on my 8th or 9th year of using it.

• While “Safety Dance” plays faintly in the background.