pre-user question - can I do this?

Hi,

I'm looking for a tool I can use to design and model a small gearbox. I
need to both find a way to fit all the bits together and to spin various
input/output shafts and watch what happens.

I'm not particularly into CAD (Sketchup/photoshop is more me when it
comes to images) but I do program C++ and Java for a living, so the macro
side of it doesn't daunt me *too* much.

What I really want to know is what tool(s) are suitable for doing this?
Is it an expert only job or could I get into it without too much trouble?

Thanks

Paul

 

Look into Blender...

 

Following that line of thought, this page looks useful - although I
haven't used blender in years (Coming from AutoCad, the interface
drove me nuts)

 

Actually, you should look at SolidWorks

 

Yes, you should ... I've recently had a training in SW, and there's a lot of
functionality in it when you want to deal with gearboxes, I think. I'm not
good enough with it yet, but IMHO you should look at 3D-software.

Just my 2 cents ...

The Jester