FreeCAD for Beginners | 3d Printing | Basics

If Computer Aid Design has always intimidated you this is the first video you should watch. In this video, I take the viewer through the basics of parametric 3d design by demonstrating the open-source FreeCAD application. FreeCAD runs on all major operating systems; Windows, macOS, and Linux and is an excellent program for users new to 3d Design targeting 3d Printing.

The video includes the following topics:

01:45 CAD Concepts
05:02 Installing FreeCAD
08:40 Getting Started with FreeCAD
17:24 Constraints and Model Construction
24:01 Hollowing Out Shapes
25:16 Exporting for 3d Printing and Using in Cura

Let's continue to learn together.

Irv
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The following links are to products I have used, reviewed, or evaluated for the MakeWithTech community. Some of the links below are affiliate links that provide commissions, at no cost to you, and help support the MakeWithTech video production, purchase of products for reviews, lab, forum, and website.

I have reviewed the following printers or similar printers:

These are some of the tools I use for 3d printing day-to-day:

I have used the following 3d printer upgrades:

Here are the 3d printer filaments I use to evaluate prints, software, and techniques:

I will be covering basic electronics and software in future MakeWithTech segments and here are the products I am using:

Some of the Woodworking products I use:

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** Equipment used in the MakeWithTech videos has the potential to cause injury if misused. Use all equipment and tools at your own risk and follow all manufacturer's safety recommendations.

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(MakeWithTech).

[keithturner]

This is by far the best tutorial I have found. I know this may get lost in the vast amount of comments, but if you happen to see this, thank you!

[hayzersolar]

finally someone who knows how to awesome video I'm a new subscriber

[Thorzon]

Thank you SO much! As a beginner, I've bounced back and forth in so many CAD programs that all I achieved was being confused! I've learned more useful informationin this 30 minute video than I have in weeks trying to learn on my own!!

[zaraspook]

Absolutely the best intro to 3d design I've come across. Thanks!

[philb]

For someone who knows nothing about FreeCAD or CAD in general, but wants to learn (me), this is the best beginner tutorial I've seen

[GrantSR]

I love that when you speak, you are speaking to regular. And you are showing them what can the interesting about a new hobby. And maybe even leading them to a new career. I can tell you care about the topic. But, most importantly, I can tell that you care about the people watching.

[BrandonBensonftw]

*spends 4 hours trying to muddle through freecad self-learning*
*gets frustrated and takes a nap*
*finds this video*
*finishes the print in 28+2m*
You sir, are an angel. Thank you.

[corneliusmooseknuckle]

LMAO!!! After slicing, Cura 4.1 says it will take over 9 hours, Cura 4.8 says 7 3/4, and PrusaSlicer says 3 1/2. Good tutorial btw. Very straight forward and clear. Thanks.

[MetehanG]

This is actually first time I watch one of your videos and I LOVED IT. Thank you!!

[dennisk]

Thanks a million, Irv. Your vids are still helping people years later!

[drnastey]

Thank you so much! Iv had a printer for years but never knew how to design my own parts. I now need a simple spacer ring and cannot find anything online. I found your video and it helped me through completely!

[RodJames-pjmd]

Thank you Irv you have made my journey into the unknown a little less daunting

[johnkelley]

I have FreeCAD but I could not figure out where to start but I will watch your tutorials so I can learn. I am 60 and I hope I am not too old. Thanks for sharing these. I really like your channel as you explain things so clearly.

[vinh]

I like it when you go straight to the point.

[plugwithapug]

I am new to 3D printing and got my first printer with the mindset I could make anything. Quickly did I realize how hard it was and got overwhelmed with all this technical data, programs to choose from, and where to begin. My biggest concern was a free software that I can own my design. Tried to learn it myself and quit expeditiously. This video literally changed that for me and I designed the card holder along with you. Thank you so much for this! I am currently going back to college with the pursuit of engineering and following these tutorials might give me an edge when we get into CAD.

[KennethSchick-tcbu]

I'm retired used SWpro for 20 years at work. On social security I can't afford that now. Loaded freecad. On to youtube for all the tutorial's liked yours the most for my 3d printer hobby. Thank you for helping me learn some different ways to get there.

[Zhisaoka]

This was so helpful. I don't know how, but you could make something rocket science level understandable to a person who never touched rocket science.

[arnab]

You sir, are a godsend. No software could be less intuitive than FreeCAD.

[sherrybwc]

THANK YOU!!! While waiting on my 1st 3D printer to arrive, I've been looking at various CAD software...this is the BEST intro to FreeCad I've seen!

[jamesbowman]

I'm not sure I have observed anyone who can explain things as well as you do... Thank you.