Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Check out my 2nd channel, TT Racing: youtube.com/@ttracingYT
I prefer to use free and open source options when I can, but when it comes to CAD I use the free but proprietary Onshape. I’ve previously tried but didn’t enjoy FreeCAD, but now we have Ondsel, an improved version that fixes problems and addresses community requests.
In this video, I compare Ondsel to FreeCAD, Onshape and even Fusion360 (this is the most I’ve ever used it). Trying to separate frustrations from being unfamiliar, I make a list of what works well, what is limited, and what still needs to be improved.
I really despise pointing out flaws in something free and open source, but I’ve tried to do so constructively, providing specific examples where these limitations are a problem. I’m sure some FreeCAd advocates will be upset over my conclusion, but the way it and Ondsel approach 3D modelling is quite different from Onshape/Fusion360/Inventor/Solidworks/SolidEdge/etc. They have converged on an intuitive and logical approach. FreeCAD/Ondsel deviates from this, but is it an improvement or hindrance?
Thanks to my patrons Derek and Novaplusplus for their assistance in making this video.
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Ondsel
FreeCAD: freecad.org
Ondsel: ondsel.com
1:44 Download and installation
2:02 Simple reference shape in Onshape
2:42 Comparison in Ondsel, FreeCAD and Fusion360
5:59 Temporary inconveniences vs actual limitations
6:45 Missing constraints and editing sketches
7:40 Only one shape/feature per sketch
10:38 Manual management of bodies
11:51 No timeline
12:56 Topological naming problem
13:30 The value of open source vs productivity
Scales image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balance_scales_symbol.svg
14:20 Ondsel improvements over FreeCAD
14:49 Ondsel wishlist
15:59 Conclusion
Onshape CAD series: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGqRUdq5ULsONnjEEPeBxxStEsobDKAtV
Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au
Get Quality Resins from 3D Printers Online. 5% off storewide for Teaching Tech subscribers [Code: tech5]
https://3dprintersonline.com.au/
Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/teachingtech
Check out my 2nd channel, TT Racing: youtube.com/@ttracingYT
I prefer to use free and open source options when I can, but when it comes to CAD I use the free but proprietary Onshape. I’ve previously tried but didn’t enjoy FreeCAD, but now we have Ondsel, an improved version that fixes problems and addresses community requests.
In this video, I compare Ondsel to FreeCAD, Onshape and even Fusion360 (this is the most I’ve ever used it). Trying to separate frustrations from being unfamiliar, I make a list of what works well, what is limited, and what still needs to be improved.
I really despise pointing out flaws in something free and open source, but I’ve tried to do so constructively, providing specific examples where these limitations are a problem. I’m sure some FreeCAd advocates will be upset over my conclusion, but the way it and Ondsel approach 3D modelling is quite different from Onshape/Fusion360/Inventor/Solidworks/SolidEdge/etc. They have converged on an intuitive and logical approach. FreeCAD/Ondsel deviates from this, but is it an improvement or hindrance?
Thanks to my patrons Derek and Novaplusplus for their assistance in making this video.
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Ondsel
FreeCAD: freecad.org
Ondsel: ondsel.com
1:44 Download and installation
2:02 Simple reference shape in Onshape
2:42 Comparison in Ondsel, FreeCAD and Fusion360
5:59 Temporary inconveniences vs actual limitations
6:45 Missing constraints and editing sketches
7:40 Only one shape/feature per sketch
10:38 Manual management of bodies
11:51 No timeline
12:56 Topological naming problem
13:30 The value of open source vs productivity
Scales image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balance_scales_symbol.svg
14:20 Ondsel improvements over FreeCAD
14:49 Ondsel wishlist
15:59 Conclusion
Onshape CAD series: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGqRUdq5ULsONnjEEPeBxxStEsobDKAtV
Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au
Get Quality Resins from 3D Printers Online. 5% off storewide for Teaching Tech subscribers [Code: tech5]
https://3dprintersonline.com.au/
Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/teachingtech
