Modeling and prototypes

[jTr]

Anyone making small scale prototypes for design/development of furniture, etc?

Joe Porter's recent post in the show and tell got me thinking about it. Very nicely executed doll house: http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18612

Before I discovered 3D modeling with Sketchup, I did a few small scale prototypes for furniture -it was always fascinating to hold an actual 3-D model, and it seems it still would be a plus no matter how well the programs can render things.

I'd like to develop a routine to cut out scaled down parts on thinner stock - thinking of 1/4 scale - 3/4 stock cut from 3/16 re-sawn material, etc. Perhaps using a 1/16" straight bit and/or utilizing that Donek drag knife I got from Sean Martin this summer...:cool:!

Decided to post here for a more inclusive discussion/Q&A on methods rather than confine to or outright hijack Joe's show and tell thread.

(Hoping to hear from Joe, Russ Wood, etc.... :))


jeff

[chiloquinruss]

In the cad world they use dxf as one of the exchange media in the 3D world we use stl files. Aspire can output stl files which I can use in my 3d printer. Aspire can also slice your 3d model for cutting on your bot. So I can proto on 3d printer and then do a final from the bot. There are many issues regarding under cuts (bridging in 3d) etc, but it is possible. Sometimes when I'm doing 3d stuff I TRY and print it as a whole part but in a lot of cases I need to go back split the model into smaller easier to cut / print pieces. I.E. printing a chair! Printing both sides, a back and a seat is easier than 3d printing a chair as one piece. Here's some small 3d parts I've been printing and where they are being used. Russ

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_19765323.jpg

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_49819264.jpg

The little man is 1.5 inches tall
http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_20816400.jpg

The o scale (Lionel size) buildings I have been doing are all done on the bot not the 3d printer because they are all flat pieces so easy to route. The trick as in anything we route is the router bits we use. I end up using a lot of Dremel bits in a 1/8th inch chuck and mostly 3mm sintra.

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_71158163.jpg

[scottp55]

Neat Russ, and also a good explanation for Newbies. Hmm Train platform? Didn't know you were also printing, should have figured you would be using everything you could.:)

[Joe Porter]

The plans for my dollhouse were figured for .25 stock exactly,(so the slots would fit), but the authors suggested using the "percentage " option in the "overall size" location in Vectric's drawing tab to scale down for the actual thickness of your plywood. This works great, except you have to go to a smaller end mill so you can still cut the "dog bones" so the tabs will fit. This is a relatively new feature in PartWorks/V-Carve Pro and Aspire and makes re-sizing an exact operation...joe

[chiloquinruss]

I user a laser too! :D Russ

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_20368843.jpg

[jTr]

Thanks for the input -

Joe - is that an option in VCarve, or it's big brother, Aspire?

Russ - Holy cow - looks like what you do is quite addictive. Also looks like I'll need a laser cutter and 3D printer for Christmas!

jeff

[Joe Porter]

Jeff, I think it is an option in either, but in the latest versions. There will be a box with a % symbol beside it...joe

[gerryv]

I've often wondered if it is possible to accomplish undercuts by importing true 3D files into Vectric's Cut 3D with its ability to machine four sides.

[chiloquinruss]

I can't find it at the moment but there was a really good thread on 4 sided machining either here or on Vectric. The Aspire software will let you do it but I haven't tried it YET! Since I also model in 1 1/2 inch scale (1/8th scale) I have proto'd in sintra and then 'resized' to cut in 1/2 inch or 3/4 ply. Bit choice does alter some of the settings but usually it's not a real big deal. When designing I do lot's and lot's of layers so going back and making changes IE dogbone etc, is pretty easy.

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_73056427.jpg

I also do stuff as assemblies that get put together into the final pieces.

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_77643546.jpg

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_48483546.jpg

http://hobby-tronics.lenzus.com/content/21775739/r/s_48493546.jpg