New to 3D modeling

[Roscoe]

I'm with Rob about Draftside, it's free, and basically an AutoCAD clone, so there's no investment to make. Plus that training course (if you decide to take it) will translate almost to the tee. I use it to tweak laser cut files before I send them out, basically converting splines to polylines, which the laser likes much better.

Like any CAD program though, it won't "fill in the blanks" of missing geometry, but can be used to best guesstimate what you don't have, so some "eyeballing" will still be used. And going off of vague drawings and pictures just compounds that. There is no magic wand CAD that I know of.

-Dean

[Cadman]

Ask Tim what I was able to do with that.

Rob, my minions still marvel at the fully rendered 3D solid models with realistic textures that you created while you worked with me. Most of the early work that became the Dragon Buchanan was done in AutoCAD 04. I still laugh when the salesmen call and argue with me that AutoCAD is not a 3D program. You just need to know how to use it.

[DrPR]

Dean,

Thanks for the correction abouot Rhino. I haven't used it but know people who have. I wasn't sure if it was a full-fledged type 1 program or type 3. I guess SolidWorks is also a type 1 - a very expensive type 1, but with an extensive set of capabilities.

Mare Nostrum,

Some programs allow you to import a bitmap image, and some allow you to scan images into the program, but this is not common to all programs. I have a friend who uses AutoCAD and at least a few years ago it couldn't import bitmaps. I don't know about the latest versions. The DesignCAD program I use will work with bitmaps. It has a autotrace function, but like everu other autotrace program I have seen it is almost worthless. You can manually trace over bitmaps but this is a bit tricky.

You should remember one very important thing - there is little compatability between CAD programs. You can transfer simple things like lines and such, but colors and material properties may be lost in the translation. Further, each program has it's unique way of representing 3D objects and they may become scrambled in translation. Once you start using a program you may have to abandon everything you have done if you want to switch to another program. At best, after you translate program A's files for use on program B you will have to do a lot of cleanup work.

Phil

[Roscoe]

Phil,

SolidWorks would fall under a very expensive type 2 program. It uses lines, circles, etc. in what they call sketches, to make the solids or surfaces. There are no primitives in it like some other programs to start from, every solid or surface you make is from a sketch, except when filling an open area between edges with a surface. But it's solid bodies are true solids, not just knitted surfaces, they have actual mass, to which different materials can be applied.

For those who are trying out Blender, check out Blender Swap, tons of free models to download and play with. You do have to register to download, but no biggie, that's free too. http://www.blendswap.com/

-Dean

[MareNostrum]

Phil, Roscoe, Cadman, the Whole Gang, before bad manners get the upper hand, my thanks for all your responses, looks as if I may be able to tackle this thing by myself, saving a few hundred bucks in tuition fees!

[Roscoe]

MareNostrum,

If it seemed my manners were a bit lacking, my apologies to you, Phil and everyone else. I was just trying to add a bit more insight into some of the differences of the programs mentioned. Although looking back at my response, I could have worded it better.

Take care,
Dean

[rtwpsom2]

We all have our particular CAD packages we like. I am a die hard SolidWorks guy, Phil is dedicated to DesignCAD, and Tim is enamored of ACAD. I have spent the last year using Inventor and I think it is representative of the fact that all CAD packages have good things and then they have things we wish they would do better. I think the important thing is to find one that works well enough for you right now and then spend the time to get really good at it. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to master something and CAD is no different. At that level, the differences in CAD packages are trifles because you have learned workarounds for all the major flaws you don't like. I say pick one and stick to it.

For the record, I have enough hours in both SolidWorks and Inventor to call myself and expert in both, and I would say SolidWorks still easily bests Inv in a number of areas that are key to doing ships (e.g. surfacing, configurations, mates versatility). But I don't have enough time in any other 3D programs to be able to compare them.

[MareNostrum]

Roscoe/Dean- Please, no apologies necessary, I was referring to my manners, or lack thereof, for being slow in expressing my appreciation to everyone for taking the time to get me more familiar with this arm of the hobby. Really, I detected nothing "untoward" in your comments, I don't think the chief of protocol will be taking any action.

[Roscoe]

looks as if I may be able to tackle this thing by myself, saving a few hundred bucks in tuition fees!

So which program did you decide to go with? Do tell.

-Dean

[MareNostrum]

Leaning toward Draftside (Draftsight?) given what has been said about it, plus the freebie aspect is not to be dismissed. Will also give Blender a test spin. I also checked for accompanying texts, used AutoCAD ones can be picked up for just a few bucks, so even if not the latest edition I figure that would be an additional resource. Haven't checked to see if such are specifically available for Draftside yet, but I gather that what works in one will pretty much work in the other.

[rtwpsom2]

I think that is one of the nice things about Draftsight, if you want to read up on it, look for ACAD 2004-6 texts. I am mostly self taught on ACAD 2004 using the help file and the forums of the time. I also took a couple classes in community college on the subject. And then I spent a year and a half working for Tim, who taught me more than a few tricks. Feel free to ask questions when you need help and we'll try to help or point you in the right direction.

[MareNostrum]

Rob, thanks, it's always nice to know that help, tips, and suggestions are readily available. As I'm watching Olympic swimming events right now, it's rather fitting that I simply have to "jump in" myself for at least the first few laps before asking the coaches for pointers...

[MareNostrum]

Just a quick note to all hands who've been kind enough to lend me a hand, I've downloaded the free DraftSight for individual use, along with their "getting started" lessons. I've also picked up from the library AutoCAD 2004 and AutoCAD LT 2004 by David Frey as well as Just Enough AutoCAD 2007 by George Omura, figuring these would be reasonable approximations to get me off square one until I need a more dedicated manual. I've started playing with DraftSight, so the ball has started rolling, we'll see how productive the long dark winter turns out to be...

Thanks again for your assistance and advice.