SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — "Challenges" to learn how to Model

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-10-19T14:58:30Z

Try to make a small spaceship of your invention, or if you prefer a WW2 plane or tank

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-10-03T22:05:55Z

blazin_penguin wrote:

Good Morning everyone,
I just bought myself a SD workbench, and during the 6-8 weeks I have to wait I thought this would be an opportune time to learn 3d modeling. Right now I only have sketchup, but I am hoping to eventually expand my skillset to include programs such as poser, sculptris and solidworks (if my work ever gets me a license).
So I thought I would ask for challenges for things to make that will help me improve and learn different parts of the program. Thus far I have done a mug with handle, chess pieces, and a couple of sprockets/gears, and I'm currently working on a set of D&D dice.
So, Bring on the challenges for a Newbie 3d modeler!

allow yourself a good year for learning curve b4 trying to sell items and dont worry if problems happen that prolong that time. remember 'you cant rush perfection' ;^)

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-10-03T16:11:03Z

it sounds stupid but i did this in solidworks. model a lego figure. its simple enough to not be impossible but complicated enough to be challenging. LOTS of cuts and inside geometry and the like.

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-09-24T01:55:12Z

Yup, work hard on getting that SW licence. It's a breath of fresh air for the technically minded in comparison to nearly all of the free options. I still remember my first CAD experience: I was sat in front of solidworks, handed a stapler and a pair of calipers and told "go". That thing was a PITA; so much unmeasurable bent sheetmetal!

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-09-23T21:04:02Z

One of the things I did when first learning CAD was to pick random ordinary objects and try to duplicate them as accurately as possible. You have already started with with some simpler things; now, using a pair of Digital Calipers, try to construct things like a twist drill bit, a hammer head, a pair of scissors, etc.

You may get stuck for 30 minutes on trying to construct one particular feature, but once you get through it, you likely will not forget how to approach it next time!

Whichever CAD platform you choose, just stick with it and keep modeling!

Good Luck!

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-09-23T20:54:50Z

Too many things in the world to suggest.

My suggestion would be to start thinking about *how* you make the things - And you'll be somewhat unfamiliar with this... But I had to learn to print things sideways for some applications so that the design was more rigid in a certain direction, if that makes any sense... If you have thin pieces, the layers will break easier, so you'll want to build those as XY paths as opposed to Z.

I hope that makes sense.

Also, the magic numbers I've discovered - for thicknesses when printing - are 1.65mm and 2.46mm. Those will give you solid strands as opposed to "zigzag" fills that aren't as efficient as straight lines.

Make a back scratcher that assembles in several pieces.

"Challenges" to learn how to Model

2014-09-23T14:43:06Z

Good Morning everyone,

I just bought myself a SD workbench, and during the 6-8 weeks I have to wait I thought this would be an opportune time to learn 3d modeling. Right now I only have sketchup, but I am hoping to eventually expand my skillset to include programs such as poser, sculptris and solidworks (if my work ever gets me a license).

So I thought I would ask for challenges for things to make that will help me improve and learn different parts of the program. Thus far I have done a mug with handle, chess pieces, and a couple of sprockets/gears, and I'm currently working on a set of D&D dice.

So, Bring on the challenges for a Newbie 3d modeler!