1 Topic by blazin_penguin (edited by blazin_penguin 2014-09-23 14:44:48)

  • blazin_penguin
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Calgary, Canada
  • Registered: 2014-09-19
  • Posts: 57

Topic: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

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!

Solidoodle Workbench

2 Reply by jawhn

  • jawhn
  • jawhn
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2013-03-12
  • Posts: 77

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

Too many things in the world to suggest.  wink

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.   wink  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.

Two SD3s - One with Sang, One with Printrboard, Fans on control boards!!! Do this!!!, Dual Glass Beds, Blacklight "EZ Bake Oven" - Improves Ambient Temp, Sketchup, Repetier, Slic3r. Graphic Designer & Makeshift Engineer. Drinks Lots and Lots and Lots of Rum.

3 Reply by IronMan

  • IronMan
  • IronMan
  • PRINTiT
  • Offline
  • From: SC
  • Registered: 2012-09-14
  • Posts: 1,269

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

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!

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

4 Reply by grob (edited by grob 2014-09-24 01:55:27)

  • grob
  • grob
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Sydney, Australia
  • Registered: 2014-01-02
  • Posts: 900

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

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". smile That thing was a PITA; so much unmeasurable bent sheetmetal!

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi

5 Reply by SnakeEyes

  • SnakeEyes
  • SnakeEyes
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: New Jersey
  • Registered: 2013-08-16
  • Posts: 190

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

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.

Overkill is underrated!!!

6 Reply by n2ri

  • n2ri
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: St Louis MO USA area
  • Registered: 2013-02-03
  • Posts: 2,539

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

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' ;^)

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

7 Reply by megmaltese

  • megmaltese
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2014-10-19
  • Posts: 32

Re: "Challenges" to learn how to Model

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