What 3D modeling program do you use?

Kevin, let's take a real example. I am working on this knife with a D guard. I would like to be able to draw it in 3D to get the visual right and then "unfold" the D guard so I can print a template to cut. If this makes any sense.
 
That's exactly what I mean, Solidworks can do that easily using the sheet metal tool, it also calculates the k factor for the bend according to the material and thickness you specify. Making changes in the part is easy and once you become familiar with the parametric drawing process, you can build your drawings in such a way that the parts can be modified using only a few steps. Which beats the heck out of redrawing.

Of course there may be some other software out there that can do that too for less money. Alibre was a good program, you might check and see if it is still around.
 
I used old school AutoCAD back in the day. Lately I've been playing with Fusion 360. It's got some awkward bits but I like where it is going. And it's free.

One thing to keep in mind is there's a large learning curve for any modeling program. And switching to a different one will have about the same learning curve. And it's hard to know you got the right one until you've learned it well enough to do something hard in it.
 
You are sure right about that, switching software leaves you with all your old files you may not be able to reuse plus the job of learning the new program.

Here's a link to Alibre, they changed the name. It was a good program back when I tried it out and substantially less expensive than Solidowrks: http://www.alibre.com
 
I use an old seat of Pro/E. I like the combination of engineering grade CAD tool and ISDX styling and advanced surface modeling. It's an extremely robust program with incredible capabilities, but it's expensive and there is a steep learning curve. If I had to do it all over again I might choose Solid Works because it's less expensive and easier to learn and it can do 90% of what Pro/E can do.
 
Nathan, if SW is less expensive I guess it means I don't even have to look at Pro/E. One mortgage is enough. ;)
 
^ oh yeah, I wasn't recommending it. The thread title was "what 3D modeling program do you use", and that's what I use. I use it a lot, but wouldn't generally recommend it.

Edit to add: PTC doesn't "allow" an owner to transfer a license, but it isn't illegal either. It is possible to get a used seat of software when an engineering dept is downsized or changes over. I got a complete CAD system at auction during the financial crisis fiasco for pennies on the dollar. Got one of my VMCs that way too.
 
Last edited:
I use Maya and 3DS MAX for work. I've also used Sketchup. Haven't used them for knife making yet, and not sure I ever will. I've made countless weapons for video games though. If I did use a program for real world weapon creation, I imagine it would only be for prototyping/concepting more complex knives.

In order of level of difficulty/learning curve. Maya being the hardest, then Max, then Sketchup. Sketchup is free too.

CAD and the like would probably be more useful when it comes to real world knifemaking/design though.
 
Patrice, Sketchup is incredibly intuitive and easy to learn, but it has a lot of limitations when it comes to curves, and I do not believe it can unfold an object like you require. I've been looking at SW as well, but question my ability to learn it.
 
Although I don't particularly enjoy "cloud" based anything, I think Autodesk Fusion 360 is still a pretty great deal. As far as I understand, it's completely free for hobbyists and startups.
Playing around with it, it seems quite capable as well, especially considering the cost. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top