Putting thoughts to (digital) paper for the next project...
I have to say that the advances in 3D modeling really make "making" a lot easier. You can draw everything to exact size and figure out any interference or other complications in advance - basically fully "build" the item on screen. Used to be I'd scribble things out on a piece of paper - or, more likely, an opened up oil filter box or similar floating around the shop. Then there'd be the tweaking and backtracking as I'd go along because the dimensions were just approximate and some things didn't work out the way I had seen them.
Another advantage of having everything modeled is that it is an easy step to port the file out for CNC cutting, milling, routing, or 3D printing if that makes more sense than making the pieces by hand. Having access to a plasma table, CNC mill and lathe, 3D printers, and plastic routing spoils a person quickly. I need to find someone local with a CNC wood routing system to experiment with that as well.
I have to say that the advances in 3D modeling really make "making" a lot easier. You can draw everything to exact size and figure out any interference or other complications in advance - basically fully "build" the item on screen. Used to be I'd scribble things out on a piece of paper - or, more likely, an opened up oil filter box or similar floating around the shop. Then there'd be the tweaking and backtracking as I'd go along because the dimensions were just approximate and some things didn't work out the way I had seen them.
Another advantage of having everything modeled is that it is an easy step to port the file out for CNC cutting, milling, routing, or 3D printing if that makes more sense than making the pieces by hand. Having access to a plasma table, CNC mill and lathe, 3D printers, and plastic routing spoils a person quickly. I need to find someone local with a CNC wood routing system to experiment with that as well.