paris3200 Report post Posted March 19, 2008 It dawned on me yesterday that I could use CAD software to create holster templates. So today I fired up my CAD software and created blocks that contained the stitch outlines for my pistols at 90 degrees and various angles of cant. I also created blocks for belt loops. So now I can add a pistol block, 2 belt loop blocks, and simply draw the outline of the holster trimming where necessary. It takes me just a fraction of the time it use to. Just thought I'd throw that idea out there, maybe it will help someone else. I wish I had thought of it sooner. Jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SmokinP Report post Posted March 19, 2008 As a designer I use AutoCAD all the time. Have been since about '92. It is excellent for creating patterns. A lot better to move, copy, erase, twist, turn and otherwise manipulate some lines on a computer screen than to fill a waste bucket with leather. Works great for laying out lettering that is to be tooled on a piece. Being that most of my work is technical in nature I'm a little behind in using raster images. But even with my limited use of them I'm able to use them on some of my designs. Great for taking images and getting them sized and laid out just right on your pattern. Since my leatherworking skills and knowledge are light years behind the other folks here I'm usually more full of questions than help. But if anybody ever needs help with AutoCAD I can sure enough answer most anything about that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spider Report post Posted March 22, 2008 I'm a Score! user my self and I have found that it really helps when I need it. Even if just to make blanks of things. I found that with my plotter I can even use the pen tool as long as I put a clear sheet of acetate on my leather and it gives finer detail than my score tool. (packaging) I usually case the leather first then put the acetate and then plot. Works good for some stuff like lettering as long as I make an outline in illustrator and then import. Damn I feel like a nerd now....LOL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paris3200 Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Spider, Are you using Score! X? I'd never heard of it before you mentioned it. It looks like it would come in very handy for placing artwork onto design say for a box or case. I've been using QCAD. I previously used AutoCAD at work, but I don't have access to it at home. After not doing any CAD work for several years QCAD took me a minute to learn. However its very easy and inexpensive for the home user. Jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CitizenKate Report post Posted March 22, 2008 I use Illustrator for all my design work now, but I'm always on the lookout for something better/easier/cheaper/etc. Kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Report post Posted March 22, 2008 (edited) I do all my tooling patterns in CAD....I've been known to use a bit of Illustrator and Photoshop as well but it works great for doing variations on a design. Dave Edited March 22, 2008 by David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CitizenKate Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Love the precision of your drawing, David. Here's one done in Illustrator, not quite as complex, but I love how much control I have over the curves and lines, and I also like being able to modify my drawings without having to start all over again: Kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paris3200 Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Kate, Have you checked out Inkscape? It's open source so cost would not be an issue. Its available for Windows, Linux, and MAC. I'm not sure how the controls and interface compare to Illustrator but I imagine they can't be that different. Jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Storm Report post Posted April 18, 2008 I am going to have to go along with Kate rergading the use of Illustrator. I am a computer graphics designer at this point....used to be an architectural designer for 23 three years using both my hands and computers. For myself I find that using Photoshop and Illustrator together can do some neat things. I was working on an idea for a wrist band/bracelet the other day. I mocked it all up to scale and included the actual images of the slotted conchos I was going o use. With a scanner, some Photoshop and Illustrator you can come up with some cool stuff. Whatever floats your boat and gets you through the night. But a lot of the time I am striving to create by hand...the original digital(fingers...digits) way. You look at people like Al and Anne Stohlman, Al Shelton, Chester Hape and so many more and all they had was some tracing paper and a No.2 pencil. God love them all. They really got it done. HA! Storm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbarleather Report post Posted April 18, 2008 I'll throw in that I use CorelDrawX3 to design most of my stuff. However, it always comes down to drawing freehand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spider Report post Posted April 22, 2008 Paris, I have used Score!X but don't usually. It's great for some stuff but for any 3D stuff we use Strata. It imports illustrator files directly and I can use the dielines to create my box or displays with accuracy and better options for graphics and colors and appearance. Illustrator and Photoshop are for sure AWESOME softwares to use, for certain things. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted May 27, 2008 I do all my tooling patterns in CAD....I've been known to use a bit of Illustrator and Photoshop as well but it works great for doing variations on a design.Dave Dave, I have to agree with Kate .....Very nice patterns and great precision! I like to do variations in patterns as well. It sure makes it nice to do that. I use Corel and Photoshop in conjunction with CAD. Of course sometimes hand drawing and scanning are the order of the day as well. Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dynamik1 Report post Posted December 28, 2008 It dawned on me yesterday that I could use CAD software to create holster templates. Has anyone tried Google SketchUp? I have fired it up a few times and been kinda frustrated because it doesnt seem to have a 2D mode and I think that would be so much better for patterns. ? Does anyone know if Google SketchUp can be set to do 2D? Someone mentioned Inkscape and I may take a look at that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dags3777 Report post Posted December 29, 2008 I do all my tooling patterns in CAD....I've been known to use a bit of Illustrator and Photoshop as well but it works great for doing variations on a design.Dave Dave, what is "Sucker Punch Sallys". Saw it on quite a few of your seats. Thanks Darryl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
