Designing with Autocad

[Caddata]

This is a holster design I'm working on using Autocad. Are any of you using Autocad and, if so, would you like to show us your efforts?

2008_SIG_p220_001.bmpFetching info...

2008_SIG_p220_001.bmpFetching info...

[Srigs]

Nope do it the old fashion way with paper and trial and error.

ACAD does not take into account the necessary bends and true shape of the leather IMHO.

[Shorts]

Tried Inkscape for a bit, but I found I'm more effective with pencil and paper.

[Jordan]

Cool clean drawing, now howbout some measurements. Also if cad was 3D would that take care of factoring in thickness and the various moulding that would be needed?

Edited May 21, 2008 by Jordan

[Regis]

I've used autocad some years ago (was actually beta tester in late 80's) and if turning & viewing the 3D object would help me or if I were doing the cutting and bending in a cnc machine, then I would use it. I am currently more profecient in Corel and am satisfied with 2D so that is what I use. Also, pulling in scanned or other graphics in Corel or Photoshop is more useful (unless they've added that to recent Autocad).

I think the best tool is the one you are most profecient with, manual or automated.

Regis

[RonSC]

cool:

While the concept is appealing unless you have dimensional accuracy it would be difficult to transfer this to an actual "working" pattern. One question..Did you "scan" the gun, that is to say, is it dimensionally accurate? This type of work would need to be treated like a sheet-metal pattern where the shape could be developed into a flat pattern. I could see it working with a 3D program in Kydex.... (OOPS! there's that dreaded word!!!) Hope it works, keep us posted.

[Caddata]

  Srigs said:

....ACAD does not take into account the necessary bends and true shape of the leather....

Autocad is very accurate for sheetmetal layouts. Leather should be much easier (forgiving) than sheetmetal to work with because it's flexable.

  Jordan said:

....if cad was 3D would that take care of factoring in thickness and the various moulding that would be needed?....

The patterns would be developed in 2D Autocad. The operator would have to make allowance for material thickness and bend radii.

  RonSC said:

....unless you have dimensional accuracy it would be difficult to transfer this to an actual "working" pattern. One question..Did you "scan" the gun....

The Sig was scanned, digitized, and "tweaked" to be dimensionally accurate.

It took about ten minutes to scan, digitize, and "tweak" the Sig. It took another ten minutes to layout the first holster and about two minutes each for each additional version. I believe Autocad can be valuable in this application for full size patterns. My problem is that my leatherworking skills lag far behind my Autocad skills.

2008_SIG_p220_002.bmpFetching info...

2008_SIG_p220_002.bmpFetching info...

[David]

Caddata

I use MicroStation for my design work. I am not designing leather patterns with it but rather my tooling artwork. If anyone is interested in that, I can post some of them. My actual seat patterns are done the old fashioned way; which is to trace a master pattern. But I am fortunate that all my seats are basically on one two seat pan shapes.

David Theobald

[Rhome]

I wish I knew how to use autocad to develop new patterns. I have it on my computer and have played with it but lack the skill needed to work it. I spend a fortune on pencils and erasers not to mention file folders to develope new patterns.

Rhome

[Shorts]

  Rhome said:

I wish I knew how to use autocad to develop new patterns. I have it on my computer and have played with it but lack the skill needed to work it. I spend a fortune on pencils and erasers not to mention file folders to develope new patterns.

Rhome

When I used Inkscape, I burned a lot of paper and ink doing what I could have with a pencil and eraser. There was also a learning curve for the program. I spent way too much time fiddling on the computer than I should have. I agree with what Regis said about using the tools you use best. Some folks it may be ACAD, some the old school method.

Remenber when OCC Choppers on tv went to their fancy dancy water jet machine....and they did a lot of design on the computer. Well, they definitely hired new blood to run those programs and be the design guy. Otherwise, its a steep curve in addition to the time it takes to continue building.

Itd be nice if us human had downloadable update capability, get us up to speed on using new technology within a few minutes lol

[Rhome]

Yeah, I'm old school, that's for sure.

[$$hobby]

If you could scan in the profile of the gun, then i thing that AutoCAD could work. at least it would be easier to enlarge the pattern w/o remaking it everytime.

i use Inventor for some of my patterns, but just for my belt ends, tounges and buckle straps. I use Inventor since its easier for me. BTW, i also used it for some cartridge carriers patterns. its alot easier to use a patter then marking directly on the leather.

[TroyS]

I design custom homes, and I've used AutoCAD since about 1990 and I can tell you, anything can be modeled in 3D for your viewing pleasure PRIOR to cutting your first piece of leather. youcan rotate the item (using ORB command), then once you are satisfied with the result, you can disassemble the 3D drawing in AutoCAD, and flatten it into a 2D pattern. Many of the new computer softwares can do it, AutoCAD just happens to be the one I know best. Adobe Photoshop CS3 also does this, however, both of these programs are in excess of $1200.00 in the US.

I honestly believe that a roll of brown paper, some scissors, a pencil, a compass, a protractor and a little common sense can get the same effect, AND, you can do it if the power goes out....

Hope this opinion helps....

Troy

[gtwister09]

Like TroyS I have used AutoCAD for a while...since version 1.13. I also taught it for one semester in college. I use it for a lot of things like mauls (their templates), knives, concho designs, spur straps and tooling designs (mainly initials and logos), tool holders, bookmarks and what-ifs for designs. Here is a smattering of some of the things that I use it for.

[FrankCastle]

  TroyS said:

I design custom homes, and I've used AutoCAD since about 1990 and I can tell you, anything can be modeled in 3D for your viewing pleasure PRIOR to cutting your first piece of leather. youcan rotate the item (using ORB command), then once you are satisfied with the result, you can disassemble the 3D drawing in AutoCAD, and flatten it into a 2D pattern. Many of the new computer softwares can do it, AutoCAD just happens to be the one I know best. Adobe Photoshop CS3 also does this, however, both of these programs are in excess of $1200.00 in the US.

I honestly believe that a roll of brown paper, some scissors, a pencil, a compass, a protractor and a little common sense can get the same effect, AND, you can do it if the power goes out....

Hope this opinion helps....

Troy

First off, I would like to introduce myself. I have been Trolling this forum for about a month absorbing what I can. I bought a derringer and need a holster for it. Bad Part is they dont commercially make what I am looking for. Next step. Research, Design, and make my own. I have limited LW experience, which includes a merit badge from Boy Scouts 15 years ago. Mainly Stamping and Basic Stiching.

I have been using AutoCAD since 1995, Version 12. I have a certificate in 3D Modeling, but was not aware you could flaten out the designs. I know you can get any 2D View from any 3D model. Question: If I make a 3D Model/Design, How do I flaten it out? With the accuracy you can achieve in AutoCAD, Modeling the Gun would be the easy part. Drafting the 3D Holster would be fun, but I am unsure how to flaten it out. Any Suggestions will help. Thank you for your time.

Frank