What CAD/CAM software do ytou guys use ?

[damakun]

Hello ! I am new to modding, and I am planning a replica NextCube case. So far I have found a ton of useful pics and info - including the original patent drawings - but i have a few general questions about the software used to plan a mod.

Is there a favourite tool to use for planning ? I have downloaded Sketchup but I have not used Cad/CAM software before. Can I send a Sketchup drawing to a metal shop or acrylics shop and have them make custom parts for me ?

While on the subject : how does one make a plastic grille ? Is there a place you can buy them already made ? Also, has anyone here tried making a custom mold for parts ?

Thanks in advance

[SgtM]

Welcome to TBCS! This is the best modding community you are going to find anywhere. Period.



Is there a favourite tool to use for planning ? I have downloaded Sketchup but I have not used Cad/CAM software before.

Most of us use Sketchup. Check out this link (http://www.sketchup.com/?sid=35) for tutorials. Really helps you learn it quickly. Well, it helped me learn it anyway.



Can I send a Sketchup drawing to a metal shop or acrylics shop and have them make custom parts for me ?

From what I gather, yes, you can



While on the subject : how does one make a plastic grille ? Is there a place you can buy them already made ? Also, has anyone here tried making a custom mold for parts ?

I don't have first hand experience with this yet. I'm sure there are others on here who do that will be along shortly to elaborate, or maybe provide a link to a tutorial.

[Truffles]

For three dimensional I use ProDesktop, or even head towards Cinema 4d and 3ds Max 7 for some real power design.

Two dimensional I use 2d design, great and simple for making designs to be put out onto a laser cutter.

[crazybillybob]

Most MAchine shops will Accept files that are in a .DXF format, it's a 2D format that can be viewed and written by many Cad Softwares (turbocad, Autocad, 3DSMax, and many more).
I use AutoCad but there are many free or lowcost CAD programs that handle DXF.

CrazyBillyBob

[damakun]

Cool ! k, so I will definitely see how far I can get with SketchUp... I'll google DXF and see what that comes up with too... Oh, one other quick question : do case modders in this forum use a third party image host, or can one post/host images in this forum ?

[Wannabeamodder]

I use Image shack for hosting pics. I don't think you can host images from the forum.
I will help you with instruction's if you need it. :)

Charles ,aka Wannabeamodder

[crazybillybob]

You need to get third party Image hosting. Check out this thread here at TBCS http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17, there are some guys that will give you space to post for free, and point you to some places on the web that will do it to. I have access to my on web server so I post my own images....but there are many free options out there!!


CrazyBillyBob