[TheForge] layout tools

[Walter Mullett]

Justin,

Most of my ideas start out as sketches.  Freehand is always quicker than CAD
and it allows you to get your thoughts down quickly and doesn't interfere
with your creativity.  But after I get my initial concept down, I often move
to AutoCAD to fine tune my ideas.  

A couple of months ago, I did a three leaf trivet in that manner.  Started
with my sketch, then laid it out in CAD.  In AutoCAD, I measured the inside
& outside length of tapered stock that would be scrolled to form one of the
three stems.  I averaged those to get the length of the stock after tapering
and marked that on my anvil.  I then printed several 8.5 x 11 copies to use
as a pattern.  Using those, I scrolled some stock to fit the inside of the
stem and made a bending jig from it that would fit in my vise. 

When I was making my jig, I checked the stock against my paper copy as
needed.  I also cut one up along the inside scroll line so I could see the
curve fit.  Of course I burned it up some but with multiple copies, so what.
Much easier than putting the design on wood or metal.  Of course if you
wanted something more permanent, you could glue the paper down and transfer
it or cut it out.

CAD is especially good if you have repetitive elements that make up a larger
design.  For instance, you can quickly "build" railing components, then
sections, then whole fences and see what they really look like.

I also do a lot in 3d and model more complex shapes.  I have been working on
3d scroll ends, twists and other elements that I can drop into a design and
model.  But, you have to be careful that this very finite tool does not
stifle your creativity or rule your activities.  It's just a tool!

If you don't do CAD regularly, I think your better off to just use sketches
and copiers for multiple shapes.  Just paste them together...MAD (Manual
Aided Design).

Walt

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Justin Fellenz
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 12:11 PM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: [TheForge] layout tools

Got sucked in again. All that Chian stuff does seem relevant to
blacksmithing if only in the sense of sitting around chatting over
beers...which is a good way to look at it, IMO. I like that feel on this
list.

Anyway.

This is really about blacksmithing. In the article about that very cool
railing (really great work...) in last Anvil's Ring were reproductions of
the drawings. I am not much with a pen, more sketches than anything...I
usually have a very clear idea in my mind of what I want to make and often
do architectural drawings of the place the piece will go with important
measurements so everything fits, but as often as not the project develops at
least a little as it goes along. The very few commissions I've gotten have
been ok with this, but I'm sure if I ever get the big one or do corporate
work they'll want to know more or less exactly what they're getting.

So the questions are these: do most or all of you do detailed drawings
beforehand? Are these for the customer, or do they help you in the process
of the work? And how many of you use cad software to do them?
Is cad worth the effort and expense, or is it just cool toys?

Thanks,

JRF
_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________