3D modeling/rendering software

[BigSki]

Originally Posted by wonder squirrel

Anyone have an Axial axle modeled? Just post up the dimensions if you do, I'd like to make the model myself. I've got a Hand Bros Honcho axle mount for their 3 link kit I was going to draw up.

I believe that I remember seeing one on shapeways.

[C*H*U*D]

You'll need Sketchup (Free) but this might get you what you want:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/mod...2d&prevstart=0

[Calderwood]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

You'll need Sketchup (Free) but this might get you what you want:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/mod...2d&prevstart=0

You don't necessarily need sketchup to use sketchup files. I can open them with my CAD.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Calderwood

You don't necessarily need sketchup to use sketchup files. I can open them with my CAD.

I didn't know that. What program?

[Calderwood]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

I didn't know that. What program?

Rhino 5.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Calderwood

Rhino 5.

I really need to learn Rhino. I have the demo for 5, but just can't seem to find the time to sit with it long enough to have it stick.

[BigSki]

Originally Posted by Calderwood

You don't necessarily need sketchup to use sketchup files. I can open them with my CAD.

What is the file extension?

[Spiftacu1ar]

Haven't read through this entire thread, so it may have been said already, but one of my favorite modeling programs is Autodesk Inventor. It is free to students (Inventor Professional Free Download | Free Student Version). I originally signed up in 2006 when I was in high school, and it required *no* verification of your student status if you sign up as a high school (secondary) student. I believe this is still the case, as I still get yearly updates and have never verified a student status, so just name a high school near you. As long as you don't use this to design commercial products, it is legal to use.

IMO, Inventor is easier that Solidworks (which I now use at work), but jsut as powerful, if not more so (I personally like how much easier it is to have linked/equation based dimensions in inventor vs solidworks). You won't go back to Sketchup once you use Inventor or Solidworks (but solidworks is ridiculously expensive).

[tgh117]

SW I believe is actually cheaper than inventor if you were to actually purchase it correctly.

I prefer SW for most of my work, but have used just about everything at one point or another.

[Calderwood]

Originally Posted by BigSki

What is the file extension?

Sorry I missed this.

Sketchup is .skp and rhino is .3dm but rhino will save as any one of 42 different file extensions. Lots of options. Here is a screen shot of a .skp file opened in rhino.