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Abstract Chat about 3D Modeling Techniques With Strong Feelings and Emotions
CI:
There was a question about learning 3D modeling, and transitioning from 2D drafting to 3D modeling.
I can help with the way I do it.
There are many trains of thought on the "best" way to do 3D modeling.
I don't know if anyone would consider my 3D methods the "best", or even consider them "good", but they do work well, and work particularly well if someone is very good at 2D CADD, and transitioning into 3D modeling.
The "right" way to do 3D modeling of course is the method that works best for YOU.
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CI:
I started manual drafting (vellum commercial drafting paper on a drawing board) in college, about the turn of the stone age (1976), and leanred to make engineering drawings.
We made all of our own engineering drawings manually using this method until the IBM-PC came out, and then some simple drawing programs began to emerge.
I think this was about 1986.
Autocad came out some time after 1986, and competed against many other CAD programs.
After many years, Autocad emerged in most Architectural/Engineering firms as the dominant program.
I learned AutoCad in 1995, and it took me perhaps a week to get somewhat proficient using it.
AutoCad 2D was easy because all I had to do was duplicate on a computer screen what I had been doing manually for years on a drafting table.
All was well in the CAD world until I decided in 2012 to learn 3D modeling, using Solidworks.
I basically collided with reality when I realized that 3D modeling was not going to be as easy to learn as 2D AutoCad.
It took me a year of struggling to get to the point where I could begin to use a 3D modeling program.
The sad thing is, if I would have had access to a good tutorial, I think I could have become proficient in perhaps a month.
Here are my thoughts on why learning 3D modeling, coming from a 2D CAD environment, was so difficult.
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Dave Otto:
Pat, I think you are the only person in the country that uses the process that you do. ;D
Seems that we had this discussion not long ago.
Dave
CI:
2D CAD is just like manual drawing.
You place the cursor, draw a line, raise the cursor (so to speak), move the mouse to a new location, draw a new line or shape, and repeat that over and over again, on what is basically a sheet of paper simulated on the computer screen.
When I started trying to learn 3D modeling, my first question was "Where is the paper ?".
LOL, well as it turned out, in 3D there are infinite numbers of sheets.
Second question was "Where do I start drawing; ie: how do I get to the paper so I can start drawing ?".
Third question was "Now that I have drawn a shape, such as a circle, and extrude it into a solid, how does that become an engine part".
I watched some tutorials, but the problem was that I did not have a conceptual foundation/understanding of what the overall goals and objectives of 3D modeling, and so without that knowledge, the tutorials had little relevant meaning.
The tutorials did not create engine parts either.
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CI:
--- Quote from: Dave Otto on March 27, 2026, 09:30:26 PM ---Pat, I think you are the only person in the country that uses the process that you do. ;D
Seems that we had this discussion not long ago.
Dave
--- End quote ---
Well then it is obvious that this is not the thread for you, so don't waste your time reading things here that you have previously discussed.
I don't think your point is relevant in learning 3D at all.
Folks in some countries drive on the wrong side of the road from what is done here, but it is all good, right ?
Different strokes for different folks.
I am going to lay out my method, and people can use it, or ignore it (in part or full).
If anyone has another method, please start your own thread, and illustrate your method in your thread.
Thanks much.
There is no need to discredit someone's method just because it differs from yours.
There are literally many many ways to slice a loaf of bread.
Edit:
The method used to create 2D sketches has no bearing on 3D modeling; it a transparent thing that nobody would even be aware of had I not mentioned it.
The 3D modeling methods remain the same regarless of how the 2D sketch is generated.
Its like saying "Well you use an Apple computer, and I use a Windows computer, so your drawing methods are not good".
Totally irrelevant.
To clarify, I often create sketches in Autocad 2D, and import them into Soldworks, to start an initial sketch/model.
Works well for me, but is totally optional, and one can do all the sketching in the native 3D modeling program if desired, but sketches can also be imported.
I have imported most of the initial sketches for most of the 3D models I have made, because sketching in Autocad is infinitely easier for me than sketching in Solidworks.
One should use the method that works best for you.
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