As I wrap up the work around the Retreat, I am anxious to devote time to my design work. Many people have told me that I make things too complicated and a relaxing hobby should not require an over-clocked brain to enjoy. I get it, so I am going to compromise with the vinyl cutter.
I still want to have designs with pure geometry and plenty of detail, but I promise to make sure it is easy to weed and assemble. Since I have only hours of experience with this tool, bad eyes, big clumsy fingers- I am my own novice customer.
My focus is on one square foot at a time. A four color design fits on the standard cutting mat. I add break-out cuts to make weeding easier. If I find a section difficult to transfer, I make it larger or connected.
Files are provided in DXF and SVG, along with a Weeding Guide to make it easier.
You can find my shop at https://justonesqft.etsy.com
Soon after I figured out how to load the mat and send a file, I was ready to attempt a 4 color decal. My first subject is this Dollar Store knickknack. Suffering through a time draining video, I learned the basics of assembly.
There isn't much to say about how I got this done. I used AutoCAD to draw on top of a 4 color image, mindlessly going back and forth between layers to finally get it right.
It was now time to see what Inventor could do.
Okay, another silly dust collector. Yawn.
This time, however, all the design work will be done in 3D.
First step was to do a 4 color design on top of the image in Corel. It was just a guide to get started, changes to the design are dictated by physical constraints. In other words, smaller features are better created by a hole than a loose object. The order of the layers is very important.
Here is the final model rendered in Inventor.
Hands down, it is the best way for me to perform this task! The next step is to arrange the layers as they will be cut, and produce a 2-D drawing. In AutoCAD, I decide where I need breakout cuts and add alignment shapes.
All the weeded layers ready for assembly.
Copyright © 2024 Designs By Dave Chapman - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy