• Beware of Counterfeit Woodturning Tools (click here for details)
  • Johnathan Silwones is starting a new AAW chapter, Southern Alleghenies Woodturners, in Johnstown, PA. (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Paul May for "Checkerboard (ver 3.0)" being selected as Turning of the Week for March 25, 2024 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

3D modeling program

Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
1,287
Likes
4
Location
Austin, TX
Website
www.woodturner.org
If you are looking for a program of this type you might want to try:'
SketchUp from Google

I tried it and there is a learning curve, but it is also free. Sometimes I draw out stuff with a pencil and, well, the best way to put it is that I'm a lot better at woodturning than I am at drawing. This program would be good to draw out the shape before you do the final shaping of the piece.
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
Messages
105
Likes
1
Location
Suffolk, England
Website
www.cobwebcrafts.co.uk
software

Thanks Jeff, that looks interesting. It might also be useful for the pencil challenged amongst us for drawing line diagrams for website use! I'm glad I'm on broadband though.

I thought I'd post a link to a piece of software written specifically for woodturners. There are trail versions available for download. I haven't used it myself but know turners who have and think it's invaluable.

http://www.woodturnerpro.com/

Andy
 
Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
1,287
Likes
4
Location
Austin, TX
Website
www.woodturner.org
Those are also good suggestions. Does anyone have other software they find useful? If we can get a few more posts, I'll move this to the tips subforum for future reference.
 
Joined
May 7, 2004
Messages
315
Likes
1
Location
Lincoln Hills, CA (At the foot of the Sierra Nevad
Website
jerryhallstudio.com
Open Office

Another alternative is Open Office, a free alternative to MS Office. It has a Draw program, with some 3D capabilities. I have used the word processor and spreadsheet for a couple years, and they are excellent. You can save documents as .doc files and .pdf files, read and write excel files. Very reliable, highly functional, excellent documentation and user forums. I will never pay for MS Office again. I haven't used the Draw program, apart from a quick look, but if it is to the same standard as the other components it is well worth considering.

The package is available at:
http://www.openoffice.org/product/index.html

Here is a summary of the package:

DRAW - from a quick sketch to a complex plan, DRAW gives you the tools to communicate with graphics and diagrams.

'Park' your most commonly used drawing tools around your screen ready for single-click access.

Use Styles and Formatting to put all your graphics styles at your finger tips.

Manipulate objects, rotate in two or three dimensions; the 3D controller puts spheres, rings, cubes, etc. at your disposal.

Arrange objects: group, ungroup, regroup, and edit objects while grouped. Sophisticated rendering let you create photorealistic images with your own texture, lighting effects, transparency, perspective, and so on.

Smart connectors make short work of flowcharts, organisation charts, network diagrams, etc. Define your own 'glue points' for connectors to 'stick' to.

Dimension lines automatically calculate and display linear dimensions as you draw.

Use the picture Gallery for clipart; create your own art and add it to the Gallery.

Save your graphics in OpenDocument format, the new international standard for office documents. This XML based format means you're not tied in to DRAW. You can access your graphics from any OpenDocument compliant software.

Import graphics from all common formats (including BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and WMF).

Use DRAW's free ability to create Flash (.swf) versions of your work.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Sep 22, 2004
Messages
39
Likes
19
Location
UK
Website
www.woodturningdesign.info
other alternatives

Having posted before on the subject of 3D programs to assist the design process and had some criticism here, I thought some viewers might be interested in alternative 3D. The program I am currently using is not free, is difficult to master because you have to have an intuitive approach to it but it does provide some thought provoking imagery that can be adapted to turning. I am producing more images than I can possibly use, if anyone is interested I will gladly forward some via e-mail. See some recent experiments in the image below. I can mail a larger version of the jpg if anyone wants a better look. Samples here are in low res and are not fully rendered.
Happy turning and 3D experimenting
 

Attachments

  • aaw2.jpg
    aaw2.jpg
    29.6 KB · Views: 1,057
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
Messages
349
Likes
0
Location
Rural La Farge, Wisconsin
Website
www.token.crwoodturner.com
"MicroLathe (MicroLathe) is an easy to use modeling tool for Windows 3.1
that allows you to create three dimensional objects using the metaphor
of the carpenter's lathe."
That from the program's README, dated 1992 :D
Believe it or not, this old program still works, and is worth using because it's so basic and simple.
It's a 90 kb zipped file ("lathe.zip") you can download at woodturner Grant Marshall's site here:
http://www.marshallarts.co.za/technical.htm

You can save "turnings" as bmp files, and I convert them to jpgs.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot.jpg
    Screenshot.jpg
    33.6 KB · Views: 1,029
Last edited:
Joined
Sep 9, 2006
Messages
1
Likes
0
Location
Cornelia, GA
Website
www.americanturner.com
"Creative Woodturner" Lathe CAD Software from MDR

As a woodturner and computer geek, I recently purchased the "Creative Woodturner" software from MDR (in the United Kingdom).

I wasn't sure what to expect, since my Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) experience was limited to full blown AutoCAD ... or a small shareware program I had played with for years, entitled "MicroLathe". One was a behemoth, and the other was a piece of fluff (albeit a nice piece of fluff).

When my new CD arrived in a DVD style box, I couldn't wait to get the software installed! I had no problems with this, and the install went quickly and easily.

Now to play with my new toy! Oh what wonderful designs I would create! ... then I saw the interface ... wait a minute ... is that it? I was briefly disappointed, since the user interface looked like an introductory web page, and not at all like a stand-alone application.

Then I began my voyage of discovery. Cleverly hidden in its menus and choices, is a robust little program with fairly advanced features ... but without the learning curve associated with more powerful CAD programs. I could select straight line segments, curved line segments, insert dimensions ... Hey, this was great!

I got so overjoyed at the simple but powerful drawing tools, that I almost overlooked the program's ability to take my creation and apply a woodgrain applique, thereby giving me a better idea of what my finished project might look like. I could choose from a nice variety of woods, straight and end grains, even some composites. Over 140 images.

OK, for those who know me, yes, I did "geek out" and copied my entire library of wood photos into the program's applique directory ... but hey, you never know when you might need to apply an applique of a highly figured, transverse cut of Cocobolo ... right?

Overall the features are outstanding, there is the ability to do some limited customization of features for those who like extra control, and the "Gallery" function is a nice way to view and catagorize your drawings. The price is nice, too. This program will set you back about $125 ... but for these features, it is well worth it.

Plus, one more feature (for me) ... when I am travelling for my job, and I just can't wait to turn some wood ... I don't have to! I can "turn" a bowl, design a vessel, or make plans for those lamps and candlesticks my wife has been asking for ... but I must admit, I do miss the sawdust!

For this program you need a PC compatible system (Sorry, Apple Guys!), with Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, or XP. A minimum processor of a P75 or better is recommended, with a 200 MB Hard Drive, 8 MB of memory, and a 3D compatible graphics card. This is all pretty standard stuff for any PC built or bought in the last couple of years.

For those of you who may be interested, the web site for the software is www.creative-woodturner.com I hope you enjoyed my review, as much as I enjoyed the new software. Happy Turning!

Jim Byrom
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
15
Likes
0
Location
Spring Texas
One of the best free 3D modeling programs I have found is a program called Anim8or. It is powerful, simple and always being updated. It has great instructions and there simply isn't anything I know of that you can't design with it. If interested try this link. Here is something I did with it just to give you an idea and I am just an novice.:) Be sure to look at the gallery. http://www.anim8or.com/
 

Attachments

  • Landing.jpg
    Landing.jpg
    75.6 KB · Views: 712
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
15
Likes
0
Location
Spring Texas
Very impressive, Christopher. I see it must have a Lathe feature, a prime requirement (duh-uh). Downloading now...
only 828 kb?? How can such a small program do so much?
Let me know what you think after you've played with it for a while. I did a lathe that was turning and made it into a small movie in the program. I'll see if I can find it and post it.:)
 
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
Messages
349
Likes
0
Location
Rural La Farge, Wisconsin
Website
www.token.crwoodturner.com
I've only had a couple hours to play with this, trying to construct an inside/out ornament. Looking for a way to subtract one shape from another, necessary to "lathe" into a square shape. (pic below)

Let me know what you think after you've played with it for a while. I did a lathe that was turning and made it into a small movie in the program. I'll see if I can find it and post it.

Personally, I'd be happy to look at what you've made with this program. Do you have a website with examples?
 

Attachments

  • anim8or-ornament.jpg
    anim8or-ornament.jpg
    14.5 KB · Views: 248
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
15
Likes
0
Location
Spring Texas
Here is a model of a lathe I made it has motion but not good at this point. Feel free to do whatever with it. Just unzip and open with the program:)
 

Attachments

  • lathe.zip
    29.3 KB · Views: 72
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
Messages
349
Likes
0
Location
Rural La Farge, Wisconsin
Website
www.token.crwoodturner.com
Your lathe looks almost like a Oneway--I'll call it the YourWay :D Looks good!

I'm getting the hang of this neat little program, and found instructions for what I was looking for--referred to as "Boolean Subtraction" although this is somewhat of an involved "kludge". That can be found here:
http://www.anim8or.com/tutorials/from_users/boolean_subtraction/booleans_1.html

Here's a couple goblets I stirred up from the pixels in my 'puter:
 

Attachments

  • goblets2.jpg
    goblets2.jpg
    8.7 KB · Views: 222
Last edited:
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
SketchUp for woodturners

I dont know if the previous post went through, my computer reset. So if this is redudndant I apologize.

I have been using and modifying SketUp for woodturning modelling quite successfully.

I have woodturner pro but like the flexiblity of SketchUp. I especially like using it for hybrid projects that have furniture and turning elements. You can model both in the same workspace.

There is no end to the things that you can model once you know some basics of using the "follow me " functions of SketchUp.

You can get full scale printouts from SU that can be used to make story sticks and templates.

SU takes a bit of learning but the learning tools that Google provides are quite good.

I am in the final phase of completing a book on the subject.

If you are interested in a conversation on the subject or purchasing a pre-release copy go to to my web site.

www.turnedoutright.com

At this link is the modelling stuff.

http://www.turnedoutright.com/store/modelling-woodturning/
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
15
Likes
0
Location
Spring Texas
I dont know if the previous post went through, my computer reset. So if this is redudndant I apologize.

I have been using and modifying SketUp for woodturning modelling quite successfully.

I have woodturner pro but like the flexiblity of SketchUp. I especially like using it for hybrid projects that have furniture and turning elements. You can model both in the same workspace.

There is no end to the things that you can model once you know some basics of using the "follow me " functions of SketchUp.

You can get full scale printouts from SU that can be used to make story sticks and templates.

SU takes a bit of learning but the learning tools that Google provides are quite good.

I am in the final phase of completing a book on the subject.

If you are interested in a conversation on the subject or purchasing a pre-release copy go to to my web site.

www.turnedoutright.com

At this link is the modelling stuff.

http://www.turnedoutright.com/store/modelling-woodturning/
Thanks for the info.:)
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Woodturning with SketchUp

The book on how to model wood turning with SketchUp is now available.

http://www.turnedoutright.com/products-page/


page-2.jpg
 
Joined
May 7, 2004
Messages
315
Likes
1
Location
Lincoln Hills, CA (At the foot of the Sierra Nevad
Website
jerryhallstudio.com
Info on Sketchup Book is Sketchy

How many pages? Table of Contents? Sample page? Has anyone gotten this book? Tough to go for $20 without a little more detail.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Examples: Humidor

I'm currently working on a turned humidor design using SketchUp and the Virtual Lathe. The design is still pretty ugly. Thats the point this software helps me to get the dimensions correct and looking good before turning.

The humidor design is particularly challenging because of the multiple pieces and the liner. Also the materials for this project will be expensive and I don't want a re-do.

The first picture is the layout on the tool in 2D. Note the multiple pieces.

The second picture shows the pieces assembled after rendering in 3D and then assembled. I can check the fit on the computer!

Note the models of the cigars to the left. They will be used to check dimensions. Also note the Spanish cedar insert/liner.

I am reasonably proficient with SketchUp and at this point I have only 2 hours in the design.
 

Attachments

  • Humidor 2 (Small).jpg
    Humidor 2 (Small).jpg
    14 KB · Views: 104
  • humidor (Small).jpg
    humidor (Small).jpg
    22.5 KB · Views: 107
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Examples: Street Clocks

Street clocks look ugly if the proportions aren't right!

Picture1:
This picture shows how to get SketchUp to make a full size drawing. I use this feature to make story sticks to take to the shop. I like to use the 3d models printed in full scale and a pair of calipers when turning spindles.


Picture 2:
The model to the right shows how actual picture of components can be (clock taken from woodcrafts site) inserted in a 3D model to show reality and dimension.

My wife liked the model on the right best and that is what was turned.
 

Attachments

  • DSC02269 (Small).JPG
    DSC02269 (Small).JPG
    33.4 KB · Views: 107
  • Street_clockmodel (Small).jpg
    Street_clockmodel (Small).jpg
    15.7 KB · Views: 108
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Examples: Tools

SketchUp with the Virtual Lathe can be used to model tools as well.

Here is the infamous hat tool available on www.woodhat.com dressed up in 3D.

This shows turned items combined with standard woodworking models hardware and all.

Remember SketchUp is free all my book does is show you how to use it for wood turning.

Just because I hate to see you miss out on this great tool I have reduced the price :) See www.turnedoutright.com
 

Attachments

  • Hat_forming_jig (Small).jpg
    Hat_forming_jig (Small).jpg
    21.2 KB · Views: 106
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Inside out modelling etc.

Attached are some recent modeling's using SketchUp.

Segmented turning
Inside out techniques
German ring turning
 

Attachments

  • Inside-out (Small).jpg
    Inside-out (Small).jpg
    17.1 KB · Views: 22
  • Segmented Model Example (Small).jpg
    Segmented Model Example (Small).jpg
    23.7 KB · Views: 22
  • Leaf_finished.jpg
    Leaf_finished.jpg
    47.3 KB · Views: 19
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
46
Likes
2
Location
Sandy, Utah
Website
www.turnedoutright.com
Woodturning with Sketchup

Guys,
I have been using sketchup for wood turning modeling for about 2 years now.
I wrote a book on the subject and supply a wood turning modeling environment with it.
SketchUp is free and the book sales keeps me in tools :)
I have 100's of users using SketchUp and the book.
I have purchased or run all the existing woodturning tools and none can do as much as sketchup.

www.turnedoutright.com
 
Back
Top