I have just finished writing a book entitled: “21st Century Modeling: The Fusion of 3D CAD, 3D Printing & Traditional Skills”. The book is steered specifically to those wanting to use 3D printing to make custom designed scale models. The focus is different than the standard 3D printing fare that focused on more art related topics without the stringent characteristics of building models to scale where parts must fit to others. It features SketchUp exclusively and was a challenge for me to describe specific SU processes in print without the use of video.
I would like to have a few folks from the WW2 Aircraft community, especially those who’ve followed my work, to review the book and give me feedback. I’m not looking for editing. I’m looking more to general reactions and does it inform sufficiently to get someone started on the journey.
The book is 168 pages plus a glossary and is over 300mb. It will transmit via Google Drive and WhatsApp.
The book explores 3D printing technology, LCD printers specifically, The printing system, slicing files, the "science of supports, 3D CAD (SketchUp), Key essentials in CAD to ensure printability, basic SU functions that are most helpful in designing for printing, case histories of integrating all the skills, and troubleshooting print failures.
As with my other projects I had a steep learning curve with this one, being the first writing project using a book template in Apple Pages, and doing the final layout in Pages layout mode. I also learned that Apple Photo Preview let’s you drop out backgrounds with a touch of a button.
If you’re interested in getting a preview look, please let me know on this thread and I’ll make arrangements to transmit a copy (PDF)
This is a notional cover design. It needs more work!
I can not help you review your book but once you have done your beta testing I would be interested in buying a copy because I would like to learn how to 3D print
While I don’t specifically build WW2 aircraft (though I have quite a few in the stash), there’s a LCD 3D printer (Elegoo 4K) that’s been sitting in my hobby room for about a year and has produced precisely nothing. After several tries and a foolish number of journeys down various on-line rabbit holes trying to come to grips with this tech, I’m about ready to give up.
If you’re book will “inform sufficiently to get someone started” and take me from frustrated and irritated to a successful print in 168 pages I would be more than happy to provide meaningful feedback. It could be just the push I need to get back to the modelling bench.
Please send me your address by eMail found on my profile and I can send you the book. It’s big, over 300mb, but Google Drive and WhatsApp can handle it.
I will make it available to you when that time comes. Meanwhile, thank you! You are the first person to offer to purchase. Haven’t settled on any pricing yet. Thinking between $10 and $15 USD. Send my you contact info via eMail on my address in the profile.
Hi Builder, I’d be happy to look over your book. I’ve been designing objects to print for over a dozen years, first as things uploaded to Shapeways and more recently for the home-printer market. I also design parts for a well-known model-conversion-supply website, some of which are sold as prints and others serve as masters for traditional casting. My two reservations are that 1) I design parts for vehicles (not planes) and 2) I don’t use Sketchup - I use AutoCAD. But the basics of good design are the same regardless of subject or software. I feel it’s all about understanding the subject, understanding how parts will assemble, and understanding the nature of the printer to reduce the risk of printing failures. If I can be of service please do drop me a line!
I echo that request. I would like to buy a copy of your book. I have no tools or sw yet, but have been pondering Fusion360 S a starter. However, maybe I can learn about SketchUp. At least a source to jumpstart learning the subject of advanced 3D printing is most welcome. Tks/Paul
Interesting to see you wrote a book about 3D modeling. I know nothing about this new phase into our hobby and would like to have such knowledge. So, I would be interested in a copy as well and I think the price is fair.
I was hoping someone would realize that Ship-Modelers could use many, many things 3-D printed.The list is endless, from Civilian and Military all the way to new and old luxury vessels. The parts and pieces are varied even to type. the Cover is good. Now where do you go from here? Instrument panels and controls for many vehicles. Small hardware, winches, etc., One very important one, Good scale lifeboats and gear, all scales.
Just double-checked. My eMail is on my profile. If you’d like to review the book please send my your contact info via private message of eMail and I will forward you a beta copy. Thank you!
