Barely aviation talk

[DonMuncy]

Sorry to go on such a tangent, but I know how much talent is on MS.

In manufacturing visors, I wound up sending drawings for machining some of the parts. One supplier wanted computerized drawings (CAD?). I work with drafting tools and a T-square. How does one go about converting such a drawing to something a CNC machine can read? Is that far beyond what a dinosaur like me could do? Special computer programs, etc.?  Or do I just pay to have it done?

[EricJ]

There are a lot of people who know how to run common CAD programs like SolidWorks that could probably convert your drawings and input into the file format that the fabricator needs.   There is a learning curve, so it might be a lot less painful to find somebody who already knows how to do it.   There are even high-schoolers who are pretty good at it if they've been on a robotics team or something, assuming the parts aren't too complex.

If you're an EAA member you can get a SolidWorks license for free, so you can always take a stab at climbing the learning curve, too.

 

[RLCarter]

Don, I use a CAD/CAM program and can do it for you at no charge, send me a pm if you’d like

[larryb]

I use openScad. You write in a programming language very much like C. There is a visual rendering engine to visualize your work. Basically you just add and subtract basic geometric shapes to create your design. If you are familiar with programming then it is pretty easy to use.

[carusoam]

I use to use autocad lite…. To get the idea I had across to the people that were making it…

For Don…

If you have the skills of the pencil and drawing board… it can be done…

Machine part builders really like SolidWorks… incredibly powerful, beyond simple part drawings…

 

See how far you can get with RLC’s offer above… @RLCarter

Once you have one drawing….  Drawing other parts is pretty easy….

 

The EAA Solidworks was pretty nice, there were YouTube lessons that could be watched to support it…

 

Try it… you might get even more creative…. 

-a-

[DonMuncy]

Thanks so much guys. I may try my hand at it, and I might take some of you up on your generous offers to help.

[Bolter]

I think it is relevant to note that most shops ask for your CAD file of the final product, which is NOT the same file they used to manufacture the part.  You are only making a model of the finished part, they are making all the digital files required to get there from the solid block of material (or 3D printing equivalent).  Because of this, when the CAD model you are making looks like the part you want, you are done.  

Also, in the case of a 2-D geometry, you have more file options (.dxf, .dwg, etc), more software options, and a much simpler item to create.  

I will also offer my assistance in making 3D models and 2D drawings for something that helps the Mooney community, like the visors.  If there are a lot parts involved, getting several people involved may help things go faster.  

[Browncbr1]

9 hours ago, DonMuncy said:

Thanks so much guys. I may try my hand at it, and I might take some of you up on your generous offers to help.

Don,  if needed, I can model the parts and also 3D print prototypes to ensure proper fit, function, and aesthetics.  My background is industrial design.  I used to do this kind of thing professionally.  

[DonMuncy]

I have kinda gotten sidetracked, but I will get back to it.