Builder or Assembler?

PaulProe

PaulProe

TREASURER & Web Administrator, Member # 019
GCC Member
Location
Manchester
First Name
Paul
Last Name
Proefrock
I was part of a discussion today as Tim seeks a bezel for his car that a supplier no longer provides. Simple piece, machined out of a block of aluminum. Part of my hobby enjoyment is designing/manufacturing pieces just like this. Tests my mental skills and satisfies my build fascination.

But a hindrance to this is the equipment necessary to do something like this. Problem solved!

Several years ago, I joined a co-op in St. Louis that provides a 'maker space' with all kinds of equipment. A complete woodshop, metal shop, weld shop, machine shop, paint/powder coat booths and ovens, 3D printers, Laser cutting/Engraving, Electronics, the list just goes on. All of this equipment is free for members to use. They offer free classes on most of the equipment, although some of the computer/CNC Control equipment does have a fee associated with their training. It's really a good deal and gives one access to equipment that most home hobbyists don't have.

This is a link to their website, "MADE-STL" It's located on Delmar, just west of Kingshighway. Check it out, they might have something to help you in your build or hobby.

If you're interested in a membership, talk to me. At one time there was a discount based on member referrals. I need to get more details on that
These are a couple shots of the woodshop and machine shop
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This is a link to a page that lists some of the tools that would be at your disposal: Tools

If you want a tour or would like to know more, get in touch with me

Paul
 
The 3D printers are very reasonably priced and can use many different types of plastic. It's learning "Fusion 360" to design the parts that stop me from buying one.
 
Rich,
I've used AutoDesk products since 1984 and I still have issues using Fusion. It is a confusing program and they just keep adding more and more to it. It is compounded for you since most CAD programs run better on a PC than on a Mac. I still use Fusion but I have migrated to Alibre since the interface is easier.

Take a look at TinkerCAD or FreeCAD. Both will do 3D modeling and export to STL files for printing. TinkerCAD is a little easier to use. FreeCAD has kind of a steeper learning curve but no where that of Fusion

When searching for YouTube help, stay away from the 'how to use xxx' since they go into too much detail. Try to simplify your search to a shape that matches what you want to model, ie, 'how to model an angle bracket in TinkerCAD' I think you'll have better luck as it won't be detailing on things you won't be using.
 
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