Professional Design, 3D Modelling and Drafting Services

Richard Hed · Nov 17, 2024

Propforward said:
SW basic is still about 4K I believe and is a perpetual license. That's standard on Solidworks, although they are pushing the cloud based version HARD. I use the software professionally, so the upgrades are worthwhile. Even essential, in fact. Solidworks change to a new version every year that is not forwards compatible - to force users into buying the maintenance package. If you only make models for yourself, not an issue. Also - SW policy is to make you pay for missing subscription years - I think to a maximum of 3 - if you decide to up your version year less frequently than once a year. It's a bit punitive in my view and I think they'd do better by cutting the sub fee - I think they'd get more people and make more money. But like I say, they are pushing the cloud based version hard and I think ultimately will ditch the perpetual licenses all together. They already tried it but there was a huge backlash, but eventually they'll do it again. Maybe it's actually cheaper to go that route, but I hate all these cloud based applications.

Well, the cloud krap, they claim that it is unhackable, but that is an outrageious lie. The banks, the military, intelligence agencies, --they've all been hackt. Then when the cloud gets hackt they will say "oh sorry, it won't happen again", but in the mean time, someone has YOUR proprietary work or single copy of a work of fiction, bank information or whatever. I was looking for a hard drive yesterday in Costco--none. (Anyone notice that Costco now has very high prices?)

Richard Hed · Nov 17, 2024

Propforward said:
I was hoping there would be a couple of guesses and see if someone could win a free drawing, but there isn't very likely to be those guesses, so I'll just come out with it and say I charged him $15 for this one.

That is not a fixed price - it depends on amount of info provided, amount of details, complexity and so on. But - that's pretty cheap, honestly. All models / drawings include one round of redlines to fix misunderstandings. Clerical errors on my part get fixed for free for all time (because they usually get picked up very quickly), but there is not endless design change support if that makes sense.

In the world of industry and manufacturing the CAD cost for that spacer would be SIGNIFICANTLY higher than $15.

Right. That was a pretty simple drawing. I would certainly not pay 100$ for something so basic. But industry might pay a lot more. Then there is the military-industrial-congressional complex which would pay as much as possible simply because they are guaranteed 15% over cost!

mxwelder · 2024-12-01T16:53:12-0500

Hi from Ireland.
Useless at CAD but have 4 model steam locos to build if you don't include Kozo Hiraoka books , just bought his Rio Grande K-27.
I want to transfer to CAD my 0-6-0 Simplex in 5 inch gauge which is currently in some funny olde world dodgy number system I think its called Imperial..... While I can swap for proper measurements I actually want to build my models in my little back garden workshop.
I own a Myford Super 7 lathe which I fitted a DRO too and an Optimum(German) mill which I also fitted a DRO too.
Buying some ex-school cnc mill and lathe in the very near future to retro fit modern closed loop steppers and controls to.
My background is, Coded pipe welder and currently doing a lot of Alluminium plate welding and fabbing. Notice how I spelt Aluminium the right way....;-)
I also have 5 inch gauge plans for a Flying Scotsman and a 3.5 inch gauge 2-10-0.
I have a mate who is a micro laser welder who recently bought a hand held laser torch who wants to laser the copper boilers........
Also I have a full size set of plans for a Rhodesian 4-8-2, 2-8-4 Garratt.
https://www.stationroadsteam.com/7-14-inch-gauge-greenly-4-8-2--2-8-4-garratt-stock-code-5307/
The first model for practice is obviously the 0-6-0 Simplex and then possibly the K-27 but I need help to transfer the drawings to CAD.
The drawings are all on A0 sheets.
If anyone can help or needs anything shipped from the UK I can probably help source them.
https://www.youtube.com/@keithappleton
Really great guy and knows all the UK suppliers etc.
Obviously at 56 I should have some sense but I will be retiring into this hobby soon.....
Yours in modelling, eventually......

Michael

mxwelder · 2024-12-01T17:08:25-0500

Forgot to say,
If you join the EAA , amateur homebuilt aircraft for 40$ a year they give you a version of Solid Works or they used to.
Solidworks or 3dexperience for makers is free.
Also Freecad .org is great and free.

M

mxwelder · 2024-12-01T17:28:19-0500

Quick pic of the Flying Scot plan.

Propforward · 2024-12-01T17:32:27-0500

mxwelder said:
Hi from Ireland.
Useless at CAD but have 4 model steam locos to build if you don't include Kozo Hiraoka books , just bought his Rio Grande K-27.
I want to transfer to CAD my 0-6-0 Simplex in 5 inch gauge which is currently in some funny olde world dodgy number system I think its called Imperial..... While I can swap for proper measurements I actually want to build my models in my little back garden workshop.
I own a Myford Super 7 lathe which I fitted a DRO too and an Optimum(German) mill which I also fitted a DRO too.
Buying some ex-school cnc mill and lathe in the very near future to retro fit modern closed loop steppers and controls to.
My background is, Coded pipe welder and currently doing a lot of Alluminium plate welding and fabbing. Notice how I spelt Aluminium the right way....;-)
I also have 5 inch gauge plans for a Flying Scotsman and a 3.5 inch gauge 2-10-0.
I have a mate who is a micro laser welder who recently bought a hand held laser torch who wants to laser the copper boilers........
Also I have a full size set of plans for a Rhodesian 4-8-2, 2-8-4 Garratt.
https://www.stationroadsteam.com/7-14-inch-gauge-greenly-4-8-2--2-8-4-garratt-stock-code-5307/
The first model for practice is obviously the 0-6-0 Simplex and then possibly the K-27 but I need help to transfer the drawings to CAD.
The drawings are all on A0 sheets.
If anyone can help or needs anything shipped from the UK I can probably help source them.
https://www.youtube.com/@keithappleton
Really great guy and knows all the UK suppliers etc.
Obviously at 56 I should have some sense but I will be retiring into this hobby soon.....
Yours in modelling, eventually......

Michael

I can help you with this. I’ll send you a PM separately.