Before AutoCAD, my software skills were limited. I knew some simple editing tools on Adobe Premier and I know my way around the Microsoft Word interface. Other than sending emails and data entry, I never developed any working habits with computers. Moving forward, I want to transfer my working skills with the AutoCAD software. It provides a great platform for learning hierarchies and all the tools for developing digital representations.
My goal with this software is to master the 2D interface while developing 3D modeling skills and techniques.
On my quest to find my projects, I really needed to look critically at my real work skills and try to find projects that would best reflects that aspect of my life.
Vanier AEC
The 750 hour AutoCAD training course given at Vanier College focused on architectural layering systems and how to create proper workflow with the tools. It is important for the drafters to understand how to clearly state technical information within a given drawing package. I am accustomed to shop and assembly drawings, usually presented with a simple Isometric drawing and detailed dimensions. An architectural package is laid out in much the same way as shop drawings, progressing into the details as we flip through the pages.
Presentation Packages
What I want to learn from using the AutoCAD software is the ability to make a 2D floor plan into a colored representation.
IMAGE HERE
So I am starting these projects with a presentation package of my apartment. I am putting together a package for a mock renovation of my apartment. I am starting the package with the kitchen with three design options. The first is the kitchen as is. The second is with some minor changes made to make the top cabinets easier to access. The third I have added a row of cabinets along the window and is a full custom job.
My final package will have a door schedule (interior and exterior) and LED conversion budget incorporated in the title blocks. I am basically making site documents for people to verify P\O and site dimensions.
3D Modeling
The Vanier AutoCAD course taught us how to use our 2D elevations to create 3D objects. This is one of many ways of approaching a 3D model build. Since our school projects involved square shapes, the extrusion tool was our go to click in the tool box. But being a much more complex program, I couldn't wait to get more involved in complex 3D modelling. We were also introduced to the 3DsMax user interface in the Vanier courseWe used our existing AutoCAD 2D models to learn lighting and texturing techniques. Unfortunately, I can't run 3DsMax (my computer is on the cave man end of technology) so I am learning the basics with the AutoCAD interface instead.
Basic 3D Modeling-Building Furniture
This project stems from my idea to provide craftsman built hardwood furniture to the local market. I am building these models based on designs I purchased from the Taunton Press. I am taking the designs and changing the traditional joinery to modern, commercial joinery. Production costs can be reduced by using dowels, Lamello or Domino joinery instead of traditional tongue and groove joinery. I can also create detailed drawing from the model and provide shop drawings for the production floor.
I really do enjoy building furniture and I am looking for clients so I can start building hardwood furniture for the local market. Contact me here for more information.
Repeat ability
Repeat ability is really important for any job. In repetition, we only become more efficient at the given task. Much like a body builder uses repetitions, repetition at work only solidifies actions.
3D Modeling
Now we get to the fun stuff...what I mean by fun is having a used computer that has one hard drive and a crappy video card that takes at least 2 minute to boot up and I use it to build complex 3D shapes....at this point, me and my computer need to go to therapy.
Anyways....most of my projects are running pretty well on my machine but I will be staying away from texturing until I can replace this computer. I try to keep my file sizes down to a bare minimum. It only really screams and crashes when I work on the Spitfire model.
Spitfire Model-An Exercise in Complex Curves
Just like any kind of build, the more curves, the harder it gets. So the best project I could think of is an aircraft. When it came to finding the project, it took some time before I could get my hands on some good reference material.
So a friend of mine built a really cool 1:48 scale model with working control surfaces and he gave me his working files. In it there was a great design for a flying balsa Spitfire model. It had all the details I needed to start figuring the build of this model.
I will be building this model as a solid surface and mesh model. The complex shape of the aircraft makes it a good exercise for understanding the operations of 3D tools.
Vanier AEC
The 750 hour AutoCAD training course given at Vanier College focused on architectural layering systems and how to create proper workflow with the tools. It is important for the drafters to understand how to clearly state technical information within a given drawing package. I am accustomed to shop and assembly drawings, usually presented with a simple Isometric drawing and detailed dimensions. An architectural package is laid out in much the same way as shop drawings, progressing into the details as we flip through the pages.
 |
| Exercise from Vanier College AutoCAD AEC |
Presentation Packages
What I want to learn from using the AutoCAD software is the ability to make a 2D floor plan into a colored representation.
IMAGE HERE
So I am starting these projects with a presentation package of my apartment. I am putting together a package for a mock renovation of my apartment. I am starting the package with the kitchen with three design options. The first is the kitchen as is. The second is with some minor changes made to make the top cabinets easier to access. The third I have added a row of cabinets along the window and is a full custom job.
My final package will have a door schedule (interior and exterior) and LED conversion budget incorporated in the title blocks. I am basically making site documents for people to verify P\O and site dimensions.
 |
| My apartment kitchen-Click image to view portfolio |
3D Modeling
The Vanier AutoCAD course taught us how to use our 2D elevations to create 3D objects. This is one of many ways of approaching a 3D model build. Since our school projects involved square shapes, the extrusion tool was our go to click in the tool box. But being a much more complex program, I couldn't wait to get more involved in complex 3D modelling. We were also introduced to the 3DsMax user interface in the Vanier courseWe used our existing AutoCAD 2D models to learn lighting and texturing techniques. Unfortunately, I can't run 3DsMax (my computer is on the cave man end of technology) so I am learning the basics with the AutoCAD interface instead.
Basic 3D Modeling-Building Furniture
This project stems from my idea to provide craftsman built hardwood furniture to the local market. I am building these models based on designs I purchased from the Taunton Press. I am taking the designs and changing the traditional joinery to modern, commercial joinery. Production costs can be reduced by using dowels, Lamello or Domino joinery instead of traditional tongue and groove joinery. I can also create detailed drawing from the model and provide shop drawings for the production floor.
 |
| Wood Furniture Base Model-Click image for portfolio |
I really do enjoy building furniture and I am looking for clients so I can start building hardwood furniture for the local market. Contact me here for more information.
 |
| Basic Cabinet Model-Click image for portfolio |
Repeat ability is really important for any job. In repetition, we only become more efficient at the given task. Much like a body builder uses repetitions, repetition at work only solidifies actions.
 |
| Basic 3D Modeling-Click Image For Portfolio |
Now we get to the fun stuff...what I mean by fun is having a used computer that has one hard drive and a crappy video card that takes at least 2 minute to boot up and I use it to build complex 3D shapes....at this point, me and my computer need to go to therapy.
 |
| Click Images For Portfolio |
Anyways....most of my projects are running pretty well on my machine but I will be staying away from texturing until I can replace this computer. I try to keep my file sizes down to a bare minimum. It only really screams and crashes when I work on the Spitfire model.
Spitfire Model-An Exercise in Complex Curves
Just like any kind of build, the more curves, the harder it gets. So the best project I could think of is an aircraft. When it came to finding the project, it took some time before I could get my hands on some good reference material.
 |
| Reference PDF-Flying Balsa Model Designed by Dave Phillpotts |
So a friend of mine built a really cool 1:48 scale model with working control surfaces and he gave me his working files. In it there was a great design for a flying balsa Spitfire model. It had all the details I needed to start figuring the build of this model.
 |
| Spitfire model-Fuselage Section-click image for portfolio |
I will be building this model as a solid surface and mesh model. The complex shape of the aircraft makes it a good exercise for understanding the operations of 3D tools.
