I made a 1/2 cylinder with the top and bottom beveled. It is arrayed around a circle and then the top is rotated. That was no a problem. I want to easily change the bevel angle and auto fold does not seem to work for me. Am I using the tool wrong, did I draw this wrong or is there a better way?
See attached
Thumb nut DA.skp (167.2 KB)
Auto fold is probably not the best tool for the job here. What kind of change do you want to make the the bevel?
I was hoping to view different angles and then decide on what to make. This will end up being a cast bronze thumb nut.
I think the simplest thing for a knob like this is to start with one without any bevels as a solid component and then make unique copies and trim them with different bevel angles.
Personally I would be working with the model units set to meters and model with inches as meters so you can avoid issues with tiny faces.
I will make a cutter and trim the component. I had not thought to approach it that way.
You are so correct about the units. I am an occasional user and just started to draw to work out a process to build a few models to help me visualize this.
Working with units in meters allows you to avoid tiny face issues so you can generate smoother curves surfaces.
How do you plan to get from SketchUp to the mold for casting?
I make the models then increase them by 9% in all directions. The are 3D printed in resin and sent to my foundry. I have done this a lot and have about 15 items that I sell.
Good deal. So you are exporting a .stl file from SketchUp. You should be able to model in meters and export the .stl in meters. When it imports into the slicer it’ll come as millimeters (or inches if the slicer has that option) so no need to scale the model down to real world dimensions.
I do not yet print them myself. Not sure I want to go down that rabbit hole. I send them to a print company and they accept the SketchUp models. I use Online 3D Printing Service | i.materialise
The web site is easy and the range of materials is fantastic. I have even had some printed in steel. The problem with that is that the metal prints are hardened and you need carbide tooling to work and tap holes.
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never thought to do that!
Thanks
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