Joe Carpino
Well-known member
Does anyone know an easy and cheap way to make plans?
I want to make plans so I can make building more precise for me and so I can give them to the people that want to build the things I create. But I want to know which way is easiest to do it.I use inkscape, are you asking more about designing each part of the plane so you can build it, or making them look like all of ft's plans?
Ya beat me to it, you worded it much better than I would haveNerdnic's videos are a good learning point, heres the first video in a three parter where he designs a plane in front of you but he uses a program that isnt free...
Inkscape is the way to go for free software, it can do all of the things Nic does with Adobe, you just gotta learn a bit on how it works and modify what Nic is doing to Inkscape. You will be able to whip out models quicker than drawing by hand, you just gotta get the basics down first.
For example the Bezier tool is basically what he uses throughout his drawing/sketching, and under the "path" and "object" tabs there are some good merge and cut path options that do pretty much whatever you could need for drawing up and fitting together shapes. under extensions you can measure curved and straight lines, ect.
Its super powerful software, something you could use professionally if you were so inclined, and outputs SVG files, which are useful for Fusion 360, and is a very good starting point to learn concepts like components, groups and layers, ect. before moving onto 3D CAD programs like Fusion(Also free).
Alright, cool I’ll check out them out. Thanks!Nerdnic's videos are a good learning point, heres the first video in a three parter where he designs a plane in front of you but he uses a program that isnt free...
Inkscape is the way to go for free software, it can do all of the things Nic does with Adobe, you just gotta learn a bit on how it works and modify what Nic is doing to Inkscape. You will be able to whip out models quicker than drawing by hand, you just gotta get the basics down first.
For example the Bezier tool is basically what he uses throughout his drawing/sketching, and under the "path" and "object" tabs there are some good merge and cut path options that do pretty much whatever you could need for drawing up and fitting together shapes. under extensions you can measure curved and straight lines, ect.
Its super powerful software, something you could use professionally if you were so inclined, and outputs SVG files, which are useful for Fusion 360, and is a very good starting point to learn concepts like components, groups and layers, ect. before moving onto 3D CAD programs like Fusion(Also free).
Inkscape doesn't do 3d modeling I use a series of measurements to get a good baseline for 3 dimensional parts such as the skins for master series planes.Just curious - @Grifflyer said that inkscape can do 3D modeling as well. I use Adobe illustrator - can that do 3D as well?
Oh, I thought you said you design your 3D printed parts in Inkscape...Inkscape doesn't do 3d modeling I use a series of measurements to get a good baseline for 3 dimensional parts such as the skins for master series planes.
Nope, I use fusion 360 for 3d printed parts, it's free for students.Oh, I thought you said you design your 3D printed parts in Inkscape...
Fusion 360 is also free for hobbyists and should not have any limitations. https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists Haven't tried it myself, I have the student versionNope, I use fusion 360 for 3d printed parts, it's free for students.
Sorry for the thread hijack @Joe Carpino
Fusion 360 is also free for hobbyists and should not have any limitations. https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists Haven't tried it myself, I have the student version
It depends on what you are making. For 3d modeling fusion is way better in my opinion, I use autocad only to make the final plans based on the 3d model made in fusionTrue, I think you can do pretty much the same things in Fusion 360...and more.
In fumbling around, I just got AutoCAD to do what I wanted quicker...with a bit of patience, Fusion 360 could be grokked, and it might actually be better.
If you happen to have a student in the house, they can get a student license of AutoCAD (and Fusion 360).
My son and I, recently decided to get into RC flight. As he is a student, he can get an account with AutoDesk.
Yes, I forgot to mention that. I also have Adobe Pro, so I just yeet the stamps after export.Just be aware that the 2019 and newer versions of AutoCAD for students will watermark all the files with a plot stamp indicating it was created with a student version. This includes any PDF files that you export from AutoCAD as well.
PS. Your plans are very nicely drafted.
Well for price the cheapest plan making method I use is using a pencil, graph paper, (A1 or A0), and a ruler. I build in almost any material available and do a number of experimental designs as well as conversions from one material to an different material, (for example from an old balsa design to FB).Does anyone know an easy and cheap way to make plans?