this post was submitted on 03 Feb 2025
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FreeCAD

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Your own 3D parametric modeler.

www.freecad.org

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters.

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Still pretty new to FreeCAD (and CAD in general), any advice on my design before I 3d print it? (www.printables.com)
submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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The .stl and .fcstd files are at the link. All the test joints I printed fit together really nicely, but I'm worried the overall design might have issues that I'm too much of an amateur to identify. It'll need a LOT of filament... Good wooden marudai cost hundreds of dollars, whereas 1500g of my preferred filament is only like $45, but I'd still hate to waste that much of it. The printing itself I'm not too concerned about, it's easy stuff. Just a little bridging and no support. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean the finished/assembled object will be functional. Thanks in advance if you have any tips!

PS: This is also my first use of the spreadsheet function, I usually just rely on named constraints from prior sketches. It's really neat. FreeCAD rules!

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The consensus seems to be pretty solid that wood is a better overall choice for this project, but what everyone is describing seems to involve a lot more woodworking tools than I have, which is sadly zero lol. This might be one of those "when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail" situations for me?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

that is why I suggested drill with hole saws since its a fairly common starter power tool with the bits being generally not to bad price wise. Look in to if there is a tool library in your town. generally a cheap and easy way to use tools you don't use enough to justify buying a new one. for the hole saw method probably just a scrap plywood will be good enough if you cut the hole in a nice spot. Occasionally I'll pull these plywood topped pallets out of the alley behind my work if they aren't filthy. I've also used planks off of the other type of pallet but they tend to be in rougher shape.

1000013697

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

That's worth checking into, I'll give it a shot. Thanks!