I have really enjoyed using a variety of parametric 3D modeling software over the last couple of years, but one of the best in my experience is Onshape. It runs in your browser or in an app on your mobile device – yes, your cell phone or tablet. They update it very regularly, typically every three weeks. The hardware requirements are extremely modest, essentially being able to run on a potato because most of the heavy lifting is being done on the server side not on the browser client side.
Basically, it's just an amazing platform that you can use for free as long as you don't mind that all of your designs are publicly searchable, and for most of us being makers and tinkerers means that is no significant hindrance.
A number of people have asked if I would do a walk-through of some sort of design in Onshape as I have for Fusion 360, and I really, really wanted to, but just didn't have the right hook.
But then I realized all I really needed to do was pretend to be Bob Ross and do what is essentially a live stream of walking through a very simple, but interesting, 3D design.
I started from nothing, with no real plan aside from wanting to begin with the Steemit logo and the general idea of a Valentine's Day themed object, which is not the typical beginning point for people doing 3D parametric modeling. What ensues is far more of an artistic exploration, much like watching someone begin putting down sketches for a completed piece of visual art, and a very relaxed, casual exposure to a tool that you may not have spent time with.
I hope that you enjoy it, learn from it, and ultimately want more – because I had a lot of fun doing it and putting it together.
If the resolution on DTube is too low, you can watch the YouTube version of this video in beautiful 1920 x 1080 30 frame per second wonder.
Should you be looking for the Thingiverse link to print your own, you can get that right here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2750562
If you would just rather have someone else print one for you or you want it in 14 karat gold, 18 karat gold, or just a really nice translucent resin, I have your hook up over here at Shapeways:
If you want to see more of this kind of content, be sure to let me know down in comments below. I am more than happy to provide.
