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Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?

by bobblywobbles on 11/22/22, 9:47 PM with 11 comments

I'm looking for some advice; I'd like to make collapsible steps in order to more easily enter my attic space. I'm looking for a tool that I can use where I can lay out 2x4s, and place hinges or other screws/nails in the wood and see how the steps might lay/collapse before I actually attempt such a build. Are there tools out there that would allow me to tinker with the design?

  • by hnaccount2001 on 11/22/22, 10:25 PM

    Software seems like overkill for mechanism. I were doing this I’d model the mechanism part manually, maybe a scaled-down mock-up out of foamboard, pins, tape, glue etc. if you’re unsure about a certain connection prototype it with scrap wood.

    For the dimensioning, Rhino or Sketchup. Really any 3d cad. You probably can get by with grid paper though.

    If I really wanted to geek out on the mechanism in a cad modeller I’d probably do it in Grasshopper which is a plug-in for rhino.

  • by r_hoods_ghost on 11/22/22, 10:20 PM

    You can try any of these [1] but to be honest the time investment to get up to speed on any one of them would be significant. You're probably better off making a scale model out of lollipop sticks, balsa wood, matchsticks and pins for a project like that. It'll be much quicker.

    [1] https://top3dshop.com/blog/autodesk-inventor-free-alternativ...

  • by tomthe on 11/22/22, 10:23 PM

    Pen and paper is quite good for this. Really!

  • by navane on 11/22/22, 10:21 PM

    Onshape is my favorite modeller. You'd need to do quite some tutorials if you have no prior experience.

  • by simne on 11/24/22, 2:24 AM

    If I understand you right, this is where Blender is not bad (rumors said, it copied all interface from Maya 3d, first implemented on SGI machines). This type of functionality could been found by google "blender bones and armatures".

  • by mft_ on 11/22/22, 11:18 PM

    Creating a basic model to scale would be easy in Sketchup, and would likely take less than an hour to learn.

    Creating a fully-working, articulating model in a CAD program would be very hard indeed, IME, and learning the total skill set would likely take days to weeks.

  • by Snoozus on 11/22/22, 10:38 PM

    https://blog.rectorsquid.com/linkage-mechanism-designer-and-...

    Maybe a linkage simulator like this one would be a good match?

  • by habitatenergy on 11/23/22, 3:18 AM

    Onshape is good.

    If you're code inclined - you might try CadQuery or OpenScad

  • by bmitc on 11/22/22, 10:51 PM

    Fusion 360 has a free version for personal use. I'm not sure how limited the simulation capabilities are though.