Hi all,
I recently downloaded Sketchup as a number of "rocketeers" on this and another forum seem to be using it: and, I want to be able to share conceptual
drawings rather than just photos of my crude prototypes - limited time, budget and shop capabilities for metalworking/ceramics casting.
Seems pretty powerful, although I am struggling with translation of methods/commands etc. compared to my previous CAD experiences.
If anyone has found or produced useful designs shared on the 3D Warehouse, please share; like all things, I would adhere to the CC guidelines.
I am fond of "obtainium", and have found some component shortcuts in my drawing learning curve by finding propane and oxy/acetylene tanks, as well as tubing, pipe and
angles as shared models in the above "warehouse": I will likewise share models there soon.
Hopefully, we could use this
thread short term for "model exchange"?
As far as my general design process regarding combustion cores, devices and their various applications:
I like "obtainium", and advocate for designs that are simply made with appropriate/cheap/found materials.
Sometimes it it easier to fabricate out of square rather than round sections. Or vice versa.
Sometimes it it easier to work in metal rather than ceramic. Or vice versa.
Sometimes you have to meld/join the two...more on that cluster**** later! Struggling with differential expansion over time...
Sometimes I work on all the options (heat, cook,
hot water, pizza/bread) instead of one function at a time...so it goes.
I am trying to build small, mobile/modular systems.
I am hampered by urban life in an area designated historic, and by a flaky insurance company...but,
on the other hand, as a resident of the "rust belt" I have great access to scrap steel and refractory ceramics here in Milwaukee WI...
Tons of people need this approach to clean efficient heat for cooking/baking, heating homes and greenhouses and for processes
(think beer, "spirits", pottery, motive power, etc.) powered by locally sourced waste and biomass.
That's my rant...back to Sketchup: I will share: and all will benefit from us all doing the same...back to drawing practise
Thanks to all the gurus and newbies for sharing, we're all in this together, so to speak.
Andor
