Jarel Design

Thank you so much for such a quick and comprehensive reply! I haven't purchase 3D Coat yet. I only searched products (briefly as I'm currently working a client's prototype (old school! LOL! LOTS of sanding! LOL!) Is there a link or product description with price for the 3DCoat printing... maybe even some tutorial or features videos for this version of 3D Coat? I'm totally fine with a paired down version as I have no need for paining, lighting etc... i will only be using 3Dcoat to manipulate scans (Modifying, sculpting, scaling, texturing, mirroring, adding to, subtracting from, etc...). so as long as I have these kinds of shaping tools, I will SO happy! Just saw that you included a video...(Thank you!) watching now

Hello all, I don't remember the last time I came here, but since then, I've ordered my 3d printer(Creality Ender 3) and a scanner (Einscan SE) and I'm ready to get to work. When I came here, I learned so much about 3D coat and found its functionality to match my lack of computer skills. Question: When I came back here this morning, I found what I "think" is a new product? (3DC Printing), in the forums category. Is this a new product designed for 3D printing? or is that forum about applying the use of 3D Coat for 3D printing? Thank you! Best, Richard

Thank you! I'm pretty sure I get the concept regarding being able to isolate a horizontal panel using the green lines and then flattening that isolated (masked?) area. I'm thinking that this flattening will be done after I create the rounded "general" body (Head to tail), of the fish.) Then I move on to the next panel and repeat? I'm thinking that since each of the vertical joints represent a separate part of the fish (In order to mechanically connect them so that I can introduce mechanical components to physically articulate the fish's swimming motion), that I would create and flatten the horizontal panels along the entire body first (maybe even do some detailing while the mask is in place), then cut (slice?) each vertical joint of the body segments to create the separate segments. (Would the masks remain (Save before cutting?), with each of the separated body segments for further sculpting?) I'd like to come back in and do some fine detailing where each panel overlaps at each facet edge.) (Please excuse my use of 'terminology" as I still do not have a working vocabulary of this program. I actually go on line and look up the meanings of new terms and abbreviations to better understand what is being shared.) I'm looking at the head and thinking I'll create some new drawings for it (needs some more internal space between the head and forward segment of the body to allow for physical movement of the head, separate from the forward segment of the body. I'll also redraw the forward part of the body to include more internal tapering to create more space and an internal flat area at the front to support internal mechanics. (Way too much for my brain to be pondering/planning like this at this point! LOL! I need some time using the program to become more familiar with its' functions. I'm learning a lot from you, but the way my brain works, I need "hands-on" experience to gain those "Ah-ha!" moments of clarity.) Stepping away from my desk (and this forum) yesterday, I FINALLY got some client work done yesterday! I'm bookmarking EVERYTHING you're sharing so that I can go back back, study, download the trial version and give a first hand attempt at re-creating what you've shared to get a better feel for this process.(I'm thinking I'll set up my laptop to play the tutorials while I attempt to copy the steps on my desktop while actually using 3Dcoat. (I can freeze the videos until I find the right keys/buttons to duplicate what i watch, then continue watching through the following steps.) My computer tech is waiting for me to bring my computer in for some major upgrades. (Since it's my only point of contact with my clients, I can't do without it until I'm done with their projects.) Yesterday he showed me what he plans to create for me as my newest computer (My current computer, will become my back up)... The new one was incredibly FAST and powerful! He'll be building my new computer with 3Dcoat in mind!).... So much of what I'm trying to do seems like each step is waiting in line for the next, including getting these projects done so I can get paid which will facilitate upgrading my current computer, then having the final computer built. (With the upgrades (Windows 10 (64bit), a new video card, HD and power supply on my current computer, I should be able to navigate fairly well with 3Dcoat while waiting for my final computer to be built.) OK... pulled a composite piece out of a mold this morning, perfect except two blemished spots that I'll have to go back and repair ... then cut parts for my second project and a full day after that. (All hard to do while my brain is going out of control (preoccupied), taking in all the info you're sharing.) THANK YOU! Best, Richard

Again, Thank you so much. Just too a lunch break waiting for epoxy to set. Is there such a thing is studying too much? Id say "learning", but for now let's just say being exposed to too much explaining too quickly? My brain is totally spinning! Not because i don't understand,what you're sharing, but it's like Swiss cheese, some parts are solid and others are a void! LOL! (Especially since I have NO experience playing with this program yet! What you did with the fish body is exactly what I want to do. I don't understand what a "spline" is, but hopefully assuming correctly (and more in the form of a more accurate question. When i first bring my drawing in, can I bring the panel lines in to create hard points/edges, so that when I pass the plane tool along it's edges, the "cutting" doesn't go beyond those panel lines? (In the 'real world" this would be like placing metal strips on a cube of balsa and passing a sanding board so that the metal strips keep the sanding only to the space between the strips? I'm attaching an image of a "transparent" drawing of a typical body segment. The facets i want to create would be where the longitudinal lines run from front to back. When completed, it would be like adding plastic sheets to conform to these edges and thus, creating the shapes I want. I know I will learn much more, after I've completed current client work, download the trial version and attempt to re-create what You've shared. I'm sure I will learn terminology faster and be able to put together more specific questions that actually make sense. LOL! again, many thanks! Richard I hope there are people out there that are like me, wanting to get into this, not having a clue, hesitant to try and floow my lead regarding tenacity to learn. Believe me, if I can do this (and I plan to!), then ANYONE can do this! LOL!

Hi, Just thought I'd make it easier to see what I'm working on and researching how 3Dcoat would apply. here's the link: http://3dcoat.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19238 Also adding some images: The Steam Punk Fish and a couple of other concept sketches for future kinetic pieces. All pieces will be mechanical, articulated and use electronics of all sorts from motors, servos, lighting, sound effects and ultrasonic 'steam" generators. Hope you enjoy! Richard

Hi AbnRanger, Thanks for the input. I can see even clearer that I'm no where near contacting Andrew! LOL! I haven't even downloaded the3 trial version yet and there are a LOT of terms, I need to learn! LOL! (I'm just swamped with clent work right now and I shouldn't ven be here on the forums! LOL!( diverting too much time for actually working! I "thought" "split" might mean creating facets on lines! LOL! I'm interested in this as (if you look at my kinetic fish in my Kinectic Fish thread), I want to be able to create sharp lined facets on a curved surface. (Panels along the fish sculpture should look like flat pieces of metal that were joined along a poly-curved line along the horizontal part of the fish body.) I then want to raise one side of the line (just a little) to create a look as if the pieces of metal body plates were actually overlapping.and apply "rivet" details to help create the illusion. I DEFINITELY need to begin learning and practicing with the program before I ask anything of Andrew! LOL! I didn't realize that 3D printing was added to the program (cool!). The more I learn about this program, the more certain I am that 3Dcoat is perfect for my applications! Couldn't be happier (And I haven't even tried it yet! I will, I just have to meet my current deadlines.... Hard to continue working on these current projects as I see that IF I learned this program, I could "build" it so much faster and send it tot eh 3Dprinter! Kind of like a neanderthal using rocks, while the person next to me is using steel! LOL! Thanks again! Richard

Hi Rob, Thanks for the reply! I started another thread in the "3Dcoat" forum titled "kinetic steam punk fish". In it I share a project I've had in mind for years and never followed through, now seeing (and asking "if") how I could create it in 3Dcoat before purchasing 3Dcoat. LOTS of great replies and one, where a member actually went through many of the steps and sharing screen shots that brought me to the decision to go with 3Dcoat. That fish project includes a lot of challenges who's solutions I'm sure will help me to create many other projects (including client work). i TOTALLY agree with you regarding being able to understand how to use 3Dcoat way more easily than many of the other 3D programs. Maybe it's because of our physically building things for so long and being able to communicate with our work from a physical/visual standpoint rather than learning codes to move invisible lines and surfaces? LOL! I LOVE voxel/clay manipulation feature!!! Totally "speaks" to me! Interesting molding concept you shared in your image. Not sure if I'll go that route just yet:(Have to wait until I see how tight of a 3D model I can create with a 3D printer or CNC router. My hopes at this point are to create the 3Dcoat model, then output with my CNC router, and compare that to a 3D print (The printer I'll be purchasing can print in ABS which is more conducive to post printing finishing.). I use a Urethane based "modeling plank" (Ren-Shape) to doa lot of my modeling. (45# density): It cuts and machines like butter (CNC router),and (by hand), I can get a surface finish to shine (polished), if that's what I'm after. By hand, I'd like to manipulate a Ren-Shape model to input minute details like slight indentations where rivets are and inconsistencies like deformed surface areas, (probably easy to do using voxels, but I'm also a physical artist and I'd like to have some hands on input (This will likely transition to most if not all 3Dcoat work as time goes on.) Once I'm happy with my "final" master plug, I'll mold those parts in silicone to be able to produce limited editions of my kinetic sculptures. Once I get going in the digital world, I'll have to try what you shared regarding creating a mold direct from a 3D printer output! (I can see that saving a LOT of time!) I'm not sure what you're referring to regarding "complex split lines"? If you look at my fish sculpture drawing, I have several horizontal "panel lines" where I'd like the surface to reflect a champhored, angular connection between the panels so that they look more like they were fabricated on an internal frame, rather than just a perfect curve. I also want to input surface differences between connecting panels so they look like they're actually overlapping. Is this what you're referring to? I'd love to see some images to better understand you. (Please feel free to move over to the kinetic fish sculpture to reply... (I can see myself keeping that thread updated as I continue to learn and share the evolution of that project. I also shared a couple of other kinetic sculpture concept sketches over there. Thanks for sharing! =D Richard .

Totally laughing here (At myself!) Yeah, you 'got me".... probably a mix of working at home alone (even though I'm a "people person"), and learning to communicate with designers/clients where it's imperative to be as accurate and detailed while communicating outside of images! LOL! One time i was sent mechanical drawings with numerical measurements included (usually I receive really rough sketches).. This was for a Star Wars prototype... I began by building the main frame. When I sent update photos to the client he almost died! It was so much larger than it was supposed to be! (EVERY time I receive any numerical measurements from this USA based company, it's in inches. BTW: I had worked with this guy before and it was always in inches!) The drawing he sent me was intended to be sent to China where they work in metric. The designer did NOT note metric on the drawing! So, yeah... I tend to be a bit 'wordy"... Especially in the morning when I spend most of my coffee time answering emails and researching whatever it is I'm trying learn at the moment... And that, my friend, was me being short/less wordy! LOL! JUh oh... Here I go again: Just re-read your post again and started laughing out load all over again! I know "those types"... (Not me though! LOL! yeah, right!) Thanks for the laughter this morning... OK... I'll stop typing now... No! Really! (God! I'm laughing so hard my body is shaking!) =D

Hi TimmyZ, Again, thank you for your suggestions! Ironically, Fusion 360 was one of the first programs I started researching! =D It looks, like I will eventually add it to my CG3D 'tool chest" for "mechanical" work... You were right about this fish being mechanical! Electric powered with steam (ultrasonic generator), and sound effects to emit metal/clanking sounds. Supported by the post on the bottom leading down to an "antiqued" wood base and attached to a second wood control box. (Attaching sketches of another kinetic sculpture concept for another coffee table style art piece representing a Jules Verne styled "perpetual motion machine". Internals will all be electronic, but appearance and experience will be one of a device created in the late 1800's.. I plan to incorporate the power of 3D programming with "old world" skills gained over 25 years of doing this all by hand. I plan to produce "limited editions" of these pieces using molding, casting etc... Connecting the mechanical components to the organic lines of this fish piece will (at least for now), be accomplished by fabricating mechanical components and the designing and building (by hand), the interfaces to tie them all together. One of the challenges for me has always been creating gears (regular/round, linear (rack & pinion) as well as internal spline and even rectangular gears. I often cannibalize off the shelf products and tear them apart to incorporate parts for client prototypes.(Often done by most creating toy prototypes). Whenever I've come across gears, I've molded them in silicone and cast resin copies. (I have quite a "library" of gears I've created over the years. I plan to have gears available "on-demand" via 3D printing. I found a great little program ($26) for creating those gears and transferring the files generated to other software to extrude mass. http://woodgears.ca/gear/ Seems like it will serve my purposes (again, "for now"), until I gain some experience using Fusion 360... (Always considering using "training wheels" like scanner and this gear program, until I get more proficient using 3Dcoat and Fusion 360... Just to get "up and running" to produce physical parts ASAP. I will ALWAYS be learning more and transferring my tasks associated with creating physical models and prototypes.to digital as time goes on. The link to the Fusion 360 video tutorial was GREAT! I went on to view others (all saved as bookmarks for future study! LOL!) THANK YOU! This step into the digital world for me is HUGE! I've always been put off by cost and learning curves. I chose 3Dcoat because the interface for me resonates with how I think. After viewing the Fusion 360 intro video, I can see myself learning that one relatively easily as well. At this point I am so overwhelmed with the research I've had to do and in so many 'arenas". One of those has been about upgrading my current computer to handle these programs. My tech guy is not familiar with the 3D programs but understands their needs. I've been learning about minimum system requirements, upping it up a bit, but also trying to keep costs down because by the end of the year, my tech's going to be building an integrated circuit computer and will blow this one away (I'm investing into my current computer to serve as a fully functional back up. My only connection to my clients is through the internet and recently, I learned (the VERY hard way), that updating and performing computer maintenance was badly neglected. (I take care of my studio and shop tools on a regular basis and all machines operate like new (even my favorite 1938, belt driven South-bend lathe although most of my machines are state of the art, newer tools). Anyway, my very old (too embarrassed to say), main computer crashed. My next computer (had for a couple of years but never transferred all my programs to move to my desk, also crashed and I was left with my laptop. I'm getting ready to hand over my current computer for upgrades so that I can install 3Dcoat and I guess I'll give it a go with the trial version of Fusion 360. Other programs I have are from Vectric that are set up to operate my CNC router, capable creating tool paths etc.... Again, I am such a "newbie" when it comes to computers, but I have learned so much in the past few months, that I'm starting to "get it"... What you provided me regarding creating my steam punk fish was DO invaluable! I was only hoping for some insight to help me decide on getting 3Dcoat. You went way over the top for me and I'll keep thanking you for that, for a very long time! (TOTALLY understand the place and purpose for Fusion 360 and that will be next on my list!) Again, Thank you! Best, Richard

Just re-read your post! THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!! SO much more info than I ever hoped for! You gave me some tools that will not only get me started with this project, but a set of methods to create anything! I'm going to print your post so that I can follow closely as I learn!.. Thank you again TimmyZ!!! (From the bottom of my heart!) Best always, Richard PS: I still have to complete my projects before I download the tutorial and try out what you shared, but I think I'll keep this thread alive, not only to share my progress and probably ask more questions, but also to help others that might be in my situation wondering if something like this can be done, especially by a "computer illiterate newbie"! OK... back to the "real world" completing my projects while imagining how much faster I could be doing this work, once I become familiar with 3Dcoat! LOL!

TimmyZ, Holy Smokes! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEVER would have imagined anyone going through so much trouble as to take my drawings and instruct me how to create it as you have!!!! (All I was "hoping for" was a "yes or no" as to could it be done... NOT How to do it!) WOW!!! =D I cannot possibly thank you enough! (Goosebumps here! I'm usually the one helping others. In between projects I do a lot of volunteer work with students exposing them to "my world", but more importantly, how I got to a place where I could follow my dreams and (by example and story), sharing that any dream (no matter how impossible they may "seem"), can totally become a reality if they really want it. To be on the reviving end of your kind of generosity just has me stopped in my tracks, taking in your help! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!) After watching a few tutorials from other 3D programs last night, I had already decided that the most important feature for me was finding a human interface that made sense to me and that I could probably learn more easily than others. I decided to buy 3D coat! With all that I've seen and what you've shared, it just "resonates" as a tool I can "easily" (relative), learn. LOL! I'm going to have to go back and slowly read and study your post... So much info and a fantastic starting point for me to learn more!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!! =D Richard

H Benk, Thanks for your input. Although "vague" and not exactly what I was hoping for, You got me to look at Blender a lot closer! =D I was impressed, but it didn't 'resonate" with how I work (Voxel manipulation in 3Dcoat at least made me "feel" like I was in the "real world" and therfore, I felt more comfortable as I shift from the real world to digital. With all its button commands, I can see where the learning curve for Blender might be a lot steeper for me than 3Dcoat? Not sure, but that's part of why I never got into 3D digital modeling before. I am really computer illiterate in terms of I need to "see" what I'm doing. Blender does not seem as "intuitive" for the way my brain "works/thinks" as 3Dcoat. I guess my question asking for input regarding using 3Dcoat to create my fish, was to gain an understanding, enough to decide to invest my time to learn a program. If i know it can be done and gain an understanding as to how, I think this will help me to decide which route to go. (I KNOW there are a LOT of people out there that will suggest that I not stick to just one program and that there are multiple programs that will do different functions better than others. I just can't see myself trying to learn multiple programs. My brain gets so clogged up with info and I get easily confused. I don't mind the work involved in learning a 3Dprogram (I'm committed to venturing into the digital world!), but steep "learning curves" or having to learn multiple programs really push me away. I'm already vested in learning Vectric's Aspire, Vcarve Pro and 3Dcut for use with my 3D CNC router. Aspire is similar to 3Dcoat, in that the work is done on a projected 3Dview of the model being created and I can "keep up; keep track" of what I'm trying to accomplish.Still, for me, what most people on their forums consider "easy", is still hard for me. After watching quite a few Blender tutorial videos last night and this morning, my head is spinning! I wished that I had started working with computers a very long time ago! Even basic computing with Windows and keeping track of files, I get lost! LOL! Anyway, I'm still hoping for some input on my original post regarding how I can create the shapes for my fish. (BTW: This fish project was selected only because there's no deadline, it's something I've wanted to create for a long time and I think what I need to learn to create it will move along with many of the other projects I will be creating in the future: Mostly toy vehicle design and modification and prepping models for 3D printing and transfer of files to my CNC router. Because i can build so quickly in the real world, I can see myself building simple (card stock and clay), physical modles and using a scanner (sort of like 'training wheels") to create STL files to import and begin modification, clean up and detailing to lessen my learning curves regarding creating from scratch. (That's also why I'm asking about creating the shape of the fish body sample using 2D drawings (Top, Side, Front & back)), hoping that that would also create another form of "shortcut" to get from concept drawings to 3D modeling.. Hope all this makes sense? (Still keeping Blender in mind as i can see it's power and inclusion into my style of building, I was just pushed back by the multiple command keys I'd have to remember.) LOL! Thank you again! =D Richard

Hello, Richard here with a few questions. First: I'm TOTALLY new to this program! Just discovered it last week! (Currently working on two client prototypes and haven't downloaded the trial version until I can create a block of time to spend learning (since the trial version is only for 30 days.), before purchasing 3Dcoat. Background: For over 25 years, I've been a special effects artist (Not CGI, but rather creating physical models and props), for films like The 5th Element, Star Trek IX, The Power Rangers etc... I'm also a prototype designer/developer (mostly toys), for companies like Mattel and Hasbro (Created most of the Batmobiles for Mattel. Speed Racer, Masters of the Universe, Max Steel, Spiderman, Superman, etc...) ALL created by hand! (No CNC!) I now see it's time for a MAJOR change! I now have a 3D CNC router (27" X 27" X 7") and shopping for a scanner. I have my eyes on the Wolf, Axiom Dual 3D printer ($5k), and can see how combining these "new" tools with my background and experience with physical model making, sculpting, machining, molding, casting, vacuum-forming etc.,will change everything about how I create in the future! My websites: www.jareldesign.com www.jarelaircraftdesign.com If you go to the aircraft website, look under videos, scroll down to Dream Cycles; Salmon Flight, Copernicus and Trickle, click on the image and they will link you to Vimeo videos of a few of my kinetic sculptures in action and give you an idea of the approach I'm taking with this Steam-Punk kinetic fish sculpture. My Kinetic, Steam-Punk fish project: I've attached two images that will give you a rough idea of what I'm going to create. On the side view concept sketch, note that all body segments and fins will be articulated with LOTS of external moving details that are not shown. There's a second image with a "see-through" view of one of those body segments which is want I'm hoping to create in 3Dcoat.(I exaggerated the curvature to illustrate thatt here are not many straight edges, but there are flat plates.) After watching the sketch video tutorial where the user imports top, side and front views and then "fills" (?) with clay, I couldn't watch enough tutorials! This is EXACTLY what I'm hoping to apply to create my sculpture! LOL! I also LOVE the concept of working with Voxels! Given what I've shared, what I know (most importantly what I DON'T know!), Could any of you please give me a "general idea" as to how/if this project can be created using 3Dcoat? (I'm hoping to achieve building this in the voxel room as I totally "relate" (fits my creating previous works by hand), to what I've seen in the tutorials and the ability to add separate features. NOTE: I'm only asking for 'general ideas" as to how one would go about creating these components: (Would it be easier to build physical, scan and import? Begin with vector line drawings? Create top, side and front views like the car/sketch tutorial, creating and using multiple cross sections (front and back with a side AND bottom view (four cross sections?),?)...Anything that will help me feel more comfortable that 3Dcoat can be used for the purposes I'm hoping for.as i have yet to download the trial version and what i "think" this program can do, has been burning a creative hole through my head! (I can't sleep!) LOL! Honestly, I'm only asking for "general ideas/explanations" at this point, as I'd consider myself fairly "Computer Illiterate" (I've had to go online just to learn the meanings of many of the terms you guys use here while creating your fantastic pieces of art! LOL! , But I'm tenacious and willing to do the real work to learn! Thanking you in advance, Richard PS: Threw in a few images of my past works. Hope you enjoy!

You guys are so funny! And... I am truly honored.... I'm chuckling here because although I know a lot and I've built a lot, I must confess that I'm fairly "computer illiterate": (Ask me to find a file I just saved and point a gun to my head while the clock is ticking for me to find it, and I'm likely to tell you: Why don't you just save us both the agony of anticipation and shoot me already! LOL! I'm hoping as I get into this program that I can ask you guys for help? I'd also like to offer any info/insight/tips/tricks I know about the "real world": Molding, casting, vacuum forming (using your home oven and a vacuum cleaner!) Please feel free to ask away! Thank you for your kind words! Best to you, Richard

Hi Ma3k! Our paths had to have crossed! =D I worked a lot with (Dang... old age just took over. Had his name on the tip of my tongue before i started typing! LOL!)... He worked in Venice at the time and he made the Taxis! YES! things have changed quite a lot since then! I've continued making "stuff" by hand until I got my CNC router. Now I'm looking at buying an Axiom Dual 3D printer and a scanner. Combining these tools with what I know how to do will change my life forever! (Of course, my learning curve may extend the time before I actually start creating parts! LOL! Still trying to remember his name! I should as we became friends for years before I moved up here to Oregon 16 years ago. LOL! I remember that his company began with "3D"....

Laughing here (warmly)... I totally understand your growing up with what I've created. THANK YOU! I'm going to have to make a little name tag with your "Oh master" title under my name. maybe print it backwards so that when I look in a mirror, I can read it and "get it". Thank you again. I haven't downloaded the trial version because I see there's a 30 day time limit. I'm currently working on two projects at the same time and I know i won't have the time i want to spend working in this program while the 30 day limit is ticking away. I tried bringing it into my Vcarve program but although it accepts .STL files and many others, it won't recognize any of the tinker objects. Will these tinker objects import or be accessible through my 3Dcoat trial version when I download it and begin learning? Playing around with this specific feature is what i really want to become familiar with... (If i can do this and exporet what I create in .STL format (I'm 'guessing" that there are some limitations on the trial version? (Many trial versions like this will allow you to create, but not export... (I'm OK with that as long as I know that I can... I just want to experiment and learn.), I'll probably pull the trigger and purchase this program.) just had a thought.... While you guys have been enjoying my work (created by HAND), you were also learning about computers.... I, on the other hand, am just learning now! Can't tell you how many times I look up a word or term (didn't know what UL meant among many other terms until just this morning!), so although the thought of downloading, uploading etc may seem simple and second nature for you, it's an "adventure" for me! LOL! I'm persistent though and I REALLY want to learn how to do all this stuff! Great quote from a movie: "The oxen are slow (me), but the earth, is patient" (hopefully YOU guys! LOL!) Thanks again! Richard

LOL! "Oh Mighty Master? I personally don't think so, but my wife keeps supporting my moving from a place of insecurity (family of origin issues where I was always told to get a 'real" job), to accepting all that I've accomplished. (If she were looking over my shoulder, she'd say "Honey, just say "thank you" and let it in. LOL! (She's my best friend of all time!) I'm guessing your 'title" comes from seeing my photos? My reply is: I just LOVE what i do! I never got into this line of work to start a business, I just love the diversity of my clients and the fact that I'm not always doing the same thing over and over again! LOL! I was able to download the Tinker packet, but it seems as if I don't have programs to open them up with. (Wait a minute, maybe I do! I'll have to check. I have a "lower" version of Aspire, but don't know if that will import the STL files in the packet. Can anyone tell me if the Tinker packet objects will import into the 3Dcoat trial version? Will it appear like the videos with a "menu bar" (strip along the bottom of the screen), that has thumbnails? Is there something I need to do to get those objects to appear in the trial version of 3Dcoat? Thank you for your kind words... I'm still working on "owning" what I do and have accomplished... If TV has any credibility, I recently appeared on a History Channel program ("Million Dollar Genius"... Third segment of the first/premier episode.) talking about the "Headblade". If you watch it, you can see where 3Dcoat would have saved weeks as we modified the design (on paper), then re-sculpted/machined (by hand!) to get to the final version! So far as I can tell, this program is going to be like having a "clone" of me to help me get more work done faster.... I can also wee a "problem", because as easy and fun as it looks to use this program, I'm never going to sleep creating things I don't "need", just because I can! LOL! Best, Richard

Thank you so much Carlosan! (Your link worked!) Can this download be used with the trial version for exploring/experimenting? Richard

Ooops! I just placed a post in the wrong thread! (sorry!) I just watched a tutorial video on using the Tinker features within 3Dcoat that answered a LOT of my questions! Holy Smokes! Why haven't I learned about this program years ago! I watched something created using the Tinker feature being created in minutes. I used to do this all by hand (cutting plastic extrusions, milling, lathe work etc) and it would take me hours if not days to do the same work in 3Dcoat! =D As long as I can save these files as .STL to send to my 3D printer, it looks as if 3Dcoat will be my #1 go to program of choice for the work I do! Waiting for a computer upgrade from my tech before I download the trial version (I also want to learn more from tutorial videos so i can hit the ground running while I explore the tutorial.) More questions: part of my computer upgrade includes installing Windows 10 (I've read some conflicting info about this while researching). Any tips regarding using 3Dcoat with Windows 10? Also just wanted to confirm that I can export an .STL file version of what I create to use with my 3D printer? Can't share how excited I am about this program! Thanks! Richard

Hi, Richard here (again) (I hope I'm posting this correctly... Seems to be one long thread?) My main question was concerning model building for CNC and 3D printing and modeling within 3Dcoat, specifically using Tinker objects. just watched a tutorial video that answered a LOT of questions!!! ( "think") If i understand correctly, the Tinker objects are part of this program (as a download? free?)... If so, WOW! Holy Smokes!!!! What i saw int he video is what I used to do by hand in plastic, taking hours and hours compared to what I now see can be done in minutes! 3Dcoat may turn out to be my number i go-to program for this kind of work! (My brain is going nuts with it's applications!!! (Please correct me if I'm wrong in my understanding of this (Tinker) feature? Thanks! Richard

Hi, Richard here. Website: www.jareldesign.com I've been a special effects artist (Star Trek, 5th Element, Power Rangers etc...) and prototype developer (Mattel, Hasbro and more...(Created most of the Batmobiles for Mattel as well as more than a few Max Steel vehicles, Star Wars, Transformers toys, etc..), for over 25 years. ALL my work has been created by hand and I'm just now getting into "digital modeling" to produce physical models. (I feel like I'm 18, but actually 61 years old. LOL!) I just discovered 3D coat last week and could not get enough (As in: I'll continue watching tutorial videos and learning about this incredible program, hoping to add 3D coat to my "tools"!) Once i feel more comfortable, I'll download the trial version to explore first hand. ALL my work revolves around creating physical models using 3D CNC router and 3D printer and then finishing them by hand. I've created hundreds of "parts" (control panels, engine details, wheels etc...), that I'd like to transform (using a 3D scanner), placing the scanned files into my own digital "library" and use them to import and add into new models I create. (mostly spaceships, weapons & vehicles) (Note: Although I can perform "some" tasks in digital work, I would consider myself "Computer illiterate". LOL! I'm trying to determine if this is the right program for me? (From the videos I've seen, it sure seems like it! Considering myself a total newbie to CG fabrication, I could actually follow the visually friendly commands/tools and they made sense to me!) =D I also use a program: "Aspire", that is used to communicate with my CNC router (creating tool paths), using .STL files. My 3Dprinter also uses .STL files.Aspire and my CNC router will not create undercuts, so then I use a 3D printer. I do have some VERY basic questions: Very vague and general question, but from what I've shared and what I do and having my end "goal" being the creation of CNC or 3D printed physical models, do you think 3Dcoat would be a good choice for me? I saw one video showing a spaceship being built and transformed using "Tinker Primatives" parts/components... Is this a library of "parts/components" for importing into base files to add to and modify for a new model? Does this "library" come with the 3Dcoat software? If not, where can I find these libraries? (I found a link as part of the answer to this very question, but got an "error" prompt by using the link. Or, am I completely wrong in understanding "Tinker Primatives? (What was shown on this video is exactly the capabilities I'm hoping for!) I want to determine if 3Dcoat will serve my purposes before purchasing. I thank all who reply in advance, Richard