Programs for designing pens?

[Dalecamino]

Anybody know what programs are used to design pens? I think I would prefer that to pencil & paper. I looked in my Microsoft programs and, didn't see anything I could use. But then, it could be right there in front of me.:redface: Any help? Thanks!

 

[bensoelberg]

I've used Google Sketchup a little. It isn't perfectly suited for pen design, but it can give you an idea.

 

[DurocShark]

Unless you're ready to learn drafting or using Sketchup for the compound shapes and stuff, I'd stick with paper. That's what I use.

 

[soligen]

Each pen you make has one essential duty to perform before it goes to it's owner. Use it to sketch your NEXT pen. :biggrin:

 

[Dalecamino]

I've used Google Sketchup a little. It isn't perfectly suited for pen design, but it can give you an idea.

Thanks!

Unless you're ready to learn drafting or using Sketchup for the compound shapes and stuff, I'd stick with paper. That's what I use.

Yeh, I took a look at Sketchup and, wasn't there long.

Each pen you make has one essential duty to perform before it goes to it's owner. Use it to sketch your NEXT pen. :biggrin:

Now, there's a great idea:biggrin: I guess I'll have to rely on what little I learned in Mechanical Drawing waaaay back in High School. Pencil and, paper it is.:redface: Thanks guys!

 

[ldb2000]

The biggest problem with "Pre-Designing" a pen , either by hand or software , is that you cant really tell whether a complex design will work when your square blank is turned round . To keep a pattern consistent as it is turned you have to think in three dimensions . What looks good in 2D changes , sometimes allot , in the third dimension unless you make some very complex angled angle cuts to keep the design consistent as it gets smaller through turning and changes due to the square to round changes .
When people like Jeff Powell make pens that have designs or patterns in them they have to distort the design or pattern so that it looks correct as the blank is turned round . The design or pattern changes in width more then in length as you turn it round and it gets smaller .

 

[bensoelberg]

I guess I should start working on a Sketchup tutorial. I've been able to use it to "turn" square blanks round to see what will happen to a blank. It really only is useful for segmented blanks.

 

[Dalecamino]

Thanks Butch. But, don't worry. I won't be doing anything too elaborate.:redface: It's just been recommended to have a design before I start making a kitless pen. So far, I've made them without a design on paper and, want to try it the other way. I've drawn one up and, I'll see how it works out for me.

 

[Dalecamino]

I guess I should start working on a Sketchup tutorial. I've been able to use it to "turn" square blanks round to see what will happen to a blank. It really only is useful for segmented blanks.

Yeh, I just didn't want to spend the time it takes for me to learn the stuff. But, I thank you for the referral.

 

[BRobbins629]

I've done many in PowerPoint but just about any graphics program can be used. I usually make a rectangular template that is the height of the pen part and a width corresponding to the circumference of the pen. I have a few round dowels of equivalent pen diameters that after I print the design I can cut it to size and wrap it around the dowel to see how it looks and see if I want to make any changes.

 

[Dalecamino]

I've done many in PowerPoint but just about any graphics program can be used. I usually make a rectangular template that is the height of the pen part and a width corresponding to the circumference of the pen. I have a few round dowels of equivalent pen diameters that after I print the design I can cut it to size and wrap it around the dowel to see how it looks and see if I want to make any changes.

This is interesting. I think I have Power Point in my programs. Thanks Bruce!