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?
Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
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Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#2You 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...
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#3Onshape is my favorite modeller. You'd need to do quite some tutorials if you have no prior experience.
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#4Pen and paper is quite good for this. Really!
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#5Software 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.
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#6Software 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…
This has been bacronymed to CAD: Cardboard Aided Design and I agree with your suggestion.
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#7https://blog.rectorsquid.com/linkage-mechanism-designer-and-...
Maybe a linkage simulator like this one would be a good match?
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#8Fusion 360 has a free version for personal use. I'm not sure how limited the simulation capabilities are though.
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#9Creating 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.
Re: Ask HN: Can you recommend modeling software?
#10Onshape is my favorite modeller. You'd need to do quite some tutorials if you have no prior experience.
+1. Onshape is free and it has very good documentation, I learned 3D modeling with it.