Computer Aided Design

This is a simple drawing of a shelf bracket that I designed.  Not long ago I would have drawn this out on a sheet of paper taped down to my drafting table.  It really takes about the same time to draw this by hand as it does by computer, but the big advantage comes when I have to make changes to the drawing or format it to a file that is used in CNC machine tool operations.
There is a price to be paid for the ability to draw using cad software, that is the time it takes to learn how to use the program.  It has nothing to do with the program itself, but rather my ability at my age to adapt and learn new processes. I am four months into teaching myself computer drafting using the program Draft Sight by Dessault Systems.  I have been having a great time learning this program.  I recommend it to anyone interested in cad design. www.3ds.com (the program is free)

Steel CNC cut outs

These are some examples of the designs Inge and I use in our work.

This is a screen shot of what a drawing looks like on the computer. The black background makes it easier to see small details.
It is a drawing of a corner post detail for a cabinet I am building.  It allows me to build with great accuracy, and less guess work.

This is the finished post, the plans made it possible to quickly layout the part and set up the proper tools to get the job done.

Everything Has Purpose!

Bear Paw Bowl

          A big challenge in woodworking is getting the most use from a piece of wood.   Almost without exception I would say that about 15% of every board winds up on the floor.  In an attempt to limit my losses, I have found yet another use for waste; a bear paw bowl!
         Some of my early attempts at repurposing scrap wood were, carving fish out of cutoffs from boat planks and making end tables from the leftover wood from cabinet jobs.

Fish made from boat planks

End table made from cabinet scrap 




The Bear Paw Bowl is made from a cutout left over from the holes in the table
where the steel inserts are.