there's no real best software out there per se. in the end it's all about what YOU feel most comfortable with. just make sure the software can reliably export in a file format that shapeways can accept i use maya myself FYI
Uh, ok. Um also, I guess, how much prep do you do for each set if at all? Like on paper. Do you concept it first and then make blueprints for the design? Also, do you scratch build a mock up or anything before modeling? Should I do that too if you do?
I just have a toy design idea that I was thinking of advancing to an actual shapeways 3d model but I've never done it before and have been having trouble modeling it on inventor so I was just wondering if there was a better way to do it. I'm thinking of posting the design to ask for feedback.
during my first several months, i had to draw things out now? everything just goes through my brain without the need of any paper drawing if you concentrate and focus well enough
that may be a better idea, coz without a pic we cant say if its even feasible to model that thing you have in mind if its just a simple one-piece thing like a part or a gun, should be simple to do. if it involves fitting or moving parts, then thats much more complicated start small at the beginning and dont be over ambitious at the start
its perfectly okay to keep the design to yourself so people dont rip your ideas; i never post my stuff unless my test print is okay enough to be presentable. but of course, you are entirely on your own without much outside help. for small parts, sure give it a try. save the bigger and more ambitious projects for later when you start to feel comfortable enough.
Solidworks is the absolute best out there. It's the industry standard. It's what Hasbro, and any other large company uses. The downside is that it's not cheap. You're looking at $4,000 for the bottom end. I've used the student edition ( which is only good for 12 months at a time ) and it's spoiled me. I've tried multiple other programs since and they are all lacking.
For someone feeling frisky, making some Shapeways tutorials would be really cool to resource here. Just sayin'
Sketchup is an easy to use software for beginners and it's free. google it, there are tons of tutorials available for it. It can also export to shapeways' file format but it might need some tweaking. e.g. look at SketchUp STL export tutorial - Shapeways