models for working out design

[woodturner]

A group of us toured a colleague's shop recently. We get together periodically for shop tours, idea exchange, etc. Anyway, I was impressed by the way he does models to convey his ideas to his clients. His background is architecture and design, and his work is generally one-off custom pieces, though he does produce some of his designs in quantity.

He builds miniatures to mockup the pieces and show clients. What struck me about his models is how much using the actual wood, such as spalted maple, affects the look of the model and really conveys the "feel" of the piece. The model seems to be easier for most people to "grasp" than a 3D computer model or the foamboard mockups others sometimes make.

The photo shows some of his models.

[atgcpaul]

That is a whole other level of woodworking for me. I try to plan as much as I can in Sketchup but when it comes to actually making the piece, it's almost like "hold my breath and hope for the best".

I have an inexpensive 3D printer at work. If I ever make a project worthy of it, I plan on printing it there first.

How does he shape the pieces? At that scale, is it more like whittling?

[Stytooner]

I am fortunate that I am able to visualize about how it might be in CAD. I understand some might need the tactile feedback from fingers to get it. I too get a better feel for it that way.
I am selling my 3D printer because I thought it might be useful to me for just this. I would often make prototype parts on it just to see how it would work.
Now I have two cnc mills, so no longer need the slow printer and will let someone else use it as they see fit.

Miniatures in actual wood is an art in itself. Not everyone can get the scale down correctly for it to be used as a good scale model representation to show a client.
Those are some fine looking pieces. That fellow is very talented, but you did say Architect.

[cwsmith]

Building miniatures is pretty neat I think and from what I can see in that digital image, is almost an art in itself.

But for me, I would think it very time consuming and perhaps even adding to expense of the project at hand, not to mention any frustration that might occur from working at that smaller size.

For me, I find drawing is the best avenue. Since I was a kid I have always liked to draw, and often played out my fantasies in that manner, almost like drawing my own toys, so to speak.

So drawing, or illustrating if I may, is a natural way of doing things for me. For the last twenty years or so I have been doing all my illustration on a computer, and it is there that I can draw the details, see how they fit, look for assembly, fit, and structural challenges.

More recently I've found SketchUp to be a wonderful tool for just checking out how a structure might look, where it needs 'a little something' or perhaps a resize of a component to make it look better. All things that I would imagine an actual "model" would provide the builder, if they had the time and the talent.

CWS

[phrog]

Unbelievable, hard to believe those are models !

[woodturner]

How does he shape the pieces? At that scale, is it more like whittling?

Sorry for the delay in responding, I have been on the road.

He freehands them on a 36" bandsaw . Yeah, we all cringed when he said that, too. Strangely, he still has all his fingers.

[woodturner]

Those are some fine looking pieces. That fellow is very talented, but you did say Architect.

The picture doesn't show enough detail to see that they are actually sort of crudely done. They are mockups to show design and color rather than finished quality. The attached close-up of one of the chair models may show the quality better.

[woodturner]

But for me, I would think it very time consuming and perhaps even adding to expense of the project at hand, not to mention any frustration that might occur from working at that smaller size.

The models are quickly built, but do still take time to make. He doesn't like or use computer visualization tools, so I think something he can physically see just works better for him.

FWIW, he also builds a lot of jigs to make the full size parts. Something like seven jigs for the chair legs alone. That takes a lot of time to make the jigs, but results in pieces that are identical. He said he doesn't "test fit" but rather just glues up, and that the jigs are the key to this working.

[JSUPreston]

I am fortunate that I am able to visualize about how it might be in CAD. I understand some might need the tactile feedback from fingers to get it. I too get a better feel for it that way.
I am selling my 3D printer because I thought it might be useful to me for just this. I would often make prototype parts on it just to see how it would work.
Now I have two cnc mills, so no longer need the slow printer and will let someone else use it as they see fit.

Miniatures in actual wood is an art in itself. Not everyone can get the scale down correctly for it to be used as a good scale model representation to show a client.
Those are some fine looking pieces. That fellow is very talented, but you did say Architect.

Some of us may be interested in the printer. Let us know the price.

[gsmittle]

Looks like maybe hot glue?

I used to make plenty of models of theatrical sets using illustration board and sometimes balsa and 1/8" ply. All stuck together with hot glue and painted with watercolor or acrylic.

This is a whole different level though. Why an 18" bandsaw? Wouldn't a 6-incher work?

g.

[woodturner]

Looks like maybe hot glue?

Yes.

This is a whole different level though. Why an 18" bandsaw? Wouldn't a 6-incher work?

The 36" bandsaw is just the main shop saw. He does have an older 18", but just prefers the 36" I guess.

[LCHIEN]

Looks like an application crying out for a 3D printer. Still the handwork is amazing.