Converting model aircraft plans into a 3D model for printing

[davecoventry]

At the risk of a threadjack, I'd like to endorse those posts recommending Linux.

I too have legacy CAD software that only runs on XP and my solution is to run XP on a virtual machine on Linux.

Have a look at http://virtualbox.org/

[kkremitzki]

At the risk of a threadjack, I'd like to endorse those posts recommending Linux.

I too have legacy CAD software that only runs on XP and my solution is to run XP on a virtual machine on Linux.

Have a look at http://virtualbox.org/

I was going to say the same but didn't want to threadjack either, so now that it's been done this should be ok!

The only difference is I'd recommend the built-in solution using libvirt (which is QEMU/KVM at the core) and its graphical interface, virt-manager. One can just do sudo apt install virt-manager.

[Tilli]

I guess I'm a bit more used to splines... but getting there...

Hi and Welcome

Yes it is a big and deep programme. Just to explicitly confirm, you have found the B-Spline and Bezier-Curve tools in the Sketcher and Draft WorkBenches respectively, yes...?

Oh, and I too would heartily encourage a Linux route.

B-Splines-in-SketcherWB.png (24.23 KiB) Viewed 607 times

Bezier-Curves-in-DraftWB.png (35.58 KiB) Viewed 607 times

[TonyR]

I don't seem to get those options, B-Spline.

Probably because I am using an older version of FreeCAD?

If 0.17 runs on Win7, I'll download it to my laptop and be done with it - plug the lappy into my large LCD and full sized keyboard and mouse.

To those suggesting Linux - I have a Ubuntu drive somewhere, but it would be a yonks-old version...

[tommeyers]

TonyR, You and others inspired me to bring up an Ubuntu/FreeCAD .17 system. I had a spare $110 laptop: 64bit, 2 processor, 4GB, 350GB with a broken KB; plugged in a moveable KB while I wait for the part. Had Windows 7 and I erased it. I could have used a much less capable system.

I expect I will get better perf than w/windows. I will use that to attempt rendering again.

My workflow: Study Ubuntu/Unity documentation, download and create installable USB for Ubuntu (easy), install Ubuntu (easy). 3 hrs including download of Ubuntu. Download/Install FreeCAD 17. 3 Hrs because installed .15 and had to uninstall, download, study install of app image and make shortcut.

Summary, it is fast enough, its cheap, Unity makes it familiar, installs are simple.

I will connect to DropBox for design storage.

Cost: new keyboard: 20$

Tom Meyers

[NormandC]

Well since there have been multiple threadjacks here

My workflow: Study Ubuntu/Unity documentation

Unfortunately, Canonical stopped development of its Unity desktop. I have been using it at home since it came out in Ubuntu 11.04. For Ubuntu 18.04 which is coming out next week, they have adopted GNOME Shell as default. Of course Ubuntu 16.04 still has Unity and will be maintained for 3 more years, and Unity can be installed in 18.04 too, but it's a dead end - so I will make the switch to 18.04 and GS soon myself.

[chrisb]

study install of app image and make shortcut.

I would recommend to use the PPA instead of the appimage. Updates are simpler and in case you ever use external programs like opencamlib the integration is easier.

[TonyR]

Installed .17 on the Laptop running Win 7.

All good

[salp]

TonyR,

Curious on you were coming along with your airplane project.


Sal

[TonyR]

Not very far, Sal.
Still can seem to get my head around FreeCAD.