Learn how woodworking design software has changed the way woodworkers build and design their projects, from iteration to rendering.
Woodworking is a passion for many worldwide, and it has undoubtedly become more popular as individuals look for ways to sharpen their minds as they stay at home. Complexity, material design, and finish distinguish one project from the next.
That said, these wooden creations don’t just suddenly materialize. Creating a product that is well thought out requires planning and sound execution. The handcrafted approach remains respected and effective.
However, what if an easier way existed? Tech-savvy woodworkers, along with interior designers and industrial designers who work with wood, may harness a number of today’s 3D CAD programs to streamline the creative process. 3D woodworking design can lead to cleaner, safer, and more functional designs in the right hands — and may even help users become better woodworkers. Some careful digital planning can lead to a better physical product for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Common Woodworking Products
Woodworkers make several dynamic and static products, meaning those encountering different stressors or those with mainly aesthetic appeal. Below are a few examples:
- Furniture
- Art and décor
- Small hardware, including knives and accessories
- Interiors
Each of these products has unique design requirements. For example, a rocking chair is clearly used differently than a wooden knife handle. These factors will influence how a design comes together — and how it’s bolstered.
The Benefits of 3D Woodworking Design Software
Brainstorming is merely half the battle when it comes to product creation. Translating that concept into a workable sample, and iterating is also critical. Without 3D modeling software for woodworking, one might not be able to assess how a design may look in its ‘natural habitat’ before building. Colors and grains are also hard to represent accurately with simple drawings. Woodworkers must find a way to inject realism into their design process.
Typically, woodworkers take a 2D drawing and translate it into woodworking plans or a cut list, and finally a 3D design. Once a design has been created in a CAD program, woodworkers may adjust the following elements of their design as needed before prototyping and manufacturing:
- Colors for natural woods, paints, and stains
- Wood grains and textures
- Dimensions
- Proportions
- Lighting and perspectives
Creators might already have a firm handle on their material design. However, having options allows users to further explore and experiment to enhance their designs in ways previously unimaginable. Users can see where to make cuts and other vital alterations without the risk of losing previous versions. 3D design software’s ease of use makes it simple to revert or promote iterations if necessary.
Assessing Strength and Resilience
Physical prototyping is useful, but it can quickly become expensive, both in materials costs and time requirements. Performing strength testing exacerbates this — weight-bearing wooden objects are subject to breaking and deflection testing.
When will an object fail under stress? How do materials and thickness influence this? If a product flexes under stress, one might expect it to recover to a certain degree. Woodworking design software gives woodworkers access to testing and simulations, which can be run as frequently as needed. These measures save money, reduce waste, and ease any undue burden on supply chains.
The old adage of “measure twice, cut once” is being revolutionized by design software that allows for “digital cuts” before cutting wood by hand or starting up a CNC machine. The potential for hobbyists and professionals alike will only continue to grow as communities learn how to harness the vast potential of 3D CAD software for woodworking in order to make realistic digital 3D models that lead to fewer mistakes and higher-quality final products.
Fusion 360 Modeling Software for Woodworking
Utilizing user-friendly, cloud-based design tools like Autodesk Fusion 360 can streamline 3D modeling workflows and allow for more flexibility and visualization in digital woodworking — without a steep learning curve. With the parametric design feature in Fusion 360, designers can easily design, test, and modify their woodworking projects. Fusion 360 also makes it easy to create 3D renderings so you can present clients with the most realistic version of your design before manufacturing. And the Fusion 360 template library offers an easier way to store, manage, and re-use toolpath templates in Manufacturing.
Visit this link to learn about Fusion 360 functionality, plans and pricing (including a free version for students and personal use), and be sure to check out the Fusion 360 YouTube channel for detailed tutorials. Fusion 360 also offers access to a plethora of plugins that can help improve your workflow even further.
And if you haven’t used Fusion 360 yet, no worries! Download a 30-day free trial and start today.
