This might have been asked before Tioh, but what Cad modelling package do you use?

Most of my 3d-models were made with an old version of Lightwave Modeler.  I use Blender, OpenSCAD or Sculptris occasionally.
I check the models in NetFabb basic and cut them in several parts if I need to.

I've been looking for a free download 3d cad modelling tool to use at home. I use inventor in work, but this is in an engineering environment so there are lots of straight lines.

I tried Sketchup but found it frustratingly difficult, i think because i was trying to do something that i'd have no bother with in Inventor.

I've just had a quick google on Blender and might give it a go. I'll need to clear my diary for a week and give myself time to learn from the beginning 

thanks for the info.

I've been looking for a free download 3d cad modelling tool to use at home. I use inventor in work, but this is in an engineering environment so there are lots of straight lines.

I tried Sketchup but found it frustratingly difficult, i think because i was trying to do something that i'd have no bother with in Inventor.

I've just had a quick google on Blender and might give it a go. I'll need to clear my diary for a week and give myself time to learn from the beginning 

thanks for the info.

Blender is a good start, you can find a lot of tutorials on youtube for it.
Some other tools you might find useful:
The free tools from Autodesk http://www.123dapp.com/
Sculptris: http://pixologic.com/sculptris/
Metasequoia 3d-modeler: http://metaseq.net/en/

The hoof with horseshoe glued on. The horseshoes were painted with grey primer (spray can).

I made a 3d-model for a helmet that fits over the head base (version 21) that I posted at Thingiverse (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:650760). It's currently sized for a 16,5cm wide puppet-head - with enough space for the fur. I have not modelled the back of the head and the lower jaw yet because the shape depends on how I build the head.

You can get this model on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:746225

I glued in a piece of yellow coloured transparent plastic.

That's cool. I know the helmet is probably a part of the puppet design itself but it just occurred to me that with 3D printing you could also make a perfect-fit cover to prevent damage during transit and storage.

That's cool. I know the helmet is probably a part of the puppet design itself but it just occurred to me that with 3D printing you could also make a perfect-fit cover to prevent damage during transit and storage.

Yes, that works. I already made covers for cameras and electronic parts - the shape for a puppet is not that difficult.

I printed these ears using Taulman Nylon (the ear on the left side is made with Taulman Bridge Nylon, the one on the right side with Taulman 618 Nylon).

I cut the ears to the shape that I meed for the head - they will be used for a cable animatronic. The dark orange material is flexible felt.


The 3d-model: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:755955

Animatronic eyelid for bigger eyes - the model was made to fit an eye with 6cm diameter


http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:755934

Simple ears - not designed for animatronics

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:756860