Knowledge Base Topic - Soldering

[Armortek]

Stu Diener's recent question about making upgraded bins prompted a write-up of the Knowledge Base Topic Soldering - How to Solder Brass ADVANCED.

New topic is here:

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... 5c7#p49302

As ever, comments and additions welcome.

Stephen

[Chris Hall]

Stephen -

Thanks for this. Clear, concise, but challenging and a bit scary. I think I'm going to be trying this with my Lee.

Any recommendations on the 3D software ? Are you using Freeware or something expensive ?

All the best,

Chris

[Stephen White]

Thanks Chris. I'm not bright enough to have mastered 3D drawing, I'm still learning. The drawings in the topic were done by a friend, Allan Bowers in New Zealand, who taught himself AutoCAD as a retirement project. I started using freeware - there are a lot but the two which are readily accessible are:

Sketchup: now hosted by Trimble, Google did do a free version too. Tutorials are available. It seemed orientated towards architectural design. Mac and Windows versions.

https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pric ... tchup-free

Designspark: Origins in electrical circuitry design but mechanical design version available but only on Windows platform. Hosted by RS Supplies.

https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-software

Professional (ie payware) options.

I believe Mark uses Solidworks for Armortek. I've not investigated this professional package as I was deterred by the price.

I now use TurboCAD, largely because I got a full package for around £100 and that included 2D and 3D tutorial packages. If you wanted to investigate TurboCAD, the place to start is with Paul Tracey ("Paul the CAD") who provides both software and training. He's great to do business with.

https://paulthecad.com

I'm a rank beginner in this field and there are some real experts here, Adrian Harris and Frank Breitenbach to name but two. (Sorry Adrian and Frank).

Stephen

[Vince Cutajar]

Can I also suggest Autodesk Fusion 360. It is a professional CAD/CAM package which is free for hobbyists (up till now). It also handles sheet metal although I have never used this function.

There is a learning curve involved but it's not too hard. I started using it not knowing anything about 2D and 3D design and after two months managed to do this:

The only thing that some people don't like about it is that it is all cloud based.

Vince