Nice!

Had some time to play in the shop today. Designed and 3D printed a 6 cartridge holder for little single shot .22LR rifle we have around the house. It loads one by one, no magazine which is inconvenient always having separate box of ammo nearby. Utilized an existing screw under the stock to attach it. It's actually a youth size gun so the placement is well rearward of where your rest hand grabs and isn't in the way. Had to play with the hole size to get the fit just right to keep the cartridges in place but not too tight.

Quote from: PJ on Nov 26, 2025, 10:36 AMProblem I have is after using professional version CAD packages for so long, its very hard to go backwards to hobby type stuff.   Unless Autodesk offers a non-cloud based Fusion, that one is off my list.  Unfortunately dinosaurs like me are being forced out as most software is going cloud/subscription route.  SAS if you will.   I mean really why let people keep using something that works when you can force them into all the useless new features, flashy UI and keep them perpetually paying? 
Until I can figure out which way to go the old CAD workstation is staying Windows 10 and SW 2022  Air-gapped and sandboxed from the internet.

 

So I wondered whether SW for makers was some rudimentary version, and ended up buying a makers license to try it out. It is literally the same as full on SW - it just puts a mark on the file so that your files cannot be opened by professional SW. This is to prevent the maker version being used by people to make money, which is fair. I really like that you can have a locally installed version of the maker edition, and store all your files locally. No restrictions, no watermarks, no requirement to store it all on the cloud. You can store all your files on the cloud if you want - but it's not a requirement.

Quote from: 4GSR on Nov 30, 2025, 05:25 PMI've been using AutoCAD, now Draftsight since 1988. I still don't know all the ins and outs of the software. Does plenty for my needs today. In a couple more years if not sooner, It'll be somebody else's turn to take over what I do.
My son and I just bought a license for the "Makers" version of SolidWorks. We still trying to get it downloaded. I have a little experience with SW's but not enough to be of help for either one of us. Oh well.

Let me know if I can help. I use Solidworks professionally. Well - I get paid to use it. Whether I act professionally with it is another matter.

It kicks Fusion into a cocked hat - I have no idea why people still use that junk. I hated Inventor so much that I just quit that job and got a better one. Hopefully that carries me to retirement.

I've been using AutoCAD, now Draftsight since 1988. I still don't know all the ins and outs of the software. Does plenty for my needs today. In a couple more years if not sooner, It'll be somebody else's turn to take over what I do.
My son and I just bought a license for the "Makers" version of SolidWorks. We still trying to get it downloaded. I have a little experience with SW's but not enough to be of help for either one of us. Oh well.

After my last post I decided to revisit the email chain I had going on with my CAD reseller regarding SP update.   Sent yet another friendly request and wouldn't you know it, received a quick reply saying oh sure no problem give us a call.   So I call and the individual I spoke with said all I needed to do was email their support team who would set me up with a download link.  Thats it??  Sent them an email and poof.  Done.  No charge.  Very happy camper right now.  Of course it was only a SP update for now older version but at least I can update windows if need be.   
 

Quote from: propforward on Apr 23, 2025, 11:52 AMI've been researching this a bit to help someone at work.

Onshape has a free version for Hobbyist users, and is well regarded. I intend to download it and try it, just to see how it is. Onshape requires cloud conectivity.

Solidworks for makers is significantly less expensive than Fusion, and allows you to install and store files locally.

I use Inventor and Solidworks every day, and Inventor doesn't even hold a candle to Solidworks. Autodesk products are about 10 years behind Solidworks.

Frankly, for a LOW COST CAD for home use, I recommend Solidworks for Makers. That's the direction I'll go when I can't afford 2.5K a year for engineering software.

Pity Solidworks have done such a crap job marketing their maker edition really.

Hmm I may need to investigate the "maker" edition.. 
I purchased a perpetual license of SW 2022 Standard back in late 2021 that still works perfectly except it runs on windows 10 but not on 11.   
So now if I want to keep my OS current and keep using SW, I have to have service pack 2.0 which they want me to pay essentially cost for another license.
Needless to say, that's not happening.

Let me just say I was on the drafting board for several years out of college in the 80's and have used AutoCad since essentially V1, Inventor since it's introduction late 90's and Solidworks since 2005
Problem I have is after using professional version CAD packages for so long, its very hard to go backwards to hobby type stuff.   Unless Autodesk offers a non-cloud based Fusion, that one is off my list.  Unfortunately dinosaurs like me are being forced out as most software is going cloud/subscription route.  SAS if you will.   I mean really why let people keep using something that works when you can force them into all the useless new features, flashy UI and keep them perpetually paying? 
Until I can figure out which way to go the old CAD workstation is staying Windows 10 and SW 2022  Air-gapped and sandboxed from the internet.

 

I'm 58 and retired this past May.  So far its been great no regrets.  Now my lawn finally can keep up with the neighbors LOL! and I get to the gym 3 days a week and do whatever I want during the day.  I've seen too many people my parents included, that worked to 67 or whatever and then die 5 years later.  Although I'm in very good health and plan to stay that way as long as possible, I decided my time left on earth is way more valuable than a few more $$  Fortunately, the live on way less than you earn ethos has allowed for the required savings and investments to do so.  I actually feel like I spend more money on life now than I did while working yet my net worth keeps increasing..   maybe due to the market lately so who knows so that will likely change.  For now though its working out. 

I was messing around on ChatGPT and decided to have a little fun. I asked it to design a two-cylinder Corliss engine to run at low RPM and put out 2 HP. What it came up with was rather interesting!

Bore and Stroke:  3" x 6"
60 PSI Mean Effective Pressure steam from a 120 PSI source
78 RPM
Flywheel diameter: 24"
Flywheel rim: 4" wide x 3.5" thick
Flywheel weight: 300 pounds
Crankshaft torque: 135 ft-lbs.

No, I do not intend to build such an engine! I just thought the details were rather neat and figured some of you would find them interesting as well.

In my case, I'm working and also trying to take care of my wife. I should say my daughter does most of the time. Taking her to her doctor appointments, getting test run, etc.