CAD step by step for photo etch or decals?

[ChuckT]

I am interested in doing my own CAD drawings for use in the production of photo etch parts or decals. My problem is I am stumped on how to do the CAD drawings to produce the artwork needed for these processes.

Does anyone know of a basic step by step description on how to make CAD drawings for use in scale models? I have searched every where online or for a book that goes over this, but with no luck so far.

Can anyone out there get me pointed in the right direction OR give us all a step by step outline on how to go about making these drawing? I am not asking for how to use CAD itself, but the process of drawing and then scaling down those drawings for decal or photo etch use.

[modelhound]

Chuck,
I do not use CAD but Cored Draw to make decals and Photo Etched bits. I believe both are vector type graphics programs, ( as opposed to raster or pixelated graphics) which is necessary to make the highest quality decals and such.

Rather than do a step by step instruction here onnthe aerodrome forum, please contact me by email. I would be happy to help you make some artwork.

Mike the modelhound guitar.guitar@earthlink.net

[beeza]

Hi Chuck - I am also interested in the same question, also, what is the best CAD program to buy for doing these drawings, I have been looking and there are so many different software programs, which one to buy?

Des.

[ChuckT]

I have been inspired by the works of many on the Aerodrome (including Beeza) and have been on a quest the last few year to produce my own photo etched parts. I will of course gladly share what I get once I am able to apply that info and see it end in the production of usable photo etched parts, but I need to be able to produce the artwork to do this.

Wojtek's work seems to be the pinical of the photo etched art, so I have been reading all he shares on the subject and taking it all in as best I can. I have also read every artical I could find and done a search for books, but it seems the subject of producing the actual drawings is not covered anywhere (as far as I have been able to find).

The production of the art work is my missing link so to speak.

Anyone?

[Carpo]

I too use Corel Draw - it takes a bit of fiddling around but after a while it is pretty easy, just have a play with it - here is a pic of a decal I drew using this program. I then had Pete's Hangar do the printing on an ALPS printer.

If you can, insert an image of the aircraft detail you want and then use Corel Draw to manually trace around the design.
Carpo

http://home.iprimus.com.au/carpo1/Pup2.jpg

[ChuckT]

I notice your located just south of me down in Bellingham! I north of the border up in Surrey, B.C.

I sent you an email and I look forward to your help. Thanks for the kind offer, Chuck.

[Morrel]

I only found this:

Water-Slide Model Decal How-To For Modelers

[albatros1234]

i guess this is a branch off of the thread by sean. i am in the same boat, to me the hands on of the actuall etching seems easy but where to start with the artwork escapes me. i can pick up a pencil and draw a nice picture but how to do it on a computer i am like duuhhh. i guess one would have to buy a graphics program and just play with it until it becomes easy?

[TeamStewart]

I have dabbled a bit in decals, and I used a vector graphics program called "inkscape". It is free, and is worth trying to see if you can work with it before shelling out serious money for a more expensive piece of software. If you are intersted you can google it easily enough.

I was very interested to see a thread regarding a hobbyists photo-ectch kit.

I'd love to do some 1/32 wire wheels.

[Sreiko]

Never heard for Inscape before. Can you provide more info or info link?