Small Steps
I have never used any CAD software before. So I guess I will take small steps and spread the learning across several weeks. I spent about an hour decide to go with which software and then another hour installing fusion 360. Fusion does have a web-based service but it runs really slow, which forces me to switch to the desktop version.😡

And then I found this youtube video basically teaches you how to do everything with fusion 360 step by step.

Finished the first logo block!

Some takeaways

This is mainly about learning shortcut and some tricks to replicate the patter/block/object.

For example:
   - Creating Component and Sketches is something that I need to get myself familiarize with, as well as the view of looking at from the top once I select the plane when I create the sketch.
   - Parametric timeline can be used to go back or forward for changes made and adjusted.
   - Using rectanglar pattern could duplicate object already created and set distance between them.
   - Which way it is arranged based on a particular axis that is chosen.
   - Extrusion is basically pull/push a 2D shape into a 3D object (shortcut: E)
   - Also we could draw lines and locate its mid point etc...
   - Add fillet so the edges are rounded instead of sharp...

Sep 30th - Designed the first water bottle on Fusion 360

Learned the function of Revolve, Fit point spline, Shell, and Appearance.

Fusion 360: Sketch vs Construction Sketch

Asked chatgpt to compare normal sketch geometry and construction geometry in Fusion 360.

Aspect	Sketch Geometry	Construction Geometry
Purpose	Creates real profiles used to make 3D features (extrude, cut, revolve, sweep, etc.).	Acts as reference or guide geometry to help position, constrain, or align other sketch entities.
Appearance	Solid lines (blue/black depending on constraints).	Dashed lines (often yellow or dashed blue/black depending on theme).
Used for	Profiles for extrusion Holes and cuts Revolves, sweeps, lofts	Centerlines for symmetry Reference edges and axes Alignment and dimensioning guides
Can create 3D bodies?	Yes – directly defines the shape of 3D features.	No – cannot be used as a profile for 3D operations.
Parametric role	Changes to this geometry change the final 3D model.	Changes affect only how real geometry is constrained/positioned.
Typical use case	Drawing the actual part outline or feature shape.	Setting up symmetry, midpoints, angle references, construction lines, etc.

Designed the first paperclip on Fusion 360

Learned the function of Sweep.

Body VS Component: A body cannot move indepedently, cannot be treated as a part, and cannot have joints.

A fully constrained line will appear black instead of blue.

Designed the first pretty bottle on Fusion 360

Learned the function of loft, create offset plane, use guiderail to adjust shapes

This bottle is different from the previous bottle as the previous one is symmetrical and has an axis that can be easily applied with the function of resolve. For this bottle of four sketch profiles(planes), loft is more ideal to construct its body.

Designed the first ice cube tray on Fusion 360

Learned the function of extrude cut,taper angel in extrude, shell with more than one face, midplane

Designed the first hex nut on Fusion 360

Learned the function of Circumscribed Polygon, Custom Chamfer, Hole Command

Oct 3rd - Back with more small components

Learned the function of emboss text, project(trace 3D geometry down to 2D sketch).

Also exploring different appearance and material options

Oct 4th

Phone Case
**Extrude to Cut Out(Letter A can an issue)** .

Vinyl Cutter - Computer Controlled Cut

How to Make

Open the program

Use Google Chrome.
Go to modsproject.org.
Open the Roland Vinyl Cutter: Cut program.
Work roughly from top to bottom, left to right.

Prepare your image

Supported formats: .svg and .png.
Use black and white images.
Load the image into the program.
Change dimensions using the DPI setting.
For .png files, changing DPI alters pixels — be careful with curved edges.
You can invert colors to reverse which black regions are cut.
If the cut preview doesn’t appear, click Calculate in the Raster section.

Set up the vinyl cutter

Click Get Device → Connect.
Set the origin — defaults are usually fine.
Testing cuts usually aren’t needed.
Use the lever to apply tension on the wheels and clamp down.
Ensure the wheels sit within the white-marked sections.
If recently powered on, press Power.
Select Sheet → press Enter.
Use arrow keys to move the cutter head; hold Origin to set a new origin.
Cut force can be adjusted but defaults are typically good.
Blue = cut paths, red = rapids (knife lifts).
When ready, click Send File.

Weed the vinyl

Weed early — remove unwanted vinyl first.
Fold the vinyl onto itself instead of pulling upward.
Use tweezers for small details.
Decide if the output is a sticker or a stencil.

Transfer the vinyl

Apply transfer paper to the front of the weeded vinyl.
Peel the backing carefully.
Avoid dropping it flat — it traps air bubbles.
Use a squeegee while applying to prevent bubbles.

Laser Cutter Individual Project – How to Make

Open and prepare the software

Ensure the focus view follows the laser.
Use zoom in and zoom out to check details.
Use Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) to open print settings.
Set maximum power and fast speed as needed for testing.
Send the job to the Universal Laser System.

Set the focus with the focusing stick

Press the Z button to adjust the bed height.
The number with a checkmark shows how far the bed will move.
Use the focusing stick until it just touches the surface of your material.
Ensure the bed moves smoothly during adjustment.

Prepare for cutting

Turn on the power for the air compressor to assist cutting and prevent flare-ups.
Ensure the laser cover is fully closed.
Clear the workspace of any loose materials.

Start the job

Press the green button on the laser cutter to begin the cut.
Monitor the job while it runs to ensure safe operation.

Week 1 — Parametric Design and Cutting