Best software for pedal enclosure layouts and design's

[obblitt]

     It's as simple as making a few calculations to divide the space up, so all knobs/switches/power jacks/jacks etc. are nicely placed aesthetically and functionally. You can do it with a pencil and a piece of paper,you only need to draw the face to be drilled and the center points of the holes you want, cut out the shape  and tape it to your enclosure.
     The difficult part is the 3D inside the box, imagining how everything will fit in. Will this perfboard go free of the jacks if I place it here etc.
As my builds get more complicated I think there's a tendency to try to build as tight as possible, it's not really necessary, but I can't help it. Thats where 3D technical drawings start to be required.

Ah, but I am drawing a template for PPP to drill for me, since I don't have the tools.

[Hupla]

It's on RG's Geofex site, BB's are a favourite of his, so the layout is just for this size, no B or A layouts.

Is that template not just for printing out and editing it with like a scissors? ha

[Skruffyhound]

Ah, but I am drawing a template for PPP to drill for me, since I don't have the tools.

Same deal, just someone else doing the drilling. I don't know what format they prefer to drill from, better ask them. Good Luck

[aziltz]

I use PPP and they haven't complained about my templates yet.

[welcomb]

The models for the common Hammond boxes can be found on SketchUp's 3D warehouse. Somebody imported the CAD from Hammond.

Reason why I need those and not just a square box is when you start squeezing components into a 1590A, you need millimeter accuracy which takes into account the thickness of the enclosure, internal depth and the screw flanges. Especially when you "overlap" the jacks and solder components under them (like Solderman)

[Skruffyhound]

Interesting to know that the 3D warehouse has hammond enclosures, I didn't think of that. I imported the CAD files from Hammond last night, disappointing they were only 2D, but I used them to draw my Eddystone enclosure. I'll post it when I'm done. Perhaps we can ask Aron where to put this stuff as a resource. Has anyone drawn Alpha Pots/Jacks/Power Jacks etc. yet? I don't mind doing it, but there's no point if somebody else already took the time and they are willing to share.

[aziltz]

The models for the common Hammond boxes can be found on SketchUp's 3D warehouse. Somebody imported the CAD from Hammond.

Reason why I need those and not just a square box is when you start squeezing components into a 1590A, you need millimeter accuracy which takes into account the thickness of the enclosure, internal depth and the screw flanges. Especially when you "overlap" the jacks and solder components under them (like Solderman)

I use the Hammond models if I'm working on the inside but those files are alot bigger in size than
my square models (which are intended to guide drilling).

[Kearns892]

I've been following this for a while, and I was unaware that so many used 3d programs to layout their boxes. I am student and hobbyist in the 3d design area and am fortunate enough to own a student license for 3D Studio Max. I just thought I would ask if anyone had any use for scale 3d models of enclosures, jacks, pots, or other components for layout purposes. Models made in 3D Studio Max could be imported into AutoCAD or Sketchup. These would all be free of course, the only snag is I have to make sure I can distribute things for free on my student license ( I know I can't use them for commercial purposes). But before I subject myself to all this trouble, would anyone have any use for moderately detailed and accurate models of components, or is this just overkill? Here are a few example renders of a simple "alpha pot" I just whipped up.

[Skruffyhound]

would anyone have any use for moderately detailed and accurate models of components

Oh yes Yes please!
At least all the off-board components, pots, jacks, switches etc. Maybe it's overkill to draw the on-board components, but I'm trying to figure out a way to import photos of the finished board to sketch up and scale them, sometimes space is so tight that off board components have to kind of nestle in amongst the on-board stuff. Plus, I just like drawing and being completely anal about building precision  (in my day job too  nerd that I am)

[Kearns892]

Alright, I would like to do this, again though, I have a limited license and I think as long as I don't sell my product I'm safe. Once I get an answer for sure I will start giving out the project files. For now I will get to work on some jacks...

[Skruffyhound]

Sounds great, thanks for making the effort.

[Skruffyhound]

Little Bump , anything happening with those pots? I'm piling up a few finished builds, would be nice to draw the pots/jacks in before drilling.
Also I don't know where to post drawings of enclosures, in the gallery or the sound clips archive? If anybody has any ideas...

[ralley]

Like a few others in this thread I use Inkscape.  It's free, easy to use, accurate and produces good results.  I've gradually built up a library of components and enclosures, both realistic views (for mock ups) and outlines (for drilling templates etc).  I've posted my Inkscape files in the gallery (see http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/diyuser/rob/).  There is also a template for a mid sized enclosure showing how I use the layers to give different views.
Rob.

[Skruffyhound]

I'll have a look, thanks

[Jarno]

By the way, on the Hammond site are not just 2d drawings, but also 3d models in different formats. I used IGES to import them into my 3d CAD software, the rest of the parts I just measured and modelled in that software.
I have made a few PDF's wich need some work but I can put them up if that's of interest to anyone. I've made 2-, 3- and 4- knob variants in B housings and a 4 knob in BB.

[Hupla]

By the way, on the Hammond site are not just 2d drawings, but also 3d models in different formats. I used IGES to import them into my 3d CAD software, the rest of the parts I just measured and modelled in that software.
I have made a few PDF's wich need some work but I can put them up if that's of interest to anyone. I've made 2-, 3- and 4- knob variants in B housings and a 4 knob in BB.

I would'ny mind having a look if it's not too much trouble for ya

[Jarno]

I'll make a new thread for these layouts, because it is a bit off topic in this thread.

[Skruffyhound]

By the way, on the Hammond site are not just 2d drawings, but also 3d models in different formats.

Interesting, thanks, I'll have a look for them. Or in fact, if you've got time, could you post a link here or in the new thread, thanks.

PDF's wich need some work but I can put them up if that's of interest to anyone.

Would be great.