bohmer99 Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 Before i have usually just searched the internet for templates and printed them out. But i want to move to creating my own shapes. What programs does everyone use? I found an educational version of AutoCAD that I'm going to try out. Anyone have any experience with it or other programs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 I use this freeware CAD program for lip templates: http://powerdraw.software.informer.com/ I'm not a heavy user and don't use the program to make body templates (I trace these on paper from crankbaits or draw them freehand) but Powerdraw works well for designing lips. The nice feature is that when you print the lip out on an ink jet printer, it will be sized on the paper exactly to the specifications you drew it to in the program. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Is there anything the slightest bit useful for a smart phone?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 JR - a sledge hammer would be overkill, as would a lump or club hammer. Mallets and soft faced hammers might not get the job done, still allowing incoming calls even though you could not answer them. A claw hammer would be an excellent choice offering dual functionality for those tedious stubborn parts. But, my choice would be the ball pein hammer, using the pein side. Always remember, safety first; safety glasses to protect against the fragments. Long sleeves, preferably overalls, stout shoes and protective gloves, to protect against any splash from the battery. Make sure your credit card is properly primed, as you may need it once the air has been vented clear. You may need a good topcoat this time of the year too. Dave 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Dave, Ha ha..... Ha!!! For a second i thought you replied to the wrong thread... But then i realized you must not like smart phones Im reluctant to buy a computer, as we are ALMOST to the point of not needing one anymore.... My phone does ALMOST anything your CPU does But for now, im still drafting baits on graph paper while you're making fish avatars on CAD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token12 Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 (edited) I'm currently using Adobe Illustrator for templates. Although Adobe products are pricey there are free vector programs out there https://inkscape.org/en/. Line manipulation may seem intimidating but, after a few tutorials, you should be set. Practice makes perfect. Here are some tutorial links directly from inkscape site https://inkscape.org/en/learn/tutorials/. If you prefer video tutorials, go here https://inkscape.org/en/learn/videos/. Hope this helps. Edited May 22, 2015 by token12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 I have used paint a lot but usually just trace a crank then grab some templates, eraser and pencil and go to work. Just scan it when I am done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token12 Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 @Bohmer I also draw my design on paper first, send it to my email, open the pic in Illustrator then just follow the drawing reference to make a cleaner outline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bohmer99 Posted May 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Thanks, after getting frustrated on CAD i moved to paper and pencil and was surprising happy with the outcomes. Going to get it laminated then scan it to my computer. Also with the laminated templates I can just copy them for the layouts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token12 Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 That'll work as well. If you decide to stick with that route i'd purchase a laminater for home use. Wouldn't be a bad idea come to think of it, i could spare myself on buying stencil paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 CAD is great when you use it every day, but if you only use it once a month or less, you have to re-learn every time. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
