I am starting a new thread so we may identify the sources we use, plan to use, beg borrow or buy, ect. to obtain patterns for carving with the Rotary Jig.

My first rotary jig carving(photo below) known as Dog's and Cat's was designed using the Designer 2 S/W and required about 3 hours to carve on the rotary. It was an easy design with some carving complexity to be used as a learning experience for me to get my feet wet with the rotary. It is carved on a Doug Fir 4" X 4" which I turned round on my lathe to a diameter of 3.25" X 10"+. I used the 1/8" long bit. I was surprised at how well it carved.

I have the free student version of Autocad and I have been taking a class at a local junior college using it. So far the class has been aimed at 2D drafting use. I am not sure if this will be useful for rotary carving. Maybe with the DXF importer.

I have the student version of SolidWorks which if you are a veteran with your DD214 can be obtained for $20.00. I have no experience with it yet but plan to take a class on it next semester. These drawings should be importable using STL importer

I am also looking at AutoDesk 123D and their free design S/W. I am confused by all the packages offered and which one or ones that would be useful for rotary carving import.

I have high hopes that through this forum we all can form a synergy through which we learn and benefit from each others experiences.

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