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The great 2D vs 3D detail debate on a simple bracket
I was detailing a standard mounting bracket last week, and for some reason I decided to draft it fully in 3D first, then create the 2D shop drawings from that model. The other drafter on the job, Mike, just went straight to 2D like we used to. My way added maybe 45 minutes up front, but when the fabricator called with a question about a clearance hole, I could just spin the model and give him the exact measurement from any angle in two seconds. Mike had to dig back through his layers and cross-sections. It wasn't a huge deal, but it definitely saved a headache. Do you guys usually model even the simple stuff now, or is that overkill?
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gracej992mo ago
I used to skip the 3D model for basic parts to save time. After a few panicked calls from the shop floor, I realized the model always pays for itself later. Now I just model everything from the start.
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sanchez.ivan21d ago
My buddy Tom from my old job learned this the hard way back in 2017. He was rushing a bracket design for a prototype and figured a quick 2D sketch was enough to save an hour. Shop floor called him three times in one afternoon because they couldn't figure out where the holes lined up, and he ended up having to model it anyway while apologizing to the machinist. Now he's like you, he just models everything from the start and says it saves him more time in the long run than any shortcut ever did. Its funny how one bad experience can change your whole workflow forever.
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matthew_walker2mo ago
How many times has that saved you from a real mistake, not just a question? I figure the model catches things the flat drawing hides.
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