Home Manufacturing

For ages, I've wanted to learn how to use CAD drawing software. In the past, when I've come up with a design idea, I've had to sketch it out with pencil and paper, the result of which is so poorly rendered that I'm tempted to scrap the entire project. I've used paperboard from shoe boxes to do 3D modeling. In the last few years, I've even used Paint. (Said one friend, "Yeah, Paint is great software... if you're a five-year-old.")

Well, now I use Google's free CAD software, Sketchup, which allowed me to make this 3D model of my living room (Sketchup installation required): Living Room.skp

I've also designed a metal bracket that functions as a picture frame (patent pending). In order to make a prototype, I'll be sending my design files to a company called Big Blue Saw. These "rapid prototyping" companies are popping up all over the place. But if you're going to be doing a lot of inventing, you could always buy yourself a 3D printer.