Chris, 90% of what you said I would agree with, however I would
like to clarify a couple of points. Sarah, specifically requested
regarding learning and doing the drawings herself on
her computer and exporting the file to someone like myself or
John Masteloni to machine. Who does what I really don’t care, as
long as Sarah gets what she needs. On the web site, it does say
that WE can provide any mill you care to name, and it clearly
does not say I. I have spent time building great relationships
with companies at both the WestTech and EastTech machine shows
that allow me to order any machine from any company the customer
requires. This allows me to give the customer what they want, not
what I want them to have because I am under contract to sell a
specific number of a particular machines per annum. As far as the
master model maker dig goes. If it was read correctly, the point
was clearly made that a 3 day introductory training period is
done, and then an Advanced 2 day training period is offered. I
do not see where I have said in 5 days you are a master model
maker. The advanced 2 day course could be a year from know or 5
years from know or even 4 months from know. It is up to the
individual when they are up to speed and are ready to take the
test. Chris, you know that to become an accredited trainer of
software, you go for training and take the test at a later date.
The only people that can take the test at the same time as the
certification training are existing users. I think you would
agree with that As for the No Experience is necessary, really how
many people have experience in this. I certainly did not, but I
do now. This comment is not directed at the joe blow that has no
involvement in jewelry, but to point out, that the program itself
requires no experience to learn. I have a customer who is a
designer yet has zero bench ability. All I can say, is that he
uses Solidworks to draw all of his models and I machine them,
mold them and cast them for him. All of the components are handed
to an assembly jeweler to put together and then his polisher for
the final polish. The fact that the pieces are pre existing and
calibrated, does this not constitute a model. Therefore my point
is that yes you can be a model maker with a computer. Granted, he
acknowledges that from time to time, I will interject on design
modifications that are required to make the piece work a little
better, but he knows that what he draws he gets. He has won
colour stone competitions, therefore he does have merit as a
designer, yet the computer did not take away any of his artistic
ability, it just made it easier for him to control his model
production. I have not said that this is the answer for every
type of business, however it worked for me. I am trying to
explain that what works for me, may work for you but then again,
maybe not. To the point that Solidworks is what I use, and
endorse does not mean that I consider this to be the answer to
all aspects of the business. For my business it covers 95% of my
needs and AlphaCam (which is $20,000 and has a huge learning
curve) for the remaining 5% of machining. Other companies might
have a different need to mine and therefore possibly require an
engraving package because they are into medallions, coinage or
other type of pin jewelry. ArtCam would be the player and not
Solidworks in that case. As I have said time and time again, I
do not claim to have all the answers, but the answers I do have I
am willing to share. It is possible I could learn from you
Chris, there are probably many things that I did not consider or
did not know, yet I accept that and have an open mind to what
others have to offer. There is always someone better around the
corner, and I just like to keep that in mind. I like Solidworks
because other programs are continuously adding .DLL to their
programs to be either integrated to operate a number of task
within the Solidworks environment or as a link for direct
export. MasterCam, SurfCam and CamWorks are all fully integrated
with Solidworks to allow for 3,4,5 axis machining. Rhino3D has a
specific choice for exporting Solidworks compatible IGES files in
its save as menu. Therefore all that really needs to be said is
that the other software companies acknowledge Solidworks, and for
good reason.
I hope this clears up any misunderstanding.
Best Regards.
Neil George