How to Design a Pottery Banding Wheel using 3D CAD Software
3D design software has made it possible to create useful tools for art, craft, and manufacturing in a more efficient and precise way. SelfCAD, in particular, offers an accessible environment for designing functional objects that can be used in real-world applications. This article focuses on the process of designing a pottery banding wheel using SelfCAD. A banding wheel is an essential tool for ceramic artists, allowing smooth rotation of pottery pieces during decoration and detailing. By following a structured design approach, it is possible to create a digital model that is both practical and adaptable. This project demonstrates how digital modeling can support traditional craftsmanship by improving design accuracy and functionality
Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/4f5p26115b1p623q6z1v1u5kf6r3u5v2h6c2
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 15, horizontal segments to 50.
Click copy button to copy selected objects
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 50, z to 50.
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4(1) to subtract and setkeepsubtractedobject to true.
Click hide button to hide selected object
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; Set ring radius to 25, tube radius to 5, tubular segments to 50, radial segments to 50,, position y to 2.5.
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract and setkeepsubtractedobject to true.
Click show button to show selected object; Click on mesh 4(1) to select it. Click on mesh 4 to deselect
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract .
Click hide button to hide selected object
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 4.5, horizontal segments to 50, vertical segments to 50, position x to -25, position y to 3.
Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets;Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 8, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click silver.
Click show button to show mesh 4(1); Click on mesh 4(1) to select. Deselect the other meshes
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 10.
Tick the checkmark to finalize inset
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 15.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set use side extrusion to true, extrusion amount to 25.
Click to activate edge selection
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 2.5, level to 5.
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click purple.
Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on mesh 4(1) to deselect
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click pink.
Click ok
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace
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