Some Brown Bess CAD Modeling

[Jim Kibler]

I'm making progress on the Brown Bess design process.  Here are shots of some of the hardware.  The stock is coming along as well.  This is all parametrically modeled and surfaces are formed from extrusions, lofts, sweeps etc.  I probably have about 40 hours in modeling the three brass parts shown.  It's way different than what you might think with AI and such.  These 3D models are what are used to describe the parts and then they are reproduced with various techniques.  So, the entire gun is digitally modeled (in esence described with a bunch of numbers) before we begin the programming of machines and setting up processes for production.  If you have any questions, just ask!

 

[Mattox Forge]

Jim,

Very impressive CAD skills. Will you be getting the waxes 3D printed?

Mike

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks!  I know a lot of people here don't understand CAD modeling, but it's something I've worked really hard at and am pretty proud.  We won't use printed waxes because it's just not cost effective as compared to molding them.  We will resin print these models, finish them where necessary and then use these as masters for making wax molds.  Alternatively, we may machine some molds directly in aluminum using these models as guides. 

[Mattox Forge]

Jim,

Those are very clean models. Having done 3D CAD for over 30 years I can appreciate the level of mastery you have with that software.

Mike

[Daniel Coats]

I love it! We called it CAD CAM back in the day computer assisted design computed assisted manufacturing. Sterolythogriphy was another term. I was the 10th person hired at 3D Systems when they moved to GJ CO in the late 90s to make Sterolyth machines. I used to joke I was the third D.

Amazing what you're doing today Jim.

[silky]

Jim,

Those look great! Thanks for sharing, and for saying how long it takes to draw... I had been feeling kinda dumb for taking so many hours to model a single trigger guard.

Do you use 3D scanning at all, or start the modeling from scratch? I have tried a little of the former, but found it's almost more a hindrance than a help. Calipers and some photos as canvases has worked pretty well for me, but I'd like to hear your experience.

- Tom

[Jim Kibler]

Up until this project I've not used scan data when direct modeling.  We have used scan data and then converted to surfaces with programs such as Gemagic.  This works, but has some pretty big drawbacks.  It is much better and cleaner to create a model directly within your CAD software.

With the Bess, we scanned everything in, but I only use it as a guide to create profile shapes, section shapes etc.  It can be really helpful with cross-sectional shapes.  Again, these shapes are just used as a reference and then drawn out directly.  Prior to using scan data in this way, I used measuring and photos much like you have described.

[Mattox Forge]

Scanning is a very useful tool to get the actual dimensions of the part and do the reverse engineering. Once you have a parametric model, then the parameters can be altered and you can get the size and shape you want while remaining true to the original design parameters.

A standing breech casting with a very odd drop and pull was scanned and then adjusted to a more normal one.








The ramrod entry pipe needed to be set up for larger ramrods.




Mike

[WalnutRed]

Do you see a time when you will start offering hardware for sale?

[stan57]

...Here are shots of some of the hardware....

I always thought the Bess side plate looked like something out of the Yellow Submarine movie. Rorschach could have written a book on the mind of the original designer of that. LOL.

[stan57]

Scanning is a very useful tool to get the actual dimensions of the part and do the reverse engineering...

A Faro Arm is also a useful tool, especially for getting digital data at remote locations.

[rfd]

Wow, that is so amazing, Jim.  I'm already in line to purchase a Kibler Bess.  Thank you!!!

[Clowdis]

Jim, what modelling software are you using?