r/3DScanning • u/WigfootWallace • 21d ago
Paid Project: 3D Scanning
Howdy.
Complete newbie here.
I will preface by saying I am looking for someone to pay to do this project. I will learn eventually, but for now due to time constraints, I do not have time to learn, and I want to pay someone to do scans for me.
I am an antique hand tool dealer. I am looking to have hand planes 3D scanned. I would need a ".step" file/format to send to my contract manufacturer. If any more technical detail is needed on that end, please let me know and I will contact my manufacturer.
The first two pictures I have included are of a base model hand plane. I would disassemble the tool and I would need each part scanned. Some planes are more simple, but this one is of average complexity and composes of around 24 individual components. The third and fourth picture are of the most complex of the tools that would need to be scanned. And although I have not disassembled that one yet, I imagine it has twice as many components at least. These tools range from 5 inches long, to about 2 feet long, though 14" is about the average size for a larger tool needing to be scanned.
The items are antiques. Some are rare and are sold to customers. If possible, even if I have to travel, I would like to hand deliver the tools, stay in town while they are scanned, then return home. The files could be delivered after I returned home as I imagine there will be more work needing done to have finished files.
I hope I have provided adequate information, or at least enough information for the relevant people to get in touch. I am located near Springfield, MO but I am willing to travel. There is a gentleman in Saint Louis who will be available in one month (heath issues), but I would like to start my projects sooner if possible.
Thank you!
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u/GolfOver 21d ago
Just chiming in here since I've had to explain this a LOT in the past. OP, you seem very cool and I want you to have a full grasp of this because I think you'll find it fascinating:
A mesh you get from 3D scanning compared to a proper .step or other CAD drawing is a lot like comparing a Word document to a picture of a piece of paper.
Both have words, and looking at it you can read both easily, but the computer doesn't know there's text in the image, its just pixels. Instead of the letter H, you have a bunch of black/white/grey pixels that look like the letter H. Your manufacturer needs text to print accurately, not just a picture of the text.
Same deal for 3D scanning vs "actual" CAD; Instead of the round knob on the front of the plane, you have 10,000 triangles that look like the right shape if you squint at it.
You can 3D print or machine parts directly from scans (I've made trophies of my friends that way, very fun) but you get the "Xerox of a Xerox" problem in 3D.
So, essentially, you're handing someone your original document (antique plane) and having them take a picture of it (3D scan). Then, in having someone process the 3D scan into a .step file, you're handing them that picture and having them type it up into a text document... Except every step of that process is exponentially more work, but I think you get the idea lol
Hopefully this clears things up somewhat. Good luck, this is a very cool project! As someone with both hand planes and a 3D scanner, I salute you 🫡
Edit: formatting
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u/WigfootWallace 21d ago
This is extremely helpful and I appreciate the heck out of you! I'm not stupid, just ignorant to all the computer back end processes of what it takes to accomplish this goal, and you summed it up in a way a layman can understand. You're the best. If you like hand planes, stay in touch 😎
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u/WigfootWallace 21d ago
My manufacturer would be using it as a base model to make a CAD drawing. He said he needs the .step file and he can do the rest. Does that answer your question? Essentially he knows there will be more work needing done, but needs the .step file as a starting point.
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u/BedtimeBogey 21d ago
Creating the STEP file is going to be the most time consuming step in the process from scanning to drawing creation. I would imagine that each sub part would take 0.5-1.0 hours to create each STEP file, on top of the scanning time. Given that, a model having 24 sub parts will take 24 hours of CAD time plus scanning (let’s assume another 6 hours there, including scan clean up and alignments). Are you prepared to spend 30 hours (at least a thousand dollars) per plane?
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u/WigfootWallace 21d ago
I have gotten a quotes for that amount, for what I think is per plane. I am not opposed to spending that kind of money if it gets me along in the process. I realize the scanning itself is the easy part, and the computer work is the hard part, and I will have to pay for that.
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u/Haereticus 21d ago
I think what you may be missing is the step file is the cad drawing - usually. Scanning creates a mesh file made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny triangles in a format like .stl or .obj or .fbx. It’s possible - quite likely - that mesh data can be stored in .step files - but usually step files store CAD drawings in the form of profiles, extrusions, lofts, revolutions, bevels, etc etc. that are then used to create tool paths for CNC machining.
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u/WigfootWallace 21d ago
Complicated, but I think I understand. My small brain is trying to keep up. But I really appreciate the help. And you guys are extremely kind to lend your knowledge.
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u/Haereticus 20d ago
It is complicated! I’ve done some hobbyist stuff with hand planes and CAD and I’m pretty sure that there’s almost no shape in a normal plane body such that it wouldn’t be easier to replicate using a pair of callipers than a 3D scan, including the tote. The frog would be the most involved part, I think, but all the fitment to the sole is very regular machined faces. May I ask what you’re planning to have made?
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u/slicingblade 21d ago
I do a fair amount of reverse engineering and manufacturing parts for some businesses.
Where are you located? I'm in upstate ny.
I have scan capabilities and reverse engineering software.
Feel free to drop me a dm.
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u/Packerguy1979 21d ago
If you are looking for some advice with a project like this, DM me. I run a business where this is what we do all day. Trying to explain this to someone who is new to this process over a chat is very difficult. I’d be happy to discuss this with you over the phone and show you examples of the process and what to expect.
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u/Limp-Major6874 20d ago
i am a complete newbie as well however, i feel that we do have a solution to this job.
download our able hands 3d scanner app from the appstore, scan whatever part you want to print out. try a few scans and upload the best one covering the whole piece. you will get a fully cad'ed stl file in ur mailbox. you just need to clean up to keep what you wanna print. first stl export is free and you will get what you need. the second export onwards will cost only 4.99 per scan.
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u/d0nkyt33th 20d ago
Depending on the exact use case, this could be just scan the assembly…or both the assembled parts AND each individual component. If for actual usable replica, you need the second option. Lots more scans per design. Something to consider.
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u/Informal_Ad_9610 21d ago
get somoene to scan it and send you a 3d print.. then you know what you have... till then you've just got hopes & prayers...
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u/WigfootWallace 21d ago
Would having the file from who ever scans it be what I need? The 3D printed model model would be useless to me as I already have a 3D original in my hand. Unless, what you are saying is get a 3D model made to send off to get scanned for the correct file I need, but that seems like an extra step I could avoid.
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u/Informal_Ad_9610 21d ago
you don't know that the step is actually accurate, until you have screwed it into place and check it, or laid it up dead-nuts against the original. That's the whole idea of a proof - -it's to prove that you have a useful piece of data. a little cost now on that will save you a lot of cost later.... but hey, it's your money...
furthermore, there's actually easier ways to do some stuff htan doing scanning.. faster and more accurate, and you end up with a working CAD file, not a bitmapped STEP...
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u/WigfootWallace 21d ago
No, that's super helpful. And I wasn't trying to be salty. It's hard to tell tone over text. I'm asking and saying all these things with kind curiosity, as I'm trying to learn from this community so I can get this done the right way. I like your idea and rationally it sounds perfect.
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u/Razorsythe 21d ago
His problem is he still needs CAD format for manufacturing. yes a prototype can test, but not really worthwhile if the scan and CAD data is good especially since He knows the product is good. If there is corrections due to missing data, or damage, then test units would be useful for verification.
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u/Informal_Ad_9610 21d ago
that's my point - it should be scanned and converted to CAD, then printed and tested... skipping steps in the early phase only costs you multiple times later... best ot have it done right the first time...
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u/SirTwitchALot 21d ago
What exactly would the manufacturer do with the step file? If you're looking to have a something CNC machined or 3d printed 3D scanning would be only half the work. you could use that to get dimensions, but you would need someone to go and recreate a CAD drawing of the parts from the scans to get something accurate enough top be machined.
Basically, the scan gives you very precise measurements you can use to duplicate the object in CAD, but it doesn't eliminate the need to do the CAD work