Silo 3D CAD

[diarmaid]

Hello all,
I have downloaded this 3D design program. (The learning version) I hope to buy the full version when I have it figured out. If its as good as it looks I'd wager it cant be beat for the price. http://www.nevercenter.com/

Anyway, I am hoping to use it to generate 3D models such as flower shapes and whatever, that can then be used in signs and stuff. Once I can make the shapes all I'll have to do is generate the toolpaths (Lets not get into that here, a whole other story)

Does or Has anyone used Silo?

I admit I need some help already as there seems to be a lack of BASIC tutorials. But Im also hoping if people use this program that this thread can be a resource for people.

First question relates to the pic below. How do I make my grid have more than 6x6 grid squares? (They are the lighter colour, not the dark grey)

Thanks.

[HayTay]

Diarmaid,

You're already there, man. That grid is 8x8!

Seriously though, I'm guessing the obvious, wouldn't you use the "Grid" button/function on the menu at the left?

I've downloaded the learning version of Silo, but, alas, I have not installed it, yet. I'll be following in your footsteps shortly.

You'll have to let us know how it compares to the Google SketchUp application you're so fond of.


L8r

[diarmaid]

lol :rofl:. If only it was that obvious HayTay!
The 8x8 dark grey is the background grid that cant be altered that I know of. You simply see it coming through my orange object. If you look REALLY closely you will see a 6x6 light colour grid on the object that contains all the points for altering the shape. The 'Grid' button on the left is what I clicked to get the Orange square that you can see. Thanks for the reply and interest m8. google Sketchup is great, but as Im quickly learning, there is a specific program for every specific task, and 'square peg don't fit into round hole'

So at this point I see myself related to my future business endevours having a number of programs:
1) Google Sketchup for doing the basic construction designs of gates, fences, etc [Currently have beta free version which does everything I will need]
2) Photo Vcarve and VCarve Pro for turning them into 3D carved pieces of art and doing signs. [Trial versions at the moment, require purchase]
3) VectorArt3D to buy 3D designs [Trial version and some free 3D carvings, will purchase more carvings when up and running]
4) Mach 3 to run my machine's [Requires Purchase]
5) Inkscape (Which I can now use) for raster to vector conversion. [Have this]
6) Silo 3D to create custom fully 3 dimensional art for inclusion. [Trial version, will need full version, but its inexpensive anyway]
7) Program to generate toolpaths from above created 3D. I haven't decided what this will be yet, but have an idea. [Will have to decide on and buy this]

Wow, I didn't even have to look them up....I've come a long way since discovering the zone last April!! There we go. All sorted!

Edit: Total Cost of the above 'excluding' Number 7 is €700. Not bad for starting up a business!

[diarmaid]

This pic below shows a clearer picture of my grid dilemma. Silo hasn't sent me a verification e-mail yet for their forum so I cant yet post any questions there.

[HayTay]

OK, I've installed Silo Learning Version 1.41. On the bright side, there are 22 different languages available for international users of Silo. On the downside the install didn't end as nicely as it could have. One of the install screens queried the user about installing a Desktop Icon and/or a Quick Launch Toolbar Icon. I selected 'Yes' (the default) for both. The Desktop Icon was created but the Quick Launch Toolbar Icon was not. Hold on, the plot thickens. The Desktop Icon pointed to the following application "C:\Program Files\Silo Learning Version\Silo.exe", which DOES NOT EXIST. The actual Silo Learning Version executable path is "C:\Program Files\Silo Learning Version\Silo Learning Version.exe". That's OK, I can deal with that, but it would probabley throw someone less computer savvy for a loop.

As to Diarmaid's issue with changing the 8 x 8 grid size, from the Silo-->Help menu:

Grid Create > Grid Description: The Grid command will create a grid shape at the center of the work grid, based on parameters that you specify in the Grid Options window (Create > Grid > ...). In that window you can set default values for the width, depth, height, width sections, depth sections, and height sections. If you give the grid values for width, depth, and height it will create a 3-dimensional grid-like shape. Notes: - Remember that to create a grid using specific values, you must enter those values into the Grid Options dialog before you create it. - One thing grids can be very useful for is to make template shapes to use with the Array command.

Which is all well and good, but the Grid Options menu never appears, it just creates the 8 x 8 grid size and nothing else. I'm guessing this is one of the Silo Learning Version exceptions to the "no restrictions other than limiting saves to 100 faces or less, and disallowing plugins." Either that or both Diarmaid and myself are doing something incorrectly (which is highly probable, at least in my case). Anyone else on creating a grid size of something greater than 8 x 8? Grid sizes should be available in 3D.

That's all for now, dinner is on the table and getting cold.

[diarmaid]

HayTay, your a genius!! Click on 'Create' on the top menu bar. On the right of the commands you see the three little dots "..." to denote a submenu. Click on the dots (Not the word Grid). There's the menu. We'll get through this program yet! Thanks m8.
Also, I had to change my desktop shortcut. No major problem. I didn't notice the quick launch icon not appearing as I didn't select to use it.
PS: For my own future notice..."RTFM" !!!

[diarmaid]

Here's what I know so far!
Hold down 'Alt' while clicking and dragging to move the view.

Follow the underlined step in the post above.
Select 'Vertex' on the right hand side of the screen.
Select the 'Move/Rotate/Scale/Universal/Snapping' option on the right of the screen. (Whichever one you want to use)
Click on individual points or click and drag for multiple points or hold down 'Shift' while clicking for multiple points.
Then hold down 'Ctrl' and click and move mouse to reposition your points making your basic shape or use use the arrows instead of the mouse to reposition points. (Un-smoothed at this point obviously)

Woohoo...

[diarmaid]

I looked at those help menus. They seem quite good. Im going to print them out and worrk through them. I have this week off and although Im fairly busy, it at least gives me more time than usual to get stuff done and try things like this.

[ger21]

Look for a subdivide command. I played with the learning version a few years ago. I'd recommend this tutorial.
http://www.silo3d.com/Tutorials/User...r_tutorial.htm

[HayTay]

Originally Posted by diarmaid HayTay, your a genius!! Click on 'Create' on the top menu bar. On the right of the commands you see the three little dots "..." to denote a submenu. Click on the dots (Not the word Grid). There's the menu. We'll get through this program yet! Thanks m8. Also, I had to change my desktop shortcut. No major problem. I didn't notice the quick launch icon not appearing as I didn't select to use it. PS: For my own future notice..."RTFM" !!!

Way to go Diarmaid! I have to admit, that's kind of a silly way to work the menu items. It would be much easier if when you clicked on the menu item it would prompt you for the parameters each time. Oh well, good observation on the ellipsis, Diarmaid.

I used to never RTFM. I always derived a euphoric state of accomplishment if I could complete tasks without ever cracking the manual or instructions, even if it took days or weeks. As I get/got older, I find/found it is a whole lot easier to sit down and take a few minutes or a couple of hours to read the manual and finish the task within a few minutes or hours and move on to something else. Plus, if you read the manual you're a few steps ahead of those that don't.

Originally Posted by ger21 Look for a subdivide command. I played with the learning version a few years ago. I'd recommend this tutorial. http://www.silo3d.com/Tutorials/User...r_tutorial.htm

I'll have to give that a go. Thanks for giving us the 'bird', ger21. , that didn't come across just right, did it?


Thanks again, Diarmaid and ger21

[Switcher]

http://www.silo3d.com/forum/

They have a very active forum over at "nevercenter", I havn't tried the silo program out yet. I did some searching on their forums for DXF, sounds like they had a few problems with that (DXF). However they do have a newer version out (Beta) 2.0

Anyway, I am hoping to use it to generate 3D models such as flower shapes and whatever, that can then be used in signs and stuff. Once I can make the shapes all I'll have to do is generate the toolpaths (Lets not get into that here, a whole other story)

diarmaid, I think you & I have about the same goal.



.

[diarmaid]

Originally Posted by Switcher http://www.silo3d.com/forum/ They have a very active forum over at "nevercenter".... diarmaid, I think you & I have about the same goal.

I received my activation e-mail from silo this morning so I can post in the forums now.

Good minds think alike!