Over the last couple of weeks, I have been playing around with Fusion 360 from Autodesk. One of the main reasons for this, is that it will make it a lot easier for folks to get started down the modeling path, simply because it is FREE software for hobbyists.  There are a lot of things to like about this package, and yet again, there are a lot of things NOT to like, but is it not this way with life in general?

One of the things that I found to be a bit more difficult in this software (as compared to Solidworks) is that it does need to do a bit more “growing up” in its parametric model creation.  Particularly, I am talking about the creation of sketches, as used in parametric modeling.  Solidworks has a lot more and in my opinion, a lot easier, tools.  Non the less, one can still achieve good results with Fusion 360, albeit a bit of frustration.  Can’t beat the price right?  So willing to put up with a little harder workflow, if the results are good.  Anyway, not going to go into too much of a debate here, or the details of my comments.  So why am I writing this?  Well good news!  I am considering a NEW series of instructional videos on Fusion 360!  As such, I am considering the building of my Archtop Guitar, using the same Benedetto plans I used in creating it in Solidworks.  Since I am aiming for a complete build, the construction of the neck will also be done, and detailed.

Fusion 360 also, has Integrated a CAM module.  What this means, is that there is NO need for another software package for CAM machining.  If it can all be done in one, and we can achieve good results, this is certainly win-win for all.  Quite compelling for what it offers, I am sure that you will agree.  Heck, one would also think that as newer versions get released, it will also get better and better.  NO, as you might be wondering, I am not giving up Solidworks or Mastercam anytime soon.  In fact, as previously mentioned, I probably never will.  Fusion however is intriguing, and will do more work on it, especially in the making of this new series of instructional videos.

So, not sure if there will be any interest in this, but again, be it that the software can be had for free to begin with, I think this might be a good way for someone to get started down the path of 3D modeling.  Here is a short animation/Rendering I did in Fusion, with the top of my Archtop done.  I think that it not only looks good, but it stays true to the Benedetto plans.  More to come in the coming months, and as always, let me know if you have any questions I can answer.