Best 3D Modeling Software for Creating Models/Parts for 3D Printing

[padawan-builder]

Not sure if this is the right place.  I am not limiting this to Studio Scale.  I am planning on retiring end of July.  In my retirement, I would like to get more into modeling, not just recreations from movies and television, but original designs as well.  I would like to know what you all would recommend in terms of software to do the modeling in.  I want it to be able to create parts that can be easily sent to 3D printer or laser cutter.  I will be using it for building physical models only, so I don't need any animating features.  I have heard Rhino is good for this.  Also heard Fusion 360.  What do you guys think.  And once I pick a software, what are some good training resources to learn what ever software I end up selecting.

THX,

Mel

[Tsophika]

I've been a Maya user for 20 years. It has way more tools than just modeling but I do all my hard surface work there. Before that, I learned modeling in 3dsmax. Zbrush for organic surfaces. I use both a desktop 3D scanner and 3D printer in my modeling workflow now and Maya imports and exports with ease.
Each program will come with a textbook sized help manual. Youtube is a resource now that I didn't have, I wouldn't invest in training so much as consuming this content.

Craig

[padawan-builder]

Thanks Craig.  I appreciate the feedback.

Mel

[Bjorn]

I would agree with Craig regarding training. I picked up most of my software over the years by simply playing around and referencing YouTube tutorials.
In my opinion there is no better way to get started than selecting a project, and throwing yourself at it. There will be some fumbling at first but having a goal drives you to learn the tools to see it though. We are some-what blessed theses days with tutorials on just about anything.

You probably need to consider what type of things you wish to model. Are you looking to model hard surface objects like spaceships, or sculptured creatures?

It may factor what program you want to take up.

I bounce between Solidworks and Rhino. Rhino being a lot more affordable and great for dynamic flowing surfaces.
I hear lots of good things regarding Fusion 360. I just can't bring myself to learn it at the moment.

Most of these programs come with their own tutorials and sample learning tasks to familarise yourself with the tools and methods.

I wish you well!

[padawan-builder]

Thanks for the response.  Looking do to mostly hard surface like spaceships.   Looks like I just need to pick one and start plugging away.

Mel

[Shipyard1138]

When I decided I needed to start designing my own studio scale parts to scale for various models, I taught myself AutoCAD's Fusion 360.
You can learn enough of the basics to design cool stuff in a day or two. I followed their basic tutorial using the samples in the program.
A good program, and they have lots of tutorials and lessons for beginner thru expert on their site, and of course a myriad of YouTube videos.

If you just want it for personal use you can register as a hobbyist and use it for free. I've never needed the more advanced paid features for designing anything.

No matter what program you end up starting with, just think of it as drawing shapes and pushing or pulling them, then drawing more shapes on those shapes, etc. Much easier than I had always imagined, at least for scale modeling.

Good luck and happy retirement!

[Mr. Wabac]

If you are looking for a free option (other than AutoCAD Fusion 360) just to try out 3D modeling, you can also get SketchUp.
It is fairly easy to get started with, well supported and gives you a chance to see what you might want in a more sophisticated program.
Not sure how well it works for generating 3D printed parts - would be curious to hear from anyone who might have tried that.

Retirement ? What I great idea !