A couple of tricks I've learned are below. I'm just a hobbyist and am looking to find more tips. I appreciate any help!


  • 2D scanner: scan (either a tracing or the actual part), import image into modeling software (I'm using SolidWorks), trace in sketch mode, give one of the lines a real dimension
  • Modeling Clay: I've used it to get the rough look and pulled dimensions and angles from that, but it could also be used with the 2D scanner method mentioned above


Any neat things you guys do?