Best beginner Fusion 360 Project

[olschoolkid]

Hello everybody, I was wondering what would be a good project to start with in Autodesk Fusion 360 to get into the world of designing model car/truck parts. This has always been an interest to me. As a student in a machining program at my local Community college, I was able to download the student/educational version of Fusion 360. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[KMcc]

Hi Mathew, I started solid modeling about two years ago using Freecad , which is also parametric like Fusion 360. Watching Youtube videos helps a great deal. 

My first effort to model something I needed, was a Volkswagen steel wheel. I gathered photos of the wheel and also found a cross section drawing. I was able to import the drawing into Freecad and scale it to size. I drew the geometry to emulate the backside of the kit wheel so that when it gets 3D printed, it will fit into the kit tires. Then I rotated the geometry and punched in the slots and added fillets. I haven't printed them yet though. Trying to draw up a bunch of things to print over a weekend when I can exhaust the resin fumes out of my basement. This is also my first time posting pictures, so I hope this turns out OK. Good luck. 3D modeling and printing has consumed a lot time that otherwise would be used to build models. But hey, I'm having a blast.

[MeatMan]

On 3/9/2024 at 9:00 PM, olschoolkid said:

Hello everybody, I was wondering what would be a good project to start with in Autodesk Fusion 360 to get into the world of designing model car/truck parts. This has always been an interest to me. As a student in a machining program at my local Community college, I was able to download the student/educational version of Fusion 360. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I'd start simple, and with something you actually need/want. It makes all the patience needed easier.
My first part was a pipe clamp I need in a different size than what I had. I threw a few other early designs in there too.
The more you do, the easier it gets so just get started.

[olschoolkid]

When you design objects, do you use the 1:1 dimensions then scale them down to whatever scale is needed, or do you use the dimensions for the scale of your choice? 

[KMcc]

Most of the parts I 3D model, I just take the standard dimension and draw them in millimeters. 15 inch rim, drawn at 15 millimeters. you can scale parts in the slicer, but I prefer to draw them at scale because when I convert to an .stl file in Freecad you can see if you need to increase the deviation to try and make a smoother print.

[Texas_3D_Customs]

I would find a good online beginners course for fusion (lots of free ones like YouTube) and follow along. While it may not be automotive oriented you will learn a lot more as most courses are not specific. This will give you the tools needed much quicker than trying to wing it doing a wheel or intake. Just my 2 pennies.