FreeCAD Tutorial: Modeling a Bike Fork with Tips for Clean and Accurate Models in FreeCAD 0.20.1

This FreeCAD tutorial is designed for slightly advanced users and covers the process of modeling a bike fork using FreeCAD version 0.20.1. Our practical example includes valuable tips and tricks from our experience with the software, guiding you through the process of creating clean, accurate models while avoiding common mistakes. Whether you're a seasoned FreeCAD user or just starting out, this tutorial will provide you with the insights and techniques you need to take your 3D modeling to the next level.

FreeCAD is a powerful open-source 3D modeling software used by designers,
architects, engineers, and hobbyists worldwide. It offers an intuitive interface and a wide range of features, from basic geometry creation to complex parametric modeling.

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About me: I am a mechanical engineer specializing in digital product development, with over 11 years of experience in a range of CAD systems including Siemens NX, Siemens Solid Edge, Catia V5, Onshape, FreeCAD, and Fusion 360. As a CAD expert, I have a deep understanding of 3D modeling principles and techniques, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others to help them improve their CAD skills. I am passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve complex design challenges, and I look forward to helping others do the same.

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#freecad #cad #tutorial #3dprinting

[jeremysutton]

I've learned more in the first 12min of this video than in an entire semester of college

[davidhawkins]

I found a lot of ways to solve problems that I encounter, Thanks for a very well explained tutorial.

[hedwigleemans]

well done - i have been working with Freecad for a year and you helped me avoid some of the pitfalls that i kept on tumbling into - as you know there are still many around... ps some of the functions (V3) do not work, too many fillets in one go made it fall flat on its face too.. at least on my mac.

[Atropos]

Thank you for showing how external topology work, for using points from other sketches in a new sketch. That was one of the biggest things I didn't understand about Freecad

[dtaggartofRTD]

Placing sketches on the base planes and offsetting them seems to work well too. The TNP is a landmine for a lot of learners. Most tutorials are for objects simple enough to be unlikely to exhibit it. Glad to see a tutorial actually address it.

[NewRetroRepair]

Today I learned I've been using FreeCAD wrong. Great guide and well explained. I'm glad I've found your channel!

[nikosgewrgiou]

What a great tutorial. Your mistakes where very very usefull. Very good practise not removing them from your video. Thnx alot

[JonnyD]

This is great! Definitely need more advanced content and tips like this on Youtube, thank you!

[TechieSewing]

Glad to see you back!
I've started with your tutorials some 15 months ago (there is a comment under a lego brick video to prove it), and now I'm glad to see I already knew almost everything you show in this video. Never thought of using Wireframe to select edges, good point! And never coloured separate faces either.
Sketching in the natural scale is a good tip too, don't let the solver a chance to turn the curves into crossed loops by drastically changing the size 🤣

[paulreader]

Excellent video! This will give me some further information for conducting my face-to-face training.

[mbarton]

I found your tips really useful, especially not referencing the padded objects, but always going back to the sketch. My challenge now is dealing with solids I created in the part workbench in order to extrude an SVG imported path and constrain that to an object create in Part Design with a sketch. I hacked my way through using the transform to move one solid onto the other and that was sufficient to export as an amf file to 3D print, but there must be a better way I need to learn about. Anyway, I found your video easy to follow and understand.

[ddlsmurf]

I specially enjoyed your fixing mistakes live, and forewarnings. Incredibly pedagogic. Thank you !

[federicolopezbervejillo]

That was great, very clear explanation. Glad you make some minor errors, it helps to see how you deal with them. Nice video!

[NirreFirre]

Great tutorial! As others have said, most other video tutorials don't get into the more involved geometry, full house modeling or similar where one pretty quick get into issues. A minimal example, using the BIM or Arch WB and the window tool, the default "Hole depth" is shown as 0 but in use, it is way larger, punching holes in any back walls when creating windows and doors. Solution in a thread over at the forums wasn't that easy to Google. I think a similar video like this one, but "model you own house" in the Arch/BIM/Draft workbenches would be great. Getting into problems and solving/adjusting way of working is a powerful teaching technique

Just did a small support donation, the FC community need more of your teaching skills

[BenVonHandorf]

Thank you! As a relative newcomer to FreeCAD this was hugely helpful. I took quite a few notes and learned quite a bit!

[chriskeeble]

Another superb tutorial. Perfect level of information for me after watching your beginner tutorials and doing exercise #1 and #6. Thank you again!

[ja]

I just finished creating my first complicated model, and of course ended up with a bunch of questions on the proper way to do things since there are so many improper ways available. Your video may be the best I've seen at answering all the questions that came up. Great job!

[mattw]

Great Video. Thank you for doing this. I've been designing and 3d printing some modular spice racks for my kitchen and recently had my model blow apart on me. I'm going to start over using your very good tips.

[williamvangundy]

I appreciate showing keystrokes on your screen capture. It makes it much easier to follow along.

[marshalashif]

Excellent tutorial! I have learned many new things from it.