Mould Tutorial

Initial Setup: Before we start, please ensure that your grid settings are as follows:

• Major Grid spacing: 100mm

• Minor Subdivisions: 20

(This will make every small square 5 mm x 5 mm)

To change these at any time, go to the 'Grids and Snaps' tool in the bottom toolbar, then 'Grid Settings'.

Step 1: Click on the icon on the left to open the image in the Google Drive. 

Click on the download icon in the top corner to download the pattern to your downloads folder. We will use this image later.

Step 2: Press the R key on your keyboard to enter the RECTANGLE command.

Select the plane that you would like to start sketching on. In this instance we will use the XY plane (the floor).

Step 3: Draw a 2-point (portrait) rectangle.

Ideally you should place the first corner on the grid as shown. At this stage dimensions are not important. 

Step 4: Press the D key on your keyboard to enter the DIMENSION command. 

Click the longer side of the rectangle, then enter 100mm for the dimension. 

Repeat this process with the shorter side, entering a dimension of 50mm.

Step 5: Click on the 'Insert' drop-down menu from the top toolbar.

Select 'Canvas'. This will open a new window.

From the new window, select the 'Insert from my computer' button.

Locate the 'J Mould' image in your downloads folder.

Step 6: Once you have selected your image, select the rectangle that you created earlier to place the canvas.

Press ENTER to confirm.

Step 7: Enter the RECTANGLE Command

1. Press the R key on your keyboard to activate the RECTANGLE command.

2. Select the X Y plane (the side piece of paper shown).

3. Begin drawing a new rectangle starting where the red and green lines overlap.

Important: Do not finish your sketch.

Step 8: Enter the RECTANGLE Command

1. Press the R key on your keyboard to activate the RECTANGLE command.

2. Draw over the top of the rectangle that you drew in step 4.

This step is necessary so that the rectangle is part of the same drawing as the J.

Important: Do not finish your sketch.

Step 9: Creating the Pouring Spout

1. Activate the Tool: Press the L key on your keyboard to start the LINE command.

2. Locate the Start Point: Begin a new line 3 grid spaces to the right of the rectangle's top-left corner.

3. Draw the Diagonal: Extend this line diagonally downward until it intersects with the canvas diagonal guide line, as shown in the diagram.

4. Add the Vertical Drop: From the end of that diagonal, draw a second line straight down for 1 grid space.

5. Mirror the Process: Repeat these steps on the right side of the rectangle to complete the symmetrical shape.

Note: These lines form the "spout" or funnel that will allow you to pour the molten pewter into your mould.

Important: Do not finish your sketch.

Step 10: Press the T key on your keyboard to enter the TRIM command. 

Lines that can be trimmed will appear red. 

Trim all the lines shown to create a joined-up J shape and spout.

Important: Do not finish your sketch.

Step 11: Select the Fillet tool from the top menu.

• Besides the bottom-right corner, select every corner of the J and enter a fillet dimension of 2.5 mm.

Important: Do not finish your sketch.

Step 12: Select the Fillet tool from the top menu.

• Select the bottom-right corner of the J and enter a fillet dimension of 10 mm.

Important: Do not finish your sketch.

Step 13: Press the T key on your keyboard to enter the TRIM command. 

Lines that can be trimmed will appear red. 

Trim the excess lines from the bottom-right corner of the J as shown.

Step 14: Click on the green tick in the top right corner of the screen to 'finish sketch'.

Now select the home button above the view cube > This will change your view to isometric.

Step 15: Go to the toolbar on the left-hand side and select the eyeball to hide the canvas (this is no longer required). 

Step 16: Extrude the J-mould

1. Select the J-mould profile.

2. Press the E key to activate the EXTRUDE command.

3. Pull the shape upward using the arrow, or type 3 mm into the distance field.

4. Press ENTER to confirm and complete the extrusion.

Step 17: Apply the Appearance

1. Press the A key on your keyboard to enter the APPEARANCE command.

2. Select the bamboo material from the list.

3. Drag the bamboo material directly onto the model.

Step 18: Save the Sketch as a DXF

1. Toggle Visibility: In the Browser (the sidebar on the left), click the eyeball icon next to the "Sketches" folder to make your work visible.

2. Locate the Sketch: Expand the Sketches drop-down menu and right-click specifically on Sketch 2.

3. Export: Select Save As DXF from the context menu.

4. Save: Choose a file name and save it to your computer.

5. Retrieve: Open your Downloads folder (or your designated save location) to find your file.

Congratulations. The J-Mould, and DXF file is now complete.