[Jewelry making - Article 00223] - Re: [Orchid] Cad cam or traditional model?

[David L. Huffman]

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>         I'm thinking of having someone else do my prototypes for me in
>     the future.  My skill level is beginner and my design sense is
>     advanced. My question is what is cad cam capable of producing?
>     Thanks, Augest Derenthal Cry Baby Designs 

    Hello Augest; The choice of CAD/CAM or hand wrought, in my opinion,
    will be based on the design.  Some designs requiring concise
    measurements and dimensions, crisp fine detail, etc., are better done
    with CAD, if the price isn't out of line with what you can afford. 
    Our CAD specialists here on Orchid can perhaps provide figures here. 
    Although the modeling capabilities of CAD are extensive, they can go
    no further than what can be accomplished with the modeling program. 
    You'd have to be familiar with these programs to understand their
    limitations.  The more organic or complex the design, the more it
    will cost because of the time spent at the computer creating the
    form.  Some things can be scanned, which can shorten time in
    designing in the modeling program.  The detail that can be executed
    with these methods is astonishing.  However, there area a lot of
    advantages in having a model prototype made by a skilled artisan with
    traditional methods.  CAD is hardly practical for forms that are the
    result of direct manipulation of metal, such as forging, and it would
    take an extraordinary technician to duplicate the spontaneity and
    character that you find in products developed with skills aquired by
    years of experience with metal.  And whereas everything done in CAD
    is either cast or, in rare cases, milled directly in metal, the
    craftsman can use casting, forging, construction, or combinations of
    any and more of these techniques.  Much of what I've seen done in CAD
    has the flavor of automotive design, and some of the technical
    ignorance I've come across is mind boggling (for instance, hinges
    under stones that, when articulated, push the stones out of the
    bezels).  An associates degree in CAD is hardly a substitute for a
    Fine Arts Degree in metalsmithing and a few decades at the bench
    making actual jewelry, in my opinion.  But the general quality of
    design in CAD is improving.  I am quite familiar with CAD, but I'm
    no expert and I don't currently use it.  But I can give you prices on
    what I do.  I have carved waxes for as little as $30 and rarely
    charge over $200.  Most run $50-$75.  I cast them for $30 per flask,
    additional articles in the same flask for $12 each.  I finish the
    article for $15-30 average, make molds for $30-45 each, depending on
    choice of mold material.  I don't charge for consultation as to the
    feasibility of a design either.  I have no interest in attempting a
    prototype that would be better executed with CAD/CAM, so if 
    you send me an idea, I'll give you my opinion.


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