The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Blender 3D Modeling Software

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No sooner do we have a post on the free version of SketchUp 3D software and in comes a comment on that post pointing out Blender, an open source 3D package, that, unlike Google SketchUp, is full featured and capable of turning out high level work. Reading through the Blender website shows this package will go far beyond anything you'll need unless you are planning to do this … [Read more...]

SketchUp – Free 3D modeling software

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Some of you who were interested in the idea of a motorcycle design contest, here at The Kneeslider, mentioned you didn't have any 3D software, after all, that stuff's expensive. OK, I think most of us can afford free. That's right, ... FREE! SketchUp became a part of Google about a month ago. They have a version of their software, SketchUp Pro, that goes for $495, all of … [Read more...]

Tul-aris Two Stroke Racer

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Since we're looking at interesting motorcycle designs these days, the Tul-aris is worth a look back. The Tul-aris was the work of Dr. Rob Tuluie, who designed and built this 2 stroke wonder about six or seven years ago. I remember when this popped up in the motorcycle press but it then faded away and I never saw much more about it. The fine Doctor, a Ph.D that is, worked for … [Read more...]

Ducati Black Dogo

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What we have here is a Ducati Monster S4RS after a designer got done with it. Why he started in the first place, I'm not sure. It's called the Black Dogo and it has such necessary features as elephant skin on the tank with elastic bands for holding cargo, cameras instead of rearview mirrors with a monitor on the instrument panel and the designer, Ennio Capasa, says he did all … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Design – Accessible High Performance

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Accessible high performance is a simple idea: design a motorcycle so the average experienced rider is able to access much of its performance capabilities daily and without a race track. Another way to say this is just "having fun." Accessible performance could make for a fast track bike, too, the average rider may actually be able to ride quicker laps than with a full on race … [Read more...]

NextEngine Desktop 3D Scanner for Solidworks

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How do you accurately measure a 3D object and put it into a design package like Solidworks? You might want to do this when restoring or rebuilding an obscure motorcycle or trying to create replacement parts or even designing something brand new. Perhaps you hand carved a piece that will fit but it still needs to get into the computer so you can transfer the data for machining. … [Read more...]