Sheet Metal Skin Tutorial 1

Preparation 

Step 1: The first important thing that you have to do is choose an object that has a strong relationship with you architectural life but from my experiences, you would have to avoid the object with white or other pure colors. The better one you choose with rougher surface will be performed better with the leaser cut model.  

Step 2: Once you've choose the model, use 123D Catch and 123D Make to generate the 3D model. For more details I recommend you read through my project 1 process carefully. It contains the most information that you need during this step.

Step 3: Now, you have the 3D model with you, get into the lan and have some fun! Before you start any experimentation, I would like to introduce some basic tools that you'll use a lot in the lab.

Metal Cutting Machine 

The metal cutting machine enables you cut the sheet metal properly while you standing on the machine and push it down. Be careful with you hands!!!

This little one enables you cut the sheet metal from a curved or other shapes in case your model is not a square shape and most of us do. So we can use this one a lot. Tips:every time you cut the metal, do not cut it through otherwise it will leave a tiny little gap on it. It will getting bigger and will not looking decent for your later experimentation.

Mushroom steel dome dolly

The mushroom dollies are used to form curves by hammering the metal with a hammer or a slapper over the rounded part of the dolly. These dollies are smoothly polished to prevent damaging the material while you are forming. 

Tapered Steel T-DollyThese tools are help you to form the flanges and edges of your model.Typically use the round part for smaller edges of your model. 

Nylon Bossing Mallet

Nylon Bossing mallets are manufactured from high impact nylon with a hickory wooden handle for extreme durability and are specifically designed for roughing in your work during the early stages of metal shaping and typically used in conjunction with a shot bag. Made from a nearly indestructible non-marking material, these bossing mallets have two radius ends for added usefulness and practicality. 

Round leather sand bags

Thick grain leather bag for extended life and blemish free metal surface. These bags have suede outer surface for forming and a extremely tough inner surface to resist abrasive wear from media, also includes a reinforced hook & loop seal for easy adjustment of the fill to suit your requirements and the ability to change to different media such as lead shot.