Does anyone have experience with SDI? (fosscad.io)

submitted 1 month ago by noah@fosscad.io to c/ark@fosscad.io

24 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Originally posted by u/IHitCircle at 2025-06-30T12:59:30Z

Kind of an oddball question, but it fits here, I think?

My main interest is that I want to be able to use CAD/3D modeling to design firearm frames and things of that nature, and then also be able to take those 3D printed prototypes eventually to metal (maybe).

Does anyone know if SDI would be a good option to learn those skills? Or are there other courses/schools I could look into to get better at the 3D modeling side of things? I’ve heard from a few sources that say SDI is a sham for learning real gun smithing, but I really am more interested in learning online the CAD side of things, and then maybe learning the actual manufacturing part later.

A bit of background, I’ve been 3D designing for a while(1-2 years), I started modeling my woodworking projects and now moved to designing 3D printed stuff. I’m currently active duty, so the school would be free, it would just take up more of my time. TIA!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] noah@fosscad.io 1 points 1 month ago

u/AirlineInformal1549 · 2025-06-30 17:05:19 UTC · score 2

I'm so happy with the comments here. I was so worried I'd see a bunch of "absolutely!"s

Yeah I looked into it years ago when I was interested, found some people that did go through with it and from what I heard, they charge you a $10,000 tuition, have you choose a Glock or an ar15, then send you links to YouTube videos showing you how to assemble the kit they sent you for $10,000 lol.

Along that same rabbit hole I went down, from what I hear if you want to get into gunsmithing, the real answer is machining. If you know how to machine you're a VERY good candidate to be an apprentice and grow from there

[-] noah@fosscad.io 1 points 1 month ago

u/Jason_Patton · 2025-06-30 19:48:46 UTC · score 1

It would be cool if they could be sponsored but lowkey advise against the product. Like openly have a negative opinion of it.

this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2025

1 points (100.0% liked)

The Ark

349 readers

1 users here now

Re-upload of r/fosscad from 2015 - June 2025.

Warning: Links might be broken, images missing, etc.

Thanks to @hogleg@forum.guncadindex.com for providing the Reddit archives!

founded 2 months ago

MODERATORS

gsgmfg@fosscad.io

noah@fosscad.io