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

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

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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!

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

u/ChevTecGroup · 2025-06-30 13:59:56 UTC · score 2

Exactly.

Start machining. Add other skills like tig welding, metal finishing, and maybe woodworking. Teach yourself how guns work. Start doing gunsmithing as part of your machining work. If you are good with guns, that will become the majority of your work. If not, you can still make gun parts through contracts or just do general machining and not starve

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

u/K1RBY87 · 2025-06-30 14:04:51 UTC · score 5

Having been in the gun business before....never again will I make it my primary business if it is my primary income. Maybe 3rd or 4th down the line, but never 1st or 2nd.

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

u/ChevTecGroup · 2025-06-30 14:06:12 UTC · score 2

I always tell people how it's my 3rd job for now. It'll be my primary job after I retire haha

this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2025

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