One of the things I like about Blender is that it can be used to display realistic renditions of CAD drawings - good for putting in brochures.
One thing I think would be really useful not just for CAD but for general modelling is a decent snap system. I get used to using the grid and co-ordinates in Blender but on using CAD realise how slow this is compared to a snap system.
http://www.blender.org/development/release-logs/blender-243/transform-snap/ This covers the basics. If you’re using a recent CVS build, the snap will be cleaned up a little more and will have some more options added.
Looking good, by the way.
Thanks BlackBoe, I wondered what that magnet was for! Somewhat basic but certainly a marked improvement on before.
Whee, it’s a self-sealing stem bolt! Or something. I have no idea what this thing could possibly be used for, but it’s pretty. 
Here is what it is;
http://www.twango.com/media/ironnickel.public/ironnickel.10051
Cool. I take it you lift weights?
BTW, there is another snap system in blender. If you pull down the top header bar (the one with the file menu) it exposes the options. Go to “edit methods” and look for the “Snap to Grid” buttons.
Thanks frodo2975 - yes I lift weights and stuff.
Modelling the equipment on Blender is useful, for example the animation was made before the actual devices were made which helps to minimise re-visiting the metalwork shop for alterations.
so, that looks like a very handy skill to have, picking up the rear end of cars…but once you have it up like that, how do you change the tire?
Nice
If you do visualizations, you might want to check out indigo (http://www.indigorenderer.com) for realistic renderings.
