T. Stonehocker is an independent design engineer with a strong mechanical background (e.g. machine design, machine building, 3Dmodeling, patents, CNC programming). He has been using 3D modeling programs since AutoDesks first mechanical desktop in 1994 and is currently using Solidworks 2010.

Mr. T. Stonehockers samples

Interview with Mr. T. Stonehocker

1. What kinds of clients do you serve? What is your particular area of expertise?

   I am a mechanical engineer and I design and build specialty machines. I have served many different kinds of clients, in the welding fields, brake manufacturing, film manufacturing, auto manufacturing, tire manufacturing, blow mold (secondary equipment) presses and assembly machines, candy manufacturing and motorcycle / trike manufacturing.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project you worked on? What made it interesting? What
   challenges did you face?

   All of the projects I work on are interesting in their own right, and I have never had a dull moment with any of them. If I had to pick a favorite I would have to say the motorcycle and trike designs that I have had the pleasure of designing for people.

   The thing that made the bike projects stand out over the others I have done would have to be, taking a clients dreams and making them a reality. Of course the same thing that made them stand out was also the biggest challenge. I would have to say that the biggest challenge I faced designing the bikes and trikes for my clients was convincing them to do what would make the bike function the best not necessarily what was the coolest look. Sometimes a cool look is just a cool look and will not perform well, so trying to get them to change their minds and go with a not so cool look BUT a look that was both functional and appealing to the eye, was my most challenging effort. (I have attached a pic of the last bike that I designed for an architect in LA)

3. Of the software tools you use, which is your favorite and why?

   I use Solidworks 2012, KeyShot3 and PhotoShop. These are my three go to softwares, I use them all the time. I have used mechanical desktop, proE, catia and Solidworks and I have found that the majority of my clients are using Soildworks, I like it and it works for me.

4. What trends are you finding in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected
   you, and how are you responding to them?

   I have found a few sites that have jobs posted that you can bid on that have helped me get in front of some clients. Also I have found a site that I have posted a profile and portfolio on that has been a big help to me. This site is a site that is mainly built for engineers and it caters to their needs with a place to post projects so all of the parties involved with a given project can be informed about everything that happens to that project at the same time. They also host several challenges that all of the engineers can participate in to show off their skills and have a little fun at the same time. I have learned a lot from different engineers from all over the world through sites like this and I like to think that I have been a positive influence to others in the world through my interactions with these sites.

5. What do you like about working as a free-lance, interim CAD draftsman or external CAD
   consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like the freedom of being able to work from my desk at home all hours of the day and night, using a virtual office to communicate with my clients to get the job done. I feel that it takes a dedicated individual to be a free-lance. That individual must be motivated with a strict since of professionalism to stay focused and get the job done. This type of individual must also be able to manage several projects at once because if they are good at what they do, they will be covered up with work all the time.

6. Have you ever provided CAD services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen-sharing tools (like WebEx, Skype, GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   
   Are there any issues you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Yes I do most of my work remote, and I use dropbox to transfer my files back and forth with my clients. Yes I have used WebEx, Skype and GoToMeeting and I have found them all to be effective tools to communicate with my clients I have done design reviews complete with stress analysis on projects and I have done well using these mediums.I have had some face to face discussions with clients using Skype and it has work fine. The only thing I can think of that is probably better handled face to face would be a run-off on a machine or the delivery of the final product.

J. Brouwer has over 40 years of engineering experience as a contract engineer with a wide variety of defense and aerospace companies. Since being introduced to CAD in 1982 he has accumulated over 54,000 design hours on 3-D CAD, 10,000 on ComputerVision’s CADDS 4X and the remainder on IRONCAD, ZW3D and variety of other PC based CAD programs.

He also provides the following services:

1. Engineering Services, including Engineering Design, 3-D modeling, drafting, CNC programming and complete integrated system management.
2. Plastic Product Design: Providing fully 3-D wireframe, surfaced, solid models and detail drawings if required.
3. Mechanical Design: 3-D design of mechanical assemblies.

Interview with Mr. J. Brouwer

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   I support companies that do not have an engineering department. I provide mechanical and plastic product design.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   It was a project for Boeing. They were making models for testing. We did the F-22 and Osprey — who gets to work on project like this? It was a few years ago and we had to make 3D prints. Just making sure the solid/surface models were complete. The work was done in Ironcad and a Hybrid CAD system.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   IronCAD is my tool of choice because of its ease of use and great flexibility, but I also use a hybrid CAD system when a project has to be broken down to wireframes and surfaces. I have used most of the Pro/E paradigm systems: Pro/E, SW, Inventor and Solid Edge, but never have really got proficient with the Pro/E paradigm.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected
   you, and how are you responding to them?

   Much of my work is reverse engineering requiring working from scanned data. It requires a Hybrid CAD systems to work with this data. I also get called in when the project is a mess and they need it cleaned up and get the parts made.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   The freedom it offers.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   I started telecommuting years ago when we used phone handset modems. Using CADKEY, I would sent the files back and forth. I use all of the programs you have mentioned. Most of the problems can be handled remotely. Face to face is always important at every milestone, even though I have done projects where I have never met face to face.

Mr. Raileanu has over twenty years’ experience in CAD-based solutions designing aluminum and steel machinery, fabrication drawings, processing and part designing.

He creates designs for HVAC systems. He has designed in the following areas:
• metal fabrication
• processing and part design
• drafting and MS Office
• 2D & 3D geometry creation and manipulation
• mechanical & sheet metal structural design
• product engineering and mechanical design

He has been working with AutoCAD since college days, however he works mainly on SolidWorks to design heat and ac frames, sheet metals and enclosures. He has worked with AutoCAD since 1989, however in 2004 he discovered SolidWorks and since then he has been designing 3D models and drawings only with SolidWorks. As a proficient user of SolidWorks, he believes SolidWorks has the best user interface and intuitive, reliable FEA (Failure Effects Analysis) features.

Since 2017, he has been working with a world-class manufacturer of dehumidifiers in Georgia. He has been designing and developing innovative products and production systems to support engineering requirements. He has been using SolidWorks extensively for all product designs, weldments and frames, work assemblies and subassemblies and creation of job fabrication binders for manufacturing team members. This includes all necessary part files, bend drawings, appropriate dimensional data, general overview layout, exploded views of critical component assemblies.

Since 2016, he has been working in another company, in development of anatomically-precise 3D and 4D surface imaging systems. He works with R&D products, responsible for creating and maintaining any CAD documentation required by sales, and developing detailed engineering drawings for system design, components, cabling, and prototyping 3D printing products.

From 2015 to 2016, he also provided CAD support for a pallet rack manufacturer in Georgia that offers a full range of services from design to installation of storage solutions for many industries and materials. He designed layouts and drawings for estimating, approval, permitting and fabrication.

One of his most challenging projects was one that required him to design and build a video electronic enclosure that had to be light and also appeal to specific customers in that field (medical devices). The challenges were to make it less heavy than the previous design, to fit all electronic components required, to have a good maintenance access and to look visually appealing.

He built a mobile dehumidifier unit with a small footprint to fit other competitors design, easy maintenance access, sturdy, structurally safe, outdoor proof and easy to maneuver. He also brought some new concepts to the design to challenge the competitors’ design, such as less energy consumption (less welding) and ability to stacking during shipping or storage.

He feels that the best thing about working as a CAD draftsman is that he gets to work from home.

He uses Skype and phone to communicate with clients. He shares his screen with clients for a variety of different purposes. He also uses Webex and GoToMeeting as he finds these tools to be very effective between people at different locations. He thinks they solve most of the issues related to projects. When required, however, he also meets clients face to face. He does not believe that issues can be solved only by face-to-face meetings, but in certain situations where a personal approach is required face-to-face meetings may be more appropriate.

R. Wright is an independent CAD consultant, and is an expert in the area of computer aided drafting. He began as a draftsman and construction administrator.

Interview with Mr. R. Wright

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   I serve clients who are involved in residential and commercial projects.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   The most interesting projects were a Veterinarian Clinic and Refurbishing a 100 year old elementary school. I had faced numerous design changes with the veterinarian clinic and with the elementary school, and had some challenges in retrofitting 100 year construction techniques.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   I have AutoCAD and Revit skills. Revit is my favorite software design tool because it incorporates the most information in a building model. It allows 2D, 3D and rendering.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   I am observing a downward turn in the amount of work for CAD designers.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like working as an interim CAD draftsman or as a consultant, because I can work well in an office environment or alone as a consultant.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Yes, I have provided a number a CAD consulting services remotely by way of GoToMeeting, and there was no issue in the design process or project scope that could not be handled remotely.

J. Potenza serves as a CADD consultant for construction projects in Massachusetts. He began as a civil drafter for the City of Boston in 1978 while attending Boston Architectural Center, and learned the Auto-trol system in 1982. He became a CADD Manager in 1985. It was at this time that he became proficient in AutoCAD, Intergraph and GDS and began creating CADD Drafting standards. Mr. Potenza headed up the CADD design for a Wastewater Treatment Plant on GDS.

Building on his GDS experience, he created and implement the CADD standards for the Boston Central Artery Project. In 2010, Mr. Potenza began teaching CADD/Engineering. Because of his extensive design/build experience, he was recently asked to design and manage the construction of a new 104,000 sq. ft. educational campus in Woburn, MA.

Interview with Mr. J. Potenza

1. What kinds of clients do you serve? What is your particular area of expertise?

   I have worked primarily with A/E firms for over 30 years. Architectural design, Civil and Utility relocation.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting? What challenges did you face?

   The Central Artery/3rd Harbor Tunnel. The massive coordination of companies and disciplines. The constant changes and revisions.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   My favorite was Auto-trol but I dont think it exists any more. Autocad now. I was in cad before Autocad existed.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   I think companies would rather hire a service now. It hasnt really affected me.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like the constant project change and the challenge of completing a job on time.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Yes, on many joint ventures. I have used GoToMeeting and found it somewhat effective. Preliminary design and most changes can be handled remotely. Face-to-face meetings are best for initial project start up and major changes.

L. Bublik is an independent CAD consultant. Mr. Bublik was previously the head of the design and drafting department at a leading Control Valve design company. Mr. Bublik oversaw all design activities for the company and managed a team of 2D and 3D designers (focusing on SolidWorks and AutoCAD). His innovation in Control Valves design resulted in over $200 million in annual revenue for the company. Mr. Bublik started his career as a machinist, when he was responsible for setting up and operating lathes, mills, drill presses and other machine shop equipment. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Interview with Mr. L. Bublik

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   As a mechanical engineer I work with any individuals or companies that need my special design expertise.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   I recently had a project for treatment tables for hospitals with special design features that were very interesting to work on. Challenges were to find special electric motors and switches for the tables.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   SolidWorks is the best and my favorite because it is solid modelling and you can see right away what kind of product you are designing.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   Clients try to pay less because of the slow job market; they want more work for less money so I have to accept any reasonable offer.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like working free-lance because I can have a more flexible schedule.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   I use Skype for remote meetings and also the phone. Skype is good for design work questions because I can share my screen and resolve problems. If I have customers in my area I meet with them in person.

A. Enoch is currently a Mechanical Design Consultant, a role he has been performed since 2002. He specializes in 3D-modeling, 2D drawings, project management and gear design. Mr. Enoch has over 20 years of design experience designing a variety of products from pressure vessels, to military vehicles, tooling and fixtures. He has an Associate Degree in Engineering.

Interview with Mr. A. Enroch

1. What What kinds of clients do you serve?

   I work for many different clients and my special area of expertise is Mechanical Design.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   My most interesting work is designing fixtures for military vehicles for the Government. I enjoy accomplishing designs that everyone else has problems with.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   SolidWorks is my favorite software tool – I love it.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected
   you, and how are you responding to them?

   One of the trends I see is companies not wanting to pay decent rates for my work. When I negotiate with them to allow me to work from home it lowers the rate.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant
   working on a time-bound project?

   Working as a free-lancer gives me the independence I like.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are theyv effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   I dont often work remotely or use screen-sharing tools, but if I do I like to make sure I have all the information I need before starting to avoid setbacks. I dont like wasting time.

D. Hilton has over twenty-five years graphic design experience on Macintosh and PC platforms using primarily InDesign, Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat and Microsoft Office. As an architectural and structural draftsperson, she is also adept at preparing plans, details and as-builts from client sketches and specifications using AutoCAD 2011. Ms. Hilton can prepare (2d) cost-effective photographic mock-ups of architectural structures. She is experienced in creating creative websites using CSS, HTML and Dreamweaver.

View Samples

Comments

1. Describe a project that was particularly challenging. What was challenging about it? What was the solution and what results did you achieve?

   I draw floor plans of existing homes for my husband who makes scaled birdhouses. The challenging part is that I often don’t have any dimensions to work from, so I have to interpolate the footprint and door and window sizes from photographs. I generally use standard sizes to get the best approximation.

2. Which CAD software programs do you find the most useful for the kind of work that you do?

   AutoCAD 2011

3. What are the pros and cons of the various CAD software programs that you use?

   I only use AutoCAD. I use other programs for other purposes, like Adobe products for graphic design.

4. How do you keep yourself up-to-date with the various developments in your field of work?

   I read on-line articles and talk to colleagues. Also, help forums for help.

5. Which new skills have you acquired in the past year? What new skills do you plan to acquire in the future?

   Just keeping up with the new features in the software is a full-time job 🙂

6. Are there any kinds of activities that you feel are better to outsource or subcontract than to do yourself?

   N/A

7. Send us some samples of your work, in any format (DWG, PDF, JPEG, DXF,etc.), along with a description of each sample.

   Attached is a set of drawings for a structural engineer. Also, see my website of examples:

   http://www.ilikeitdesign.com/drafting/autocad.html

8. Testimonials you would like to send us from your existing customers.

   I have never asked for any.

D. Hildebrandt is a CAD Technician with extensive experience in military, residential, municipal and commercial construction. He provides the following services:

• Participates in Civil/Architectural/Electrical/Mechanical design including but not limited to airfield and military site design, Grading, Concrete, Asphalt, Utility, Storm, Sewer, Site layout, Traffic protection, Signage, Utility plan/profile, Concrete construction, and multi-story PEB construction
• Specifies and Implements engineering drawing standards and implemented standards CAD/ detail library/filing/references/Software specification and configuration/AutoCAD and drafting specifics/hardware maintenance, specification, and configuration)
• Maintains existing site database while updating CAD/GIS files and conducting as-built surveys. Maintains GIS databases.
• Conducts as-built and topographic surveys for construction projects
• Rebuilds sites as-built survey using Trimble GPS gear and builds 3d CAD models.
• Uses 3D design software (LDD, Civil 3D and Softdesk) for contour build, pipe and structure
  profile, cross section, grading, sewer pipe design, drainage pipe design, road design, highway design, grading, cut/fill calculation, and survey data manipulation
• Provides design engineering for municipal and private sector construction projects including but not limited to site design, grading, concrete, asphalt, erosion control, retention, detention, stabilization, utility, storm, sewer, traffic protection, traffic signalization, signage, highway construction, ROW improvement, utility plan/profile, jack/bore operations
• Implements, specifies, and maintains CAD hardware, AutoCAD software, and standards
• Structural: Multi-story construction (steel, wood, concrete, masonry, tilt-up, precast), Residential Construction, Municipal and Education facilities
• Architectural: Multi-story construction (steel, wood, concrete, masonry, tilt-up, precast), Residential Construction, Municipal and Education facilities
• Electrical: Grounding, Power distribution, Lighting, Single-line, detailing, and scheduling
• Mechanical: Plumbing and HVAC layout, detail, and scheduling

Mr. Hildebrandt graduated from Porter & Chester Institute for Mechanical Design/Drafting, and has an ACI Certification for Concrete Inspection Field Technician Level 1, and a Construction Management Certificate from the University of Washington (Construction Safety, Project Management, Construction Estimating, and Project Planning and Control).

Interview with Mr. D. Hildebrandt

1. What kinds of clients do you serve? What is your particular area of expertise?

   Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Architects, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Environmental Consultants, Geologists, Telecommunications Engineers, and Builders. All phases of construction design and drafting using AutoCad, Civil 3D, and a host of graphical and processing software.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   The JFK International Airport Air Train. I was one of the designers responsible for traffic control, pedestrian control, and crane movements. Time was a crucial factor, as it was near-impossible to design in advance due to construction timelines, change orders, etc. Therefore every inch of the way (a year in the making) required fast-paced engineering and realistic answers to very limiting factors.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   Civil 3D is my favorite, as it includes all the tools I need to help design including survey data manipulation, earthwork calculations, road design, and profiling tools for utilities and infrastructure design.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   More dedicated services. A shrinking job market requires dedication and hard work in order to hold on to clients. I’ve got to work harder to keep the work coming. There are many people looking for work who can do what I do for a fraction of the cost so I’ve had to cut corners and make deals that work in favor of my clients. Of course they work in my favor too as I’ve not lost any work and am very grateful to be busy.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I’ve always viewed the 24 hours in a day as my time when I’m not required to show up to an 8 to 5 job. I can work any time at my own pace (always very fast) and spend quality time with my family. It is an all-around flexible way to operate. Sometimes it’s difficult to make time for multiple clients, but dedication and superior workmanship are the key.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Yes. I do work remotely via email and phone. The background I posses enable ease in communication. I’ve been dealing with engineers for 25 years. I haven’t the need to work using screen-sharing. Closely-located clients, email, scanning, phone calls, and travel cover all the bases. Any and all engineering or design projects. Of course face-to-face is easier, but engineers need flexible and experienced designers to make their projects grow quickly and accurately.

N. Felix is a draftsman and CAD & CAM technician. He performs conversions from 2d to 3d, designs parts from sketches, and models ideas and parts.

Interview with Mr. N. Felix

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   I serve many types of clients, including medical, consumer products, machinery and furniture.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   I love working with medical devices and products because I know eventually it might save someones life.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   Autodesk Inventor, because it is easy to use and produces great quality work.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services?
   How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   More and more, customers are looking for renderings of their products. The more realistic, the better. I took it upon myself to learn 3d rendering.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I get lost in all my projects and time just flies when I am working on a CAD project.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   I have had video conference calls with customers for clarifications.

R. Chaudhary is a Graphic Designer with many years of experience in design, publishing and print planning in the publishing and IT industries. She is able to handle a variety of Graphic Designing projects, including brochures, newsletters, catalogues, posters, displays, folders, leaflets, manuals, logo design, advertisement, photo manipulation, PowerPoint presentations, Flash presentations, e-mailers, websites, promotional materials, editing and titling of videos and typography. Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premier, 3Dmax, Macromedia Director and Lingo Programming.

A. Ali is an Interior Designer and 3d modeler. He is an expert in AutoCAD, and provides drafting, designing and 3d modeling services. He has a certificate in interior designing from CRISP and 3ds Max with V-ray.

Interview with Mr. A. Ali

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   All kinds of companies that require machining of car parts. I design car or industrial part machining lines, including design of special machines, fixtures, transfer lines, FMS lines and multi spindles.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   Design the metalic car parts production & machining lines like the Peugeot 206 & 504 pivot and rear arme, the Renault drive shaft, a KIA Motors cylinder block and head, and EF7 motor cylinder block & head and brake disk lines.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   Mechanical Desktop , because it has very powerful 2D. And Catia software , because it has very powerful 3D, analyse, and CAM. Also, Master CAM and Powermill.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   The latest technologies enable us to finish projects quick and easy.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I can work both on site and remotely.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Face to face is best, and after that is email. Skype is last because my net connection speed is not good.