CAD tools vs modelling tools

I have been struggling to recreate a Medalta ball pitcher using the solid modelling tools in Fusion 360. The example on the left shows the issue (it was made by revolving a cross-section sketch and doing a cutout on the top). But I need a spherical body with an oval neck, the CAD design tools don't enable that.

The answer is 3D modelling. I veered away from Fusion 360 and searched and tried some 3D modelling apps. Nothing practical. Then I hired a freelancer who claimed to be able to do it in Fusion 360. He could not. My motivation to prove to him it is possible brought the solution: Revolving a fit point spline outline, in the form modelling workspace, to create a 3D T-Spline model. The points, lines and faces can be freely moved and the lines can be creased. This works really well, and it is going to open up for me the creation of very organic shapes. It took AutoDesk engineers years to get T-Splines working, but they are magic math.

Related Pictures

What is the best 3D mechanical design software for ceramics in 2025?

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CAD software and 3D printing are a potential revolution in vessel mold-making for ceramics (3D modelling is another topic). But there are two big problems: There is no way a potter, hobbyist or even small manufacturer can afford the typical software cost. While it is true most have free or low-cost trial or hobby versions, the strings attached are deal breakers. The second problem is the complexity of learning - that can be a bigger obstacle than cost. Until the recent price increase Fusion 360 seemed to be exactly what was needed. A great way to on-board the CAD world, using the free version and its great learning resources and best-in-class user interface. It is new and modern, a YouTube star. It is fully parametric supporting constraints and a timeline. True, it can choke on more complex drawings on consumer computers, but we don’t need to do those. But, for commercial use, it costs $680/yr. But that is cheap compared to some others! Upon discovery of the capability, the cost might be doable for you. Here are the ones you likely cannot afford (and maybe don't want): -OnShape runs in your browser. It focuses on collaboration for teams. Free-version drawings are public but going private costs $1500/yr! -Rhino is usable for CAD but is polygonal and targeted at modelling. It is not fully parametric and does not have a traditional timeline (however Rhino+Grasshopper is life-changing for geeks, both for CAD and modelling). $1000 to buy but upgrading is $500+. -Solidworks is fully parametric with editable history. But it is old, the interface shows it. It is low cost for hobby use but for commercial use it is far out of reach for individuals ($2600/yr in 2025). Some upcoming possibilities: -FreeCAD is becoming more viable. It is parametric, has constraints and exports and imports popular formats (but with lots of issues). Its model tree is equivalent to the Fusion 360 timeline, but more clunky and depends on careful setting of constraints. The learning curve right now puts it out of practical reach of most. But a capital injection, like Blender got, is coming. -Shapr 3D costs $299/yr, also works on iPad (which Fusion 360 does not), and uses the Parasolid engine like OnShape and SolidWorks. But it seems to be targeted at being intuitive for conceptual modeling and quick prototyping for drawings that are finalized in other products (limited support for accurate feature placement, constraints, parametrics and boolean operations).

Links

Projects	Medalta Ball Pitcher Slip Casting Mold via 3D Printing A project to make a reproduction of a Medalta Potteries piece that was done during the 1940s. This is the smallest of the three sizes they made.

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