January 17, 2026

I’ve started to switch modeling programs from Shapr3D to SolidWorks. It’s taken a bit, but I finally feel like I am starting to get the hang of SolidWorks for most things.

I modelled the shoulder section and gun boxes using SolidWorks. I was still having issues trying to create the holes for attaching the slats in SolidWorks. As a workaround, I found I can export the model and then import/place the slats around it and create sketches to “drill” the holes much easier using Shapr3D.

After a few test prints (cutting and printing just the section where a single slat would attach), I got the holes lined up just right to fit in the groove. Once I got the holes setup, I cut up and printed the 50% scale shoulders to confirm the slats fit, and it connects to the skirt and neck. After some quick assembly of all the slats, neck, shoulders, dome, and skirt… It’s starting to look like an actual (tiny) Dalek!

The half scale version is way too cute for a “hateful being trapped in a tin can”.