Making a Cabriole Leg with the Aspire Software

Overview

This video demonstrates how to design a cabriole leg in Aspire using the 2-rail sweep method instead of modeling directly in the rotary view. It also covers exporting the model as an STL for reuse in both two-sided and rotary projects.

Steps

1. Draw the vectors to be used as rails for the 2-rail sweep.
2. Create and position the first cross-section shape that will form the block attaching to the chair seat.
3. Position the second shape close to the first to create a slight transition from square to a softer profile.
4. Add a third shape further down the leg to control the lower form transition.
5. Select the rails and shapes, then apply the 2-rail sweep to generate half of the leg.
6. Export the half-leg as an STL with a flat back:
   • Click the export icon.
   • Choose flat back and triangulate.
   • Review the preview and save the STL.
7. Export a full 3D model for rotary use:
   • Export with an inverted front.
   • Triangulate and save the STL.
8. Open a new Aspire session for a two-sided project.
9. Set the material dimensions in the top job setup.

Key Points / Warnings

• Direct 3D component positioning in the rotary view is difficult, especially for shapes like a claw-and-ball leg.
• When positioning the 3D component, make sure the red center line is hidden.
• The 2-rail sweep provides a practical alternative to traditional bandsaw-and-hand-shaping methods.
• Keep the transition between adjacent cross-section shapes subtle for a smoother leg profile.
• Saving STL versions allows you to reuse the model in later Aspire sessions.
• Use a flat-back STL for two-sided machining and an inverted-front STL for rotary projects.