Hardware Podcasts

S6E15 Too Tall Toby | CAD Best Practices, Speed Modeling, & Gamification

Being an Engineer · 11 Apr 2025 · 1h 04m · Episode 15

What this episode covers

Toby Schnaars, founder of TooTallToby, explains how he gamifies 3D CAD learning through speed modeling tournaments and community challenges to help engineers master tools like SolidWorks, Onshape, and Fusion 360. He argues that speed modeling reinforces best practices rather than encouraging bad habits, as top competitors use efficient workflows like fully defined sketches and multi-contour extrusions. Schnaars details his platform's tiered challenges, live 'Model Monday' streams, and the 'speed modeling leaderboard' which allows users to compete against the clock and share strategies. The conversation highlights how mastering CAD efficiency allows engineers to focus on core engineering problems, potentially leading to higher salaries and better job performance.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Simutech Group, Pipeline Design & Engineering, Dassault Systèmes, Autodesk, Markforged
Products
TooTallToby, 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS, SOLIDWORKS Live Design, Mechanical Desktop, Hacksmith
Tools
SolidWorks, Onshape, Fusion 360, FreeCAD, Inventor, ANSYS, CADKEY 7, Pro Engineer, Creo, CATIA

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