Technical requirements

In this section, we are going to use several tools. You are not constrained to these tools specifically, but the idea is to apply what is out there to your needs. I generally like to have the following:

• Something that will convert an image to a vector graphic. This helps me make use of hand-drawn or scanned images that I would otherwise have to re-work. You would need to gauge whether the amount of re-work you must do is worth the effort or whether it is better to just redraw an object. I particularly use this kind of tool whenever dimensions are in short supply, or the scale is not clear or workable. For my BD-1 project, the drawing arrived scanned but also with some smudging on the lines.
• If you work with CNC, you will eventually have to learn how to use CAD to either create or change existing drawings. There are several free applications out there. I primarily use TinkerCAD, but there are others (free and not free), such as FreeCAD, Fusion 360...