Antiques of Tomorrow Case StudyLes Linton of Antiques of Tomorrow describes how he uses Vector Art 3D models and custom modeling service to provide unique designs for his customers.Posted: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Authors: Les Linton and James Booth We talked to Les Linton of Antiques of Tomorrow about his business and how Vector Art 3D has helped him create unique products for his customers:
VA3D: How did you find out about Vector Art 3D?
Les: I was looking for new ways to use my ShopBot tool, and had seen the Vectric information on “Vcarve Wizard” on the ShopBot Forum. As I viewed their site I found a link to Vector Art and your site Vector Art 3D.
VA3D: Why did you decide on them as your solution?
Les: It was pretty much a common sense thing for me. I didn’t have the time or the investment required to learn 3D modelling. You offer a free 3D software (Vector Art 3D Machinist) for creating 3D cut files and two free sample files to try out so it was easy to test this to prove it on my equipment. I was also able to download and try the VCarve Pro trial from Vectric. Using the 3D models and combining this with VCarving and 2D toolpaths gave me a solution that was good value and lets me create high end products.
VA3D: Describe the process of bringing them into your business?
Les: My main work is higher end, one of a kind, wood projects. There are a lot of people doing this type of work, and while I feel that the quality that I offer should get me more business, our “mass produced” philosophy in the US requires that you have to also offer something that others can’t. Offering three-dimensional additions to my projects does just that, it sets me apart for the crowd. I cut the free 3D models to use as samples and also printed the PDF catalog so I could offer my customers a choice of models.
VA3D: Was it easy? What were the challenges? Are you happy with them so far?
Les: Vcarve Pro and Vector Art 3D were so simple to download and implement that every school that has a CNC should have both packages as a way to bring out the creative spirit in our youth. Challenges…. Finding the time to do the things that you simply want to “try”. So far I am very satisfied with both products, I have used them for two small “paying jobs” and one more will have paid for everything I’ve purchased. Happy? Yes.
VA3D: What are your favourite features of the overall solution?
Les: I think the overall simplicity of the products and ease of implementation. The issues that I had, were generally not software related, but production or user issues.
 Detail of Small Mantel Carving
VA3D: Please describe your mantel project, how it came about and the stages of production with the good and bad points and how the software/3D models helped you?
Les: The mantel started out as a sales call for a standard $600 - $700 shelf mantel with a basic surround. While I was getting my measurements, I gave the customer a couple of books to look over for any other ideas that she might want to look at. To say the least, she came up with one that was far more exciting than your standard “shelf mantel”. She did not like the decoration that was on the frieze board, and was suggesting that we just leave that blank. I had the sample that I had cut of the “free” Vector Art 3D file that I had downloaded for testing and showed that to her.
Because I needed something that I could show as a selling tool to get future work, I offered to put an applied carving into the center of the frieze for the cost of the file she chose. How could they refuse? While many may say that you can’t give your work away and make money, I would counter that I now have something of value, the pictures, to show future customers. Not to mention some word of mouth advertising that I could not put a price on.
In addition to this mantel another project that I worked on was the large double-decker mantel (shown). This project sold for $800 more than a competing quote because I was able to carve the decoration directly into the frieze, plinths and rosettes rather than use “applied moldings” that my competitor was offering.
 Complete view of (Small) Mantel
VA3D: Add any other relevant info you can think of?
Les: Tony and Brian at Vectric and James at Vector Art 3D have been a wealth of knowledge and support. Since not having a “real job” since January of ’06, every dollar spent has to be justified and not simply rationalized. That being said, questions were answered promptly and completely. Most on the same day that they were asked. While I’m sure that it may be difficult to maintain that stance as your customer base increases simply due to shear numbers, I do believe that there will be a concerted effort to do just that. In addition the Vcarve forum is a wealth of knowledge. I think that as more people realize how simple it is to combine the two products that the 3D information on that forum will increase.
Thanks to Les for taking time to talk with us. Images of the finished mantels described are shown.
Some technical info on the small Mantel:
VA3D model: Horizontal Flourish 1 – B (Dish) format
Software: Vector Art 3D Machinist and VCarve Pro
Machining: ShopBot PRT Tool used for cutting, 1/4" endmill for roughing and 1/16" ball nose end mill – size approx. 19 x 9 inches
Material and Finishing: Quarter Sawn Red Oak and QSRO Ply. MinWax English Chestnut 233 and two coat of a satin Pre Cat Lacquer for finish.
 Detail of custom 3D model built for large Mantel
 Large Mantel being installed
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