Reverse Engineer - Wiss 3-Piece Aviation Snip Set

The project is simple, to reverse engineer a mechanical object, Easy, right? No way. I decided to choose these 18-gauge steel cutters that slice int metal like butter. They belong to my father in law and super old, but they are an incredible condition since they’re crafted from durable molybdenum steel.  I am pretty comfortable in Rhino, so I figured this would be a pretty cut and dry object to design.

After taking it apart, boy, was I ever wrong. The sheers themselves have many curves and bends; I was at a loss about where to start. Each curve led to another curve that led into another curve that could not be measure with a Calliper because it was too small or too long.

Suffice to say, I realized that using the measure linear dimension tool with the edge surface tool was my best bet, and I finally was able to create the top of the shears, which is the most curvilinear and complex part of the sheers.

Once the sheers are complete I can move ahead to the handles and screws. I still have an incredibly long way to go but I am pushing forward.