Scaled 1:10 Human model

[Christophe Mineau]

I recently had the need to physically model an hypothetical piece of furniture to a 1/10th scale.
I thought it would be nice to add to the scene a scaled human body, of average size.

I searched the internet for a CAD model or something that could be cut easily and found nothing convenient.
Then I remembered that old woodworking book I had, and found in it a drawing I decided to start from.

I decided to share that with you and I will offer the files for downloading.

First step was to scan, then to vectorize the raster image, I usually do that with Inkscape.
It represents a man sitting in a chair.

==> Link to the inkscape file.
Credit : "Guide du bois, de la Menuiserie et de l'Ebenisterie", by Albert Jackon and David Day.

Then I import my SVG to my CAD modeling software.
I rotate each piece of the human body, so that I can make him stand on his feet.
Then I scale him to the average size, which I estimate to be 1.75m tall.

This is a commercial CAD software, I don't share the file, you can import the SVG in your own software instead.

Then, having the model at the right size, I lay down all the pieces so that they can be cut with the CNC.
While I am there, I add the chair, it will be a nice addition.


Then I process the parts to be cut with the CNC. I use a 1.5 mm end mill, and cut out of a sheet of 3mm plywood, 170 mm x 220 mm.
I add small tabs so that the pieces keep attached when cut.
Here is a simulation view :

==> Link to the gcode file (for MACH3 Mill).


And here is the result :
Cut parts still linked together :


Once separated they are assembled using 3mm rivets (the ones for assembling leather, only one side used, the fit is tight enough to hold the parts correctly)

[DIYer]

Thanks Christophe Mineau! We've added your 1:10 Scale Human to our Woodworking category,
as well as to your builder page: Christophe Mineau's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

1:10 Scale Human by Christophe Mineau

tags: wood, scale

[homemademike]

What a Great Idea. I have done similar projects, but didn't have all the High-Tech goodies. I found some very good drawings of humans in an art lesson book. I scanned the drawings, and used PhotoShop to print out the shape on Label Paper, I apply the printed image to plastic sheet, and scroll saw out the shape. One nice think about doing it like this, is that you can enlarge or reduce the drawing, to print it out in the scale you need!

[homemademike]

Thank You, Christophe!

[tonyfoale]

Way back before desktop CAD I had a business designing and making chassis for racing motorcycles. For positioning things like handlebar and footrest positions it was useful to have a scale model of a rider who could be arranged into different positions. I would trace the outline on to the drawing of the bike. I also wanted to be able to estimate the rider's CG in different positions. I made a few models of different scales with indications of body parts CGs. BTW. He is called Fred and he has a helmet shaped head for obvious reasons. Here are the parts.



and here is an assembled model.



Some years later I found the following info regarding CG positions which I include in the hope that it may be useful.

[Toolmaker51]

! Maybe that Fred has a helmet shaped head; granted mine remains conventionally shaped noggin [having been saved by helmets twice].
Come to think of it, was not the crash test dummy used by Mythbusters also a Fred???
Coincidence? I think not!

[tonyfoale]

Come to think of it, was not the crash test dummy used by Mythbusters also a Fred???

I have no idea.

[Christophe Mineau]

Way back before desktop CAD I had a business designing and making chassis .....

Some years later I found the following info regarding CG positions which I include in the hope that it may be useful.

Hi Tony, that's really valuable information, the CG info may be useful as well , for designing seats for instance.
Thank you, I 'll keep it in my archives !

[tonyfoale]

Hi Tony, that's really valuable information, the CG info may be useful as well , for designing seats for instance.
Thank you, I 'll keep it in my archives !

Glad to help. BTW I notice a difference in our respective models. Yours has an extra torso joint but no neck joint, mine has the neck joint but not the extra torso one.
Vive la différence.