Blog
2022
PUBLISHED
hooby3dfx | March 19, 2025, 12:09 p.m.
Too Tall Toby's
2022 World Championship of 3D CAD Speedmodeling Tournament
2023
PUBLISHED
hooby3dfx | March 19, 2025, 11:58 a.m.
Too Tall Toby's
2023 World Championship of 3D CAD Speedmodeling
Tournament
Too Tall Toby's Practice Models Premium
PUBLISHED
AircraftJunkie | March 5, 2025, 7:23 a.m.
SIGN UP for Practice Models Premium and enjoy:
- Access to the ENTIRE LIBRARY of 150+ Practice Models challenges
- The ability to TRY AGAIN to get a faster time on a model
- Access to basic analytics to track your progress across different models, including the ability to track your progress across multiple attempts of a single model
- Exclusive access to 10 NEW Practice Models challenges added each month (release schedule posted at https://www.TooTallToby.com/calendar)
- The ability to track your results when doing the same challenge using different CAD systems
- The ability to post a SPEEDMODELING video and participate in our SPEEDMODELING LEADERBOARD
- Access to view COMMUNITY TUTORIALS
- A special GOLD TooTallToby badge displayed on our leaderboards next to your username!
Speedmodeling Leaderboard - 2025 RULES
PUBLISHED
Vicki | Feb. 28, 2025, 10:33 a.m.
TooTallToby’s Practice Models
SPEEDMODELING Leaderboard RULES:
Welcome to the world of 3D CAD Speedmodeling! By practicing and practicing again (and then re-practicing again), you'll learn some valuable skills and workflows that may be implimented into your daily CAD habbits!
And of course, through the gamification of 3D CAD, we hope you have some fun along the way!
Now is your chance to show off your speedmodeling skills - to the WORLD!
In the TooTallToby Speedmodeling Leaderboard challenge, you'll be tasked to:
1. Practice creating a model until you can do it in a speedy and efficient way
2. MAKE A RECORDING of your run
3. Post this recording online, and then post the link on the TooTallToby.com platform
Here's a guide to make sure your post is valid!
MAIN RULES / CHECKLIST:
1. The CLOCK must be shown during the entire run to ensure there is no "Time Manipulation" or editing
2. You may start a new part and set the UNITS and MATERIAL, BEFORE starting the CLOCK (to ensure fairness across different CAD systems)
3. You must begin your first sketch/feature AFTER starting the CLOCK
4. You must CLEARLY show the calculate mass, in your CAD system, before submitting your answer - CLEARLY...as in "we can see it in the video".
NOTE: You can use a script/featurescript/sensor or similar tool, to quickly calculate the mass - for more on this see this blog (link coming soon)
5. You must submit your answer in the TooTallToby Practice Models app. The time recorded in the app will be your official time for the speedrun
6. You must show the PURPLE SCREEN at the end of your video, confirming your time and the correct answer
7. NO IVAN EXPLOITS!! The model must be constructed to match the print.
DETAILED GUIDE:
- Practice as much as you want before recording.
- Use a screen recording program like OBS to capture the recording of your SPEEDMODELING run
- Before recording, position your screen as shown:
- During your run:
- The SPEEDMODELING video should begin with you pressing the “Reveal Drawing” button in the TooTallToby Practice Models app, which will start the clock
- The SPEEDMODELING video should end with you showing the PURPLE SCREEN, confirming your time and the correct answer
- The CLOCK from TooTallToby.com must be clearly visible throughout the entire run (all digits)
NOTE: You may use CTRL+Middle Mouse Wheel to zoom the webpage, to make the clock smaller
- The SPEEDMODELING video should show your entire run, unedited and with no TIME MANIPULATION (no cuts, no speed ups, no slow downs)
- The MASS of your model must be clearly visible in your CAD system and READABLE ON SCREEN, before you submit your answer
- OPTIONAL - Edit in post processing to add overlays/music/etc...
- OPTIONAL - Include voice narration, include video camera footage of your face or hands
- BEFORE starting the CLOCK, you may create a blank (empty) part and you may set your UNITS and ASSIGN A MATERIAL (density) for this model
This rule was added to ensure fairness across different CAD platforms, as some CAD systems take a few moments to create a new template and assign a material, while other systems allow you to assign materials and units directly in the part templates. Similarly users of some systems could EXPLOIT this rule by setting their “default units and materials” to one specific density, before beginning the run.
- You may begin your first sketch or feature AFTER starting the CLOCK.
No pre-created geometric data is allowed. No Drag and Drop library features allowed. No macros are allowed for feature creation. (If you have questions about a macro, ask by using the Contact Toby link in the NavBar on tootalltoby.com and Toby will answer).
You must create all the geometry for these models, AFTER starting the CLOCK.
- Hole Wizard (or equivalent hole tool) is allowed. However, this must come from a library of various selectable sizes. You may not create a “library feature” for this specific challenge, and drag and drop it onto the model.
- No IVAN EXPLOITS ALLOWED (see video COMING SOON). Since you can practice many times before creating your video, we expect that the geometry of your model will perfectly match the specifications in the 2D Drawing.
- You must CLEARLY show the correct mass of each model, before moving on to the next model. The mass must be shown in the CORRECT UNITS. The mass must be shown with the CORRECT PRECISION (or with a MORE PRECISE number of significant digits).
- Post your recording on Youtube.com. We will only validate videos posted on youtube.com. The vidoes may be listed publicly or unlisted, but cannot be set to private. Then enter a link to the SPEEDMODELING video in analytics page of this challenge (this page will only be available after the challenge is successfully completed).
- By submitting your video to the TooTallToby SPEEDMODELING Leaderboard you grant TooTallToby and team the right to use the video footage of your submission for any marketing/promotional purposes without limitation.
- You may submit one single SPEEDMODELING Leaderboard video per CAD System, per challenge. At any time, you may REMOVE the url for a video representing a slower time, and add a URL for a video representing a faster time. However, you may not submit 2 videos representing the SAME CAD system, for the same TooTallToby Practice Models challenge.
For example: You may submit a SPEEDMODELING video URL for a speedrun demonstrating Fusion360, and another SPEEDMODELING video URL for a speedrun representing Onshape, for the same TooTallToby Practice Models challenge.
- The fastest 20 times, for each TooTallToby Practice Models challenge, will be shown on the SPEEDMODLEING leaderboard.
Good Luck!
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
1. You CAN create a new empty part/document BEFORE starting the clock. This part may have the UNITS and MATERIAL set, BEFORE starting the clock.
However, this new part/document must have a GEOMETRICALLY BLANK CANVAS in CAD.
This means:
a. DEFAULT REFERENCE GEOMETRY:
i. The new part/document CAN ONLY CONTAIN the “default reference geometry”: Front Plane, Top Plane, Right Plane, Origin, etc…
ii. This new part/document CAN NOT CONTAIN any custom planes, axes, points, etc…
iii. This new part/document CAN NOT CONTAIN any sketches, features, surfaces, etc…
iv. You CAN NOT BEGIN the challenge having already entered SKETCH MODE.
1. You must begin creating your first sketch/feature AFTER starting the clock.
b. UNITS/MATERIALS:
i. This new part/document CAN have the units (mm, gram, inches, lbs, etc..) specified BEFORE starting the clock.
ii. This new part/document CAN have the material and/or material density specified, BEFORE starting the clock.
c. MACROS/CUSTOM TOOLS
i. Generally speaking, macros and custom tools are allowed.
However, they must be macros/custom tools that are available for general use, and not specifically designed for this challenge.
1. Example 1:
VALID - A custom macro to do a MULTI-THICKNESS SHELL command.
2. Example 2:
VALID – A custom macro to do a BODY MIRROR in 2 directions.
3. Example 3:
NOT VALID – A custom macro to construct the first 3 sketches of this particular challenge.
d. CUSTOM MASS CALCULATORS
i. Several CAD systems have custom macros/scripts to calculate the mass of a TooTallToby challenge.
ii. These custom tools calculate the mass of the model in both grams and lbs, and calculate the results for any of the 4 available material densities.
These types of macros/scripts are VALID, and CAN BE USED during these challenges.
Here are a few examples:
1. Onshape Custom Tool: https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/20134/tootalltoby-material-new-featurescript
2. Fusion360 TTT Materials Script:
https://github.com/rambros3d/CalculateMass-fusion360/releases/download/ttt/CalculateMass_ultimate.zip
e. TEMPLATES:
If you prefer, you CAN begin with nothing open, and then select a template, AFTER starting the clock.
i. NOTE: Generally, this will be slower, and all the above rules apply.
ii. The template CAN NOT have any of the above mentioned pre-created geometry.
5. MISCELLANEOUS
a. By submitting your video to the TooTallToby SPEEDMODELING Leaderboard you grant TooTallToby and team the right to use the video footage of your submission for any marketing/promotional purposes without limitation.
6. Any other questions
a. Ask on the discord
b. Contact [email protected]
=====================================================
LAST UPDATED: March 17, 2025
CHANGELOG:
2025-02-28 - Initial Release - TooTallToby
2025-03-17 - Updated per VickiChong checks
Read More →TOO TALL TOBY SPONSORS
PUBLISHED
Vicki | Feb. 13, 2025, 12:49 p.m.
2025 World Championship of 3D CAD Speedmodeling Tournament
We're looking for sponsors. Please contact [email protected] to help support this event!
2025 Spring Open CAD vs CAD Tournament
We're looking for sponsors. Please contact [email protected] to help support this event!
2025 Le Grand High School Teen Tournament
CAD-TO-GO: Quick Onshape Tips Anywhere, Anytime
https://www.youtube.com/@MesaMakes
https://www.instagram.com/5cornersdigitalbillboard/
Need a computer designed to fit your CAD needs? Our friends at Solidbox can help you! They offer products that are optimized for CAD users, including desktops, laptops, and peripherals. In addition to products offered, Solidbox can assist with project-based training to help engineers and designers learn new programs and explore new functionality while working on their projects.
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3Dconnexion designs powerful, research-based ergonomic hardware and smart, easy-to-use software that combine seamlessly to make working in the world’s most popular CAD applications and 3D environments fast, comfortable and fun.
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Delicious, Nutritous, Plentiful
We Battle Breakdowns, One Monster at a Time
2024 World Championship of 3D CAD Speedmodeling Tournament
Need a computer designed to fit your CAD needs? Our friends at Solidbox can help you! They offer products that are optimized for CAD users, including desktops, laptops, and peripherals. In addition to products offered, Solidbox can assist with project-based training to help engineers and designers learn new programs and explore new functionality while working on their projects.
https://www.mysolidbox.com
We are here to make HISTORY. Engineering the fastest practical path to limitless clean energy.
Our Core Values
Go fast, break things.
Fail fast, fail often. Take chances. Give yourself permission. Learn from your failures. Make decisions, move forward and get stuff done.
Give a shit.
Do what you love, and love what you do! Build stuff you’re proud of. Pick up the trash. Prep for meetings.
Think bigger.
Never stop hacking. Cut through the red tape. Just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean we can’t do it.
Intrepid Adventurers WANTED
Apply today - https://www.f.energy/join-us#Showme
Official Website: https://www.f.energy/
3Dconnexion designs powerful, research-based ergonomic hardware and smart, easy-to-use software that combine seamlessly to make working in the world’s most popular CAD applications and 3D environments fast, comfortable and fun.
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Spokbee's platform transforms CAD designs into market-ready products with unparalleled speed. Our marketplace solution empowers creators to connect directly with consumers and launch their products without traditional manufacturing barriers, using the latest in laser cutting and 3D printing technologies.
Official Website: https://spokbee.com/
2024 Spring Open CAD vs CAD Tournament
Need a computer designed to fit your CAD needs? Our friends at Solidbox can help you! They offer products that are optimized for CAD users, including desktops, laptops, and peripherals. In addition to products offered, Solidbox can assist with project-based training to help engineers and designers learn new programs and explore new functionality while working on their projects.
https://www.mysolidbox.com
The Future of CAD & PDM through the Power of Cloud Technology. Get Onshape Professional free for 6 months - Onshape.pro/TooTallToby
Founded in 1997, Alibre has delivered professional, affordable CAD solutions for business, education, and hobby for 22 years. Alibre and its worldwide partner network power customers in 129 countries and every industry vertical.
https://www.alibre.com
Veteran Owned, Autodesk Reseller specializing in Autodesk Fusion, HSMWorks, and InventorCAM covering adoption, implementation, training, and ongoing support packages (including Post Processor customization).
https://www.jitcadcam.com/
2023 World Championship of 3D CAD Speedmodeling Tournament
Need a computer designed to fit your CAD needs? Our friends at Solidbox can help you! They offer products that are optimized for CAD users, including desktops, laptops, and peripherals. In addition to products offered, Solidbox can assist with project-based training to help engineers and designers learn new programs and explore new functionality while working on their projects.
https://www.mysolidbox.com
3D Creates the Future - we're pushing 3D scanning technology forward to make it available for everyone because we believe access will inspire the innovators of tomorrow.
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Founded in 1997, Alibre has delivered professional, affordable CAD solutions for business, education, and hobby for 22 years. Alibre and its worldwide partner network power customers in 129 countries and every industry vertical.
https://www.alibre.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/JokoEngineeringhelp
Model Monday Live!
PUBLISHED
Vicki | Feb. 4, 2025, 8:12 a.m.
Model Monday LIVE
...is a weekly livestream hosted by TooTallToby where the CHAT is challenged to create a 3D model,
LIVE, to see WHO IS THE FASTEST IN THE CHAT!
TooTallToby shares a 2D Print on the YouTube livestream, and the audience tries to:
1. Create an accurate 3D model from this 2D print
2. Apply the correct material and material density
3. Calculate the mass of this 3D model
4. Enter the correct mass into the livestream CHAT
The first person to get it correct wins the point!
2025 Leaderboard
2024 Leaderboard
Monday Morning Update - Feb 3
PUBLISHED
TooTallToby | Feb. 3, 2025, 8:59 a.m.
We had a busy weekend!
On Friday Jan 31, we got to see the EPIC CONCLUSION the Le Grande High School CAD vs CAD tournament! The finals featured SMILEY on the left and MR FANCYPANTS on the right! In the second match it looked like SMILEY was gonna win a point and tie up the series, but he left his sketches UNDER DEFINED and ultimately calculated the incorrect mass, twice. This opened the door for MR FANCYPANTS to take his time, create all the required geometry, and complete the TRACTOR BRACKET, securing the win and becoming our first ever HIGH SCHOOL CAD vs CAD champion!!
On Saturday Feb 01 we rolled out our new COMMUNITY TUTORIALS functionality in BETA. This tool will allow users to create their own tutorials for TooTallToby challenges, host them on youtube, and have them displayed here on TooTallToby.com under each challenge. Here we can see one posted by RichPenn under the 25-01-14 Challenge!
I'm looking forward to the time when each challenge has tutorial for Onshape, FreeCAD, Fusion, SolidWorks, Alibre, Inventor, IronCAD, Build123d, and every other CAD system!!
Yesterday, On Sunday Feb 02, we released our first ever 2 PART Practice Models challenge to be 3D Printed and Assembled!!
This 2 part challenge is available for PRACTICE MODELS PREMIUM users and it represents a case to hold guitar picks.
I printed some out in Red, White, and Black - and they came out awesome!!
I'm looking forward to seeing what colors some of our Practice Models Premium users decide to go with!!
This week:
- We're gonna continue developing for the Tutorials Board
- We're starting to add SPEEDMODELING boards for each practice models challenges
- Model Monday Live today
- SolidWorks Sheet Metal Videos on youtube
- Toby as a guest on a couple of Podcasts!
- More Practice Models Tutorials Videos from Toby
Looks like a fun week!
- Toby
Read More →2025 Teen Tournament
PUBLISHED
Vicki | Jan. 16, 2025, 10:55 a.m.
View Livestream: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMIhOgu1Y5cAU-coYwSFs8yBofXW8k9e&feature=shared
PRIZES:
1st Place: 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless, Keyboard Pro w/ Numpad & Spacemouse Compact + $100 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Place: 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless & Keyboard Pro w/ Numpad + $50 Amazon Gift Card
3rd Place: 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless & Keyboard Pro w/ Numpad + $25 Amazon Gift Card
4th Place: 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless & Keyboard Pro w/ Numpad +25 Amazon Gift Card
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
CAD-TO-GO: Quick Onshape Tips Anywhere, Anytime
https://www.youtube.com/@MesaMakes
https://www.instagram.com/5cornersdigitalbillboard/
Need a computer designed to fit your CAD needs? Our friends at Solidbox can help you! They offer products that are optimized for CAD users, including desktops, laptops, and peripherals. In addition to products offered, Solidbox can assist with project-based training to help engineers and designers learn new programs and explore new functionality while working on their projects.
https://www.mysolidbox.com
3Dconnexion designs powerful, research-based ergonomic hardware and smart, easy-to-use software that combine seamlessly to make working in the world’s most popular CAD applications and 3D environments fast, comfortable and fun.
https://3dconnexion.com/
Delicious, Nutritous, Plentiful
We Battle Breakdowns, One Monster at a Time
Will Onshape Make It Into The Finals?
PUBLISHED
AircraftJunkie | Oct. 24, 2023, 4:06 p.m.
The first 2 matches of the ELITE 8 round were livestreamed on Saturday October 21st and O...M...G... were they EXCITING!
With Victor K. beating Joost, Ansys SpaceClaim was eliminated from the Tournament. Equally nail-biting was the match in which IVAN the REASONABLE beat GoldenSpamfish.
On Saturday October 28th the last matches before the LIVE FINALS event (with in-person studio audience) will see ArronC go head-to-head against Pranav:
And to determine if the FINALS will have any competing CAD systems, the match between Imants and Jehan Refaa will bring the ELITE 8 to a close and set up the runners for the FINALS on November 11th:
Will Onshape make an appearance in the finals, or will Solidworks be assured each of the top 4 places in Too Tall Toby's 2023 World Championship of 3D CAD Speedmodeling? Join us to find out, Livestreaming on Saturday October 28th at 15:00 GMT.
Read More →Toby's Position On Solidworks Contour Select
PUBLISHED
AircraftJunkie | Oct. 24, 2023, 3:33 p.m.
Contour select has evolved a lot in SW, and so my position on it has evolved as well. I used to be a lot more cautious about using it, but now I'm pretty confident in it's functionality and find myself using it more and more often, for production work.
It's great to be able to layout a bunch of useful elements of the design, all in 1 sketch.
The one thing to avoid is making a sketch TOO COMPLICATED. The "keep your sketches simple" mantra should always be remembered, and is especially important for newer users.
Overly complicated sketches are both a nightmare to troubleshoot, and can cause a significant performance hit to SolidWorks, because of how sketch solving works (specificially with regards to endpoint merging).
So, in summary, if there are several features that make sense to be "designed together" because of dependencies, I have no problem suggesting the use of contour selection and shared sketches. But if there's no clear reason/benefit, then making simple sketches, "one for each feature" is probably a sound strategy.
Read More →Counting Down... The Elite 8
PUBLISHED
AircraftJunkie | Oct. 17, 2023, 11:49 a.m.
The Livestream on Saturday October 21st at 15:00 GMT is going to be EPIC!
Four competitors will be whittled down to two who will be heading off to the Finals on November 11th.
The winner of the Black Bracket will be decided as GoldenSpamish battles IVAN the REASONABLE:
For the Blue Bracket, JOOST will face off against Victor K.:
Don't miss out, join us live on YouTube on Saturday October 21st 2023 at 15:00 GMT.
Read More →