Live on Microsoft Teams
Work directly with me remotely. With participant consent, sessions are recorded so you can revisit the explanations and steps afterwards.
JOHN BLAND CAD · TRAINING & CONSULTANCY
Learn CAD.
Put it to work.
Practical Rhino tuition, built around the work you want to produce.
I bring 45 years of marine-canvas experience to the lessons. We can work on preparing measuring data, creating clean surfaces, developing patterns and designing framework—not just learning where the buttons are.
STUDENT WORK
What students are making.
Real projects by people I’ve helped with CAD. Select a photo to explore their work.
TRAINING THAT FITS YOUR WORK
Start where you are.
Whether you are getting started or improving an established workflow, tell me what you want to achieve. We can agree the subjects and session plan before you book.
In-person tuition
Prefer to work together in person? Contact me to discuss the location, practical requirements and availability.
From measurements to manufacture
Develop your skills in preparing measuring data, building surfaces that unroll accurately, developing canvas patterns and designing framework.
Consultancy for your workflow
Discuss a specific CAD problem or the way your business works. We can identify where guidance would be most useful and agree the scope together.
MEASURING, SCANNING & RHINO
From captured data
to practical CAD.
Learn to capture, process and use measuring data for boat covers, sprayhoods, biminis, enclosures and upholstery.
Photogrammetry
Plan your photographs, process the images and bring a correctly scaled model into your CAD workflow.
Proliner & Leica data
Import and organise Proliner or Leica iCON iCS50 measuring data, check units and alignment, and prepare useful reference geometry.
Point clouds & meshes
Clean and organise point clouds, process meshes and use them as references for your design.
Curves, surfaces & patterns
Build curves and surfaces from the captured data, then develop panels and patterns for the workshop.
Unsure which route to take? An initial paid consultancy session can include a review of your sample data and current process, helping you choose methods and equipment that suit your work, budget and skills.
Ask about an initial paid consultation →FROM JOHN'S CAD WORK
See the skills in context.
Work with shape, surface construction and panel layout using examples from marine canvas design. We agree the tuition around your current skills and the work you want to tackle.
Design by John Bland at Tecsew.
WATCH THE WORKFLOW
From frame geometry to a practical pattern.
A 30-second Rhino demonstration: from sprayhood geometry to frame pattern.
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Rhino CAD workflow · Tecsew.
Discuss the CAD skills you want to develop →JOHN'S PORTFOLIO · JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 440 · REF 8574
Connect the CAD to the craft.
Compare the sprayhood CAD design with the finished installation on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440. Understanding that relationship is a useful starting point for learning how to work with shape, fit and existing fittings in CAD.
Design by John Bland at Tecsew.
Discuss what you would like to learn →CLEAR RATES
Book the time you need.
£200 per hour. No VAT is charged.
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
Two hours or more
£400 minimum booking
Two-hour minimum at £200 per hour. Agree the topics and time with me before booking.
COURSES & BLOCKS
From 16 hours
£3,200 for 16 hours
Courses or blocks can be booked from 16 hours upwards, at £200 per hour. We’ll agree how the hours are scheduled.
Looking into training funding? Many of my past students have successfully obtained grant funding towards part of their costs. Ask your local business-support provider about current schemes and eligibility.
Prices in GBP. Rhino licences and software subscriptions are separate. Booking terms.
FROM STUDENTS
What tuition has meant
for their work.
What students say about working with John.
Testimonial 1 of 7
STUDENT STORY · FRANK M, USA
From a ten-year computer break to complex marine projects.
“A year and a few months later, I feel confident tackling any cover project that comes my way.”
Read Frank’s full story
“Two years ago, I decided to explore 3D technology for my business. I began looking at equipment and taking lessons, but everyone I spoke to kept saying, ‘Call John.’ Boy, am I glad I did.
“We talked for a good half-hour, and John laid out a plan for me to learn scanning and CAD. We started with computer skills and Rhino—it had been ten years since I’d worked on a computer.
“From there, we progressed to Polycam and Rhino, then FARO and Rhino, and finally Leo and Rhino. Each stage built on what I’d learned before.
“A year and a few months later, I feel confident tackling any cover project that comes my way. John has even featured some of my work on his Facebook page.
“In the last two months, I’ve completed three Ocean Yachts hard-glass, track-to-track projects. Today, I scanned a 48-foot Egg Harbor for another. Next, John plans to teach me how to integrate FARO with Leo.
“If you’re thinking about getting into 3D scanning, call John Bland. You’ll be glad you did.”
Work by Frank M, USA
STUDENT WORK · AJ CANOPIES
From the workshop.
Work and photographs by Kallum at AJ Canopies.
STUDENT WORK · LION SAILS
From sailmaking to boat canvas.
Sam came from a sailmaking background and was new to boat canvas. Explore his sprayhoods and cockpit enclosures in a range of colours, with a view from inside the cockpit too.
Work by Sam, Lion Sails.
TALK DIRECTLY TO JOHN
What would you like
to achieve?
Tell me about your current experience, the work you want to produce and whether you prefer Teams or in-person tuition. We can work out a suitable starting point.
Discuss tuition with John Explore Bimini & Frame Designer →