Do you always start a complex 3D part as a solid?

[indiancad]

For simple mechanical parts, starting with a 3D solid is usually straightforward.

But for parts with complex curved geometry, I sometimes find it cleaner to build the shape as surfaces first and then convert/thicken the result into a solid.

The advantage is that the surface geometry can be controlled independently before committing to the final solid form.

I’m curious how others approach this:

For complex curved parts, do you prefer a solid-first or surface-first workflow—and why?

[SLW210]

I normally start with a 2D shape, extrude, sweep, presspull. revolve, et al.

[ReMark]

23 hours ago, SLW210 said:

I normally start with a 2D shape, extrude, sweep, presspull. revolve, et al.

I followed this method as well.  I avoid using surfaces whenever possible due to problems (sometimes) with converting them to solids.