CNC plans

[mick folan]

Does anyone use a cnc router to cut out boat parts and if so would they be willing to post them on here as dxf files?

[paladin]

What specifically are you looking for? I've drawn a few boats and when having the offsets checked on the computer made cnc files for the frames, etc including the rolling bevels. Each set of files are for a specific boat and are a part of the plans. I think in most instances an architect will charge extra for such files and would be loath to release them without plans sales.

[kc8pql]

I think in most instances an architect will charge extra for such files and would be loath to release them without plans sales.

And I think a builder who released them would be violating the designers copyright

[John Meachen]

Lots of production builders use cnc routers to cut parts.Would you like to enlarge on the original request so that we might gain a greater understanding of your requirements?

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

If the plans producers offer CNC cut kits they are certainly NOT going to give out the CNC program.
If the plans producers don't offer CNC kits they possibly have no need for the program that produces a CNC file.

[mick folan]

Chuck nowadays a programme called Corel Trace would simply trace any plan or bitmap picture of a plan and export as a dxf file to a cnc programme such as the one I have , AlphaCam and with the touch of a button scale up to the required size, so in effect there is no such thing as exclusive CNC programmes anymore.

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

That fine, Mick, but it doesn't negate what I said.
In addition, when a designer sells a set of plans there is a license included to build only one boat from them unless other arrangments are negotiated. If a designer converted his work to a CNC file he certainly would want a binding contract to get a portion of the profits from every router job the file produced.
They do still have binding contracts in Ireland don't they? And a desire to make a profit? And legal penalties for pirating intellectual property?

[Thorne]

Mick - This forum contains a number of amateurs like myself, but commercial designers also are members. So unlike many other internet sites with a more casual/piratical attitude, the rights of designers and proper use/resale of plans are well defended here.

But if you just wanted to find out if anyone had made files of certain types from free boat plans, or plans that they have developed themselves, that is a good question.

Try the search function to find some of the boat sketches / plans that have been posted here. If any strike your fancy, contact the "newbie" designers and see if they are interested in providing the types of files you'd need to produce CNC files.

I believe that Boylesboats and a few others have posted CAD-like images here for feedback and input...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p182/boylesboats/MySkiff_Linesplan.jpg
http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81002&highlight=design

[John Meachen]

I'm afraid that sort of screenshot won't be any use for cutting boat parts.You need the program to determine the developed shape of the panels.Intellectual property issues aside,the last time I was around Alphacam it wouldn't cope with splines.Most boat parts are defined by splines.

[mick folan]

John under geometries 'change splines to lines or arcs' takes care of any splines imported and to the other reply hinting that I might condone piracy let it be known that if he read my origional post correctly he would know that I didnt ask for files with a protected content.

[CoastalRower]

Hi Mick,

I have been using Vacanti Pro for design work and a simplified CAD program to tailor the dxf files for some of the boats I have built. In most cases I have worked with either a cabinet shop with a CNC router or more recently I had Tom Olsen at Olsen marine on Cape Cod cut a 19 foot whaleboat mold for me. There is a reasonable amount of work involved in developing the cutting files from the dxf files, but not unreasonable. If you are currently using your own cnc router you obviously are aware of this.

If in fact you are looking for dxf files of designs that can be cnc cut I would be interested as an amatuer in possibly providing some designs. I have built several pack boats, canoes, wherrys, the whaleboat, skiffs, and have several other designs complete. I spend much more time working on designs than on building and I am more than happy to share my work.