[ps2727]

My first foray into the world of CNC is this simple tank mold. I drew them up in Rhino and generated the G code in Visual Mill. My good friend Butch Sickels cut them on his CNC router in blue foam. One layer of glass, then filled and sanded out and mounted on a layer of 1/16 G-10 laminate to serve as plugs for producing female molds. The molds were made over the plugs in layered fiberglass and when separated we have matching mold halves. I've never had parts that would fit in either mold before. I think I'm gonna like this CNC thing!

Tanks measure 24 inches in length and were for napalm.
Paul

[harvard5]

very nice!!! how about some pic's of the plane!!

[ps2727]

Harvard,
Sorry I didn't build the plane - a buddy named Lee Rice did. I'll see if I can get some photos if you'd like.
Paul

[KissSys]

Opens the window to all kind of projects doesn't it.

I assume you considered making the mold in one step, what made you deside not to.

Steve

[ps2727]

Steve,
I did think about just cutting a mold into a block of suitable material but wanted to "keep it simple" for the first go 'round. Also, when I get around do doing large fuselages I'll probably machine the plug parts and build up the female mold. That way I can assemble a larger plug from CNC'd parts which would be cumbersome or impossible to do on the size machines I'll have access to. And one has to be diplomatic when borrowing time on a friend's machine.....
Paul

[KissSys]

If Butch gets busy and you really need to do something your welcome to try my machine.

Steve

[CNCRob]

Looks good, what kind of router bit did you guys use in the foam?

[ps2727]

We used a 1/2 inch end mill. As you can imagine it cuts like butter at high speed. Great for stuff like this where you will build up a finish on the foam.

[mcyr]

Did you use a commerical or DIY router?

Thanks,
Mike

[ps2727]

Mike,
It was done on a commercial router made by a small local builder. It's a stepper motor setup with a 4 X 8 foot table that my friend uses for his model building company.
Good to have friends who let you play with their toys.


Paul