Cutting frames using a CNC Router

Big Rig · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 3:56 am

Does anyone have the ability or know someone with the ability to cut frames from the Glen-L plans using a CNC Router? If so you can send me the details in a PM along with contact information.

DaveLott · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:46 am

Big Rig - There have been a few plans that have been converted to digital for CNC work on the frames. But not many.

It takes a lot of time to manually convert the paper drawings. Most find it faster to simply cut one frame by hand, shape it and use it for the template for the mirror frame piece.

What boat are you planning to build and maybe someone has already taken the time to convert the plans?

Big Rig · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:15 am

Thanks for your reply Dave. I am building the Double Eagle. The problem is that winter is approaching and I am affraid that if I take the time to cut the frames manually, by the time I am done, it will be too cold to glue them up. I don't want to wait until the spring to glue the frames. I have a propane heater in my garage, but I am affraid that it won't get the area warm enough for the epoxy to cure correctly.

DaveLott · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 6:28 am

I was able to cut and assemble frames for the Riviera in less than 2 weeks. Use fast setting epoxy and keep the components in a sink of warm water before you mix them. Make small batches and WORK FAST. It will set like NOW.

Let's see if someone has converted the plans to digital for a CNC cut on that model. Don't wait long for an answer.

Good luck

dave

Corey Glynn · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:06 am

We looked at cutting frames using cnc and went as far as having the shapes digitized. It took a fulltime draftsman a couple of weeks to do the work. If we had to pay him, it would have cost a fortune

Cutting dimensional lumber with cnc also poses a problem. The best scenario for cnc is cut many shapes from a large piece of material (plywood for example). Cutting frame members from dimensional boards means that each board has to be positioned individually.

In comparison, two of us blitzed the frames on a cheap bandsaw, used one member as the template to cut its mirror on a router table. One of us glued up the frames while the other finished cutting and they were done in 2 days.

If I do it again, I'll skip to cnc/digitization bit

NMMARENG · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:15 am

CNC cutting is generally used for plywood components much like they do for steel plate in shipbuilding.. Frames could be layed out and cut via CNC from plywood and then laminated although it might result in a lot of waste material and added cost.

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=plasma+b ... 9,r:3,s:40

Iggy · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:40 am

Just something to think about, you can cut the frames and prep them in the shop/outdoors... can you epoxy and leave them indoors to set overnight? After that you can handle them an stack them up against a wall somewhere out of the way for a couple days to let the epoxy fully cure.

frog4 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:59 am

Big Rig wrote:

Thanks for your reply Dave. I am building the Double Eagle. The problem is that winter is approaching and I am affraid that if I take the time to cut the frames manually, by the time I am done, it will be too cold to glue them up. I don't want to wait until the spring to glue the frames. I have a propane heater in my garage, but I am affraid that it won't get the area warm enough for the epoxy to cure correctly.

Big Rig,
give me a few, I'm checking with SWMBO, she works for a CNC Co that builds them. Checking their customer database for customers in your area that have systems large enough to cut them for you ... please stand by :wink:

frog4 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:22 am

She reports that they do not have anyone close to your location. Doesn't mean that their competition doesn't.
I would check sign, trophy and cabinet shops in your area FIRST.

this is an OLD list found in a quick google search:

Drafting & Design by Mikhail
Bloomfield, 07003, NJ

West Hudson Lumber & Millwork Co. Inc.
Kearny, 07032, NJ

CrossXcut cabinetmakers
Paterson, 07501, NJ

Salon Interiors
South Hacklensack, 07606, NJ

Timbur LLC
Atlantic Highlands, 07716, NJ

Tea & Elle Woodworks L.L.C.
Farmingdale, 07727, NJ

Classic Concepts Ltd, Inc.
Belvidere, 07823, NJ

Taylor Made Custom Cabinetry
Palmyra, 08065, NJ

BOSSEN ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK
CINNAMINSON, 08077, NJ

P.J. Reinhard & Sons Inc.
Egg Harbor Township, 08234, NJ

Fine Creations Works in Wood
Manasquan, 08736, NJ

Big Rig · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:02 am

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I am not familar with CNC machines so I did not know how difficult it would be. I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and cut them by hand.
Thanks anyway.

Corey Glynn · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:37 pm

Sorry Big Rig, don't want to leave you with the wrong impression - its what we wanted to do as well and would be slick as hell if the plans were already digitized and you could find someone who was familiar with the job (ie cutting dimensional lumber on a CNC bed).

NMMARENG · **Posted:** Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:53 pm

This fellow can do it but he is in Maine. He takes the plans and devlops the CNC data however it isn't cheap or as the japanese prefer to say "inexpensive"

http://cncroutinganddesign.com/index.html

Lurvio · **Posted:** Wed Nov 16, 2011 1:54 pm

I'd like to shed some light on the world of NC-machines as i have three years worth of experience with them from my Artisan studies. Of course the machines differ a bit as does the computer programs used with them, but when you stay with two dimensions (making frame parts or flat frames) the programming is usually pretty straight forward.

Basically you mark the X- and Y-axis (datum) lines on the drawing, then measure points according to the datums and transfer them to the program. For a frame, you draw one side and then mirror to get the other side. To gain the most from NC, it'd be best to machine the full frame, ie. assembling a frame with excess material beforehand. I remember seeing someone do this before on the customer photos.

As for digitalizing a boat plan, in two weeks anyone worth his dime with CAD can draw the full boat all the way to engine parts. That is rarely needed with these things, an hour per frame sounds more reasonable. IMHO cutting slots for longitudals, limbers etc. at this point is not reasonable as they are rarely straight and play a smaller part in the accuracy of the boat.

cheers
Lurvio

Ps. Just bought the plans for Crackerbox and Gentry, couldn't make up my mind so bought both.

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Cutting frames using a CNC Router

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