CNC used for making parts for ship parts building?

[YankeeD]

I wonderred if not more people used a CNC machine for making model ship parts?

 

And if it is not worthwhile to make a seperate forum for this like 3D and CAD.

This to share experiences, plans, drawings etc....

 

I do use it quite regularly. My set up:

 

Sainsmart prover XL 3040

Vectric aspire 11

 

Hans.

[VTHokiEE]

I’ve been eying a CNC for quite some time now, but have been hesitant to pick one up (mainly because I don’t know if ky expectations are in line with what I’m willing to spend). I would love to hear what people are using;

 

I’m also very curious if anyone can point out tips or tutorials for using flip jigs and double sided milling. I’m not certain I want to develop the skills needed to turn various columns and similar. Originally I was looking at 4-axis machines but I’m not ready for that investment and I think a flip jig would solve it.

 

How do you like the prover XL?

[YankeeD]

I like the prover very much. For the money its absolutely giving value. I started with the 3018 but found that too 'lightweight' and sold it off to buy the 3040.

 

I use flip over technique. so I design two sided and turn the piece on the table. Easy, once you know how to do this.

 

Just some random pics to show you.

 

[Riotvan88]

On 10/19/2022 at 9:44 AM, YankeeD said:

I wonderred if not more people used a CNC machine for making model ship parts?

 

And if it is not worthwhile to make a seperate forum for this like 3D and CAD.

This to share experiences, plans, drawings etc....

 

I do use it quite regularly. My set up:

 

Sainsmart prover XL 3040

Vectric aspire 11

 

Hans.

I've been using a 3D printer to produce detail parts in PLA. I guess of you want metal part then CNC is the way to go

[YankeeD]

I only done wood. Never done metal sofar.

[YankeeD]

I thought about 3D printer before but got told that smaller details tend to vanish... I mean details around 0.1mm and up.

As resolution of home 3D printers are not that good.

[Cleat]

I’m learning the Sain Smart 3018-PROVer CNC machine, I intend to use it for engraving wood.  For my riverboat project I’ll use the router configuration to make a sign with the name of the boat.  I picked it because it can be ordered with a laser and a router.  I wanted a small machine with lead screws and the Prover can be upgraded if my needs change.  

I’m also learning QCADCAM to create .DXF files (drawing) and .NC files (G-code).  I made a simple icon drawing (in mm) and created both types of files.

 

To test the laser configuration, I imported the .DXF file into Lightburn.  Lightburn converts the drawing into G-code and controls the CNC machine to reproduce the drawing in wood.  After some experimentation I was successful.  You can create drawings in Lightburn or import drawing files (Lightburn is excellent for lasers).  

 

To test the router configuration, I used the G-code file (.NC) with control software to operate the CNC machine to etch the drawing in wood. And it worked - although it took me a week of frustration (from learning the software & making mistakes) to get the different software to work together.  I tried several open-source machine control software; Candle (came with Prover), USG, and OpenBuilds Control.  They all work but I think they prefer files with metric dimensions. 

 

I’m happy to see that everything works.  But I now realize I will need to perform a bunch of tests and do some configuration tasks.  I also have to look into dealing with wood smoke from the laser and vacuuming dust from the router (I hadn’t thought about that until I used it).

[thibaultron]

For fine detail, you need a resin 3D printer. I have a 4K resolution one, and I'm presently printing passenger car sides in HO (1/87.1), with well defined scale 1" hemispherical rivet heads and 1/4" layers between steel side and trim.