How do I digitise some templates

[Evodyne]

You beat me to the punch-I was going to add a similar reply. Instead, maybe just some additional comments.

It might help to paint the templates a contrasting color (black against a white wall). You want ample, even lighting-avoid shadows.

If your templates are large, you may want to hang them on a wall-you want the camera as far back as possible to minimize parralax distortion. Maybe put some measured registation marks on the wall too (to scale against later). Use a good, high resolution digital camera and a tripod. Try to center the camera lens on the template.

If you don't have Corel or something similar, you can download conversion software-Google "raster vector conversion" and you will get several options.

If you try this, let us know how you make out. Good luck!

[lerman]

Take a look at http://www.indoor.flyer.co.uk/probe.htm

If you have a machine that is large enough to mill the part, it should be large enough to digitize the template. Software to run around the outside of the template should be pretty simple (if you're a programmer).

After you digitize it, import it into a CAD program to clean it up.

Ken

[bilyjimbob]

would it be easier to take some ruff measurements and draw the whole boat from scratch?

such as L W H then bulkhead placements, gussets, ect... then refer to templates for ruff curves.

I'm thinking you could measure the bulkheads then loft the hull.

[Egar Twins]

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