EPS & Polyethelene Surfboard Research

[Spearz]

I'm searching for a machine to shape my surfboards and to cut out surfboard blanks for other shapers. The problem is that the machines out there are from $65K up to $130K. They are basically 3 or 4 axis cnc routers. But, the software is unique with each manufacturer.

I am trying to see if I can build the machine myself and either use 3-d modeling software that is on the market, or get someone to help me and program software specifically for this.

Here is what I've found:
AKU Shaper
http://www.aps3000.com/
This is one of the two top machines on the market. It's software is available for free as a download to test out. This one is about $65K

3DM Surfboard Shaping Machine
http://www.surfboardshapingmachine.com/index.htm
This is the "rolls royce" in the surf industry right now. Price tag is about $115K.

Shape3d Surfboard Software
http://www.shape3d.com/index.htm
This is a software program out of france that claims will work with any cnc machine.

If anyone can help me figure out how to build one of these machines myself, I would greatly appreciate it.

[svenakela]

Hi Spearz!

I believe that if you're shaping your own boards you are capable of building your own machine. It can be really light weight and that makes it easy to build, for example aluminium extrusions will be enough for the frame. And for half or the third of the money of those machines you can go for top notch guide lines and high precision ball screws.

When it comes to shaping boards, I'm really up for talking!

Regards,
Sven

[Spearz]

Thanks for the feedback Sven!

I've been shaping for quite a while. Currently Expanded Polystyrene and Polyethelene. I would also like to be able to shape balsa wood boards.

The machine would need to be able to shape a board up to 12' in length and about 4' in width. This will allow for larger paddleboards and stand up paddleboards.

I would also like to try to incorporate a way to cut my own eps blanks. Possibly with a hotwire. I notice some folks discussing this in other threads.

My main concerns are in the machines accuracy and the softwares ease of use. The machines must finish the board so there is almost no manual work left prior to glassing it. The software has got to be easy enough that I don't have to spend hours programming each board into the computer. Most boards are going to be custom. So, I need to be able to work quick.

This is a really good software on the market. http://www.shape3d.com/try-buy.htm. But, it's 4,000 Euros. But, building my own machine and using this software might be better than spending 65,000 USD.

The problem is, I don't know where to start. THis would be the first machine I've built.

Your feedback and help is much appreciated.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Spearz I am trying to see if I can build the machine myself and either use 3-d modeling software that is on the market, or get someone to help me and program software specifically for this.

Spend some time reading the DIY routers forum here to get a better understanding of how to go about building a machine.

As for software, if you can model your boards in a CAD program, you can get software to create g-code for a few hundred $$

www.meshcam.com
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c3d_index.htm

[Spearz]

Thanks Gerry,

Great info. I will definitely keep these in mind. And, I will spend some time in the forum you suggested.

[Spearz]

Is it possible to custom build software for my machine like the shape3d software for the 3dm machine here? http://www.surfboardshapingmachine.c...e_features.htm

[svenakela]

You don't have to get a customized software, there are a bunch of systems out there and they all read G-code (CNC controlling scripts). They claim at their website that they can export the milling paths as G-code. You just need to get the machine.

Try to scan through this forum for building logs, for example start at the DIY-CNC Router forum

Regards,
Sven

[ger21]

A lot of CAD programs have VBA or scripting support. Those would allow you to possibly write some custom tools for surfboard design, but as Sven said, there's no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to CAM software.