Hi,
I´m new here. But am competent in 3D CAD and use 3D printers and professional model makers in my profession as Industrial Designer.
On the side, i build custom kite surfboards to order. Right now i shape the boards in a CAD program called Akushaper and get the blanks shaped on a Akushaper machine in the UK and shipped to me in Sweden.
So i am interested in figuring out a way to shape light foam into surfboard shape. I was thinking i could use a Handibot that has long Y axis and move it along the foam blank. Boards are generally 5´4" x 19" . so i would start with a block of foam and mill each side. But am interested in being able to do even larger and smaller shapes.
There are also many other possibilities to make boards with CNC other ways if it is possible to do this.
In addition, i am starting to make Hydrofoil parts that consist of wings, fuselage, and struts in sizes that might fit into the long axis Y machine with no or limited movements. Here i would be interested in making the forms in MDF and molding parts in Carbon composites.
Or i might mill parts directly out of so-called G-10 glass fiber materials
I have also been looking at the ShopBot Buddy BT32 with Power Stick- this is a big stretch budget wize. But actually looks like what i need.
But seeing the Handibot with the extended Y and ability to index, is more realistic for my budget.
I´d appreciate any advice on machine choice.