[Sticky] Introduce yourself here.

Hello to you all.

I’ve been aeromodelling for many years (with what might be termed the ‘usual’ break for career, etc.) since my dad got me into the hobby, by buying me a Keil Kraft ‘Senator’ from the local model shop (when there still were such things) when I was probably around 11 ~ 12 years old.

I’ve mostly built control line sport models but, in the last couple of years, I have built a couple of ‘Classic A1’ gliders and a P30 rubber model. I also have a 1/2A free flight competition power model currently on my building board.  I build what brings me pleasure. 🙂 

As regards CAD, laser cutting, 3D printing, etc., age is probably not on my side. 🙂

I’ve been looking at the BMFA’s ‘In the Air Tonight’ webinairs regarding CAD and recently downloaded a ‘hobbyist’ copy of Autodesk’s Fusion 360 CAD software. I’ve also had a look at some of the Fusion 360 videos on YouTube and tried to emulate what I have been seeing.

The aspect of the technology that most interests me is the laser cutting of parts. I don’t presently think that I would have much use for 3D printing - although that could well be because I am not aware of all of the possibilities that it could open up. 🙂 

I don’t currently envisage any possibility of having personal laser cutting/3D printing hardware – I have neither the space at home or, frankly, the money (and I know that the costs are falling) to do so. My access to such equipment is most likely to be through a local ‘Hackspace’.

Cheers

Jeremy Wilkins

@jeremy-wilkins welcome 

there are companies who will do the cutting for you either direct from plans or from your CAD files. I find all the new technology interesting and it does open up new possibilities. 

have fun 

Jono

@jono /Jonathan Robertson

Thanks very much for the welcome. 🙂 

Companies cutting from your own CAD files is something that I have definitely come across previously - but I'm not sure that I've known about cutting direct from plans.  Have you got any names/links for companies that offer the latter service?

I know that there is a least one seller on eBay offering laser cut rib sets - but he does not offer a bespoke cutting service.

Obviously, companies will charge for providing their service.

From what I understand about Hackspaces, users provide a financial contribution, based upon their usage of the facilities.  Thus, some sort of honesty system, but moderated by the ability of other users to place 'pressure' (possibly the wrong word 😉) on a user who it is felt is not contributing at a level commensurate with their usage of the facilities.

Like you, I am interested to explore the opportunities provided by the developing technology. 🙂 

Cheers

Jeremy Wilkins

@jeremy-wilkins try Slec they include a CAD drawing service 

I have had parts cut from outerzone plans by Philip at  cloud models  he did me a mini bird and a QB10L 

good luck 

@jono/Jonathan

Thanks very much for the further reply and information. Very useful to know.  I know SLEC of old for balsa, etc. - but Cloud Models is a new one on me.

The Cloud Models website is quite basic, isn't it - I'm not sure how you would know from the site that he does bespoke cutting.

The website for the eBay seller which I referred to above makes it quite clear that he does not do bespoke cutting - but you can 'add your request to his bottomless cutting list'. 😉

Cheers

Jeremy Wilkins