FoamStream...

[GPW]

Yes, It would certainly save a lot of time and be dead accurate too ... making assembly easy and True ... and then those files would still be stored away just in case we (or someone else) might want to build another one .

[atahoekid]

Yes, It would certainly save a lot of time and be dead accurate too ... making assembly easy and True ... and then those files would still be stored away just in case we (or someone else) might want to build another one .

That would be a great thing. One of the things that annoyed me during the Road Foamie build was parts that don't quite match. I was careful during cutout but you can only be so accurate when you don't have technology on your side. CNC'd parts would make assembly a breeze. I guess if I had paid attention during machine shop in high school, I coulda been a machinist and have access to these machines

[GPW]

Mel. from what I’ve seen , there’s a Lot of software drawing to be done ... That’s the tricky part ... once that’s done , the rest is done by the machine ... learning the drawing program seems a bit difficult/complicated ... for me anyway ... Rhino ...

[mikeschn]

Don't feel bad. I couldn't learn Rhino either. There are other solid modelers that are easier to learn.

I hope you can do some of that work on a CNC machine!

Mike...

[GPW]

Mike, I’m going over to his place tomorrow , and will present my humble drawing and see what he can do ... I’m thinking he has some way to “nest” these parts so I can basically use as few sheets of ply as possible ... Thinking / Wishing/ Hoping the plywood used Inside the trailer won’t have any problems as when used on the outside ..
Considering using 1/2” ply , just 5 Formers , and once the stringers are attached , it will be pretty rigid , foam curved over that and a skin ... it just HAS to be Strong eh ! ... Just half a 12’ cylinder mounted on a short box... Probably look like a submarine inside ... Standy though ...in the middle anyway ...


BTW , How’s your Foamie coming along ??? I’m sure we ALL want to know

[atahoekid]

Mel. from what I’ve seen , there’s a Lot of software drawing to be done ... That’s the tricky part ... once that’s done , the rest is done by the machine ... learning the drawing program seems a bit difficult/complicated ... for me anyway ... Rhino ...

Back when I was in high school CNC' machines were still pretty primitive. You had to do your programming (x and y axis) and it came out on a paper tape with holes punched in it. you had to feed that to the machine.
That was for the more advanced guys. I only took a semester of basic machine shop and that was enough for me.
I know you can do more than that now but Im still a pencil and paper drawing kinda guy. Learned that in high school too.

[GPW]

Mel, same here... pencil and paper and “hair on a stick” guy , I’ve seen that Rhino program , and it’s a LOT to comprehend ... maybe they should award you a degree if you figure it out ...
I’ll just let my buddy sort it , he’s got 2 years of experience with it and still it’s difficult ...

[GPW]

Went to Vinnie’s today , showed him the drawing , and he said HE’S GOING TO DO IT !!! Yippee !!!
The biggest stumbling block to the Foamstream has been solved .... and he even said he could easily nest the parts , AND put puzzle joiners in it too ...

[eaglesdare]

[mikeschn]

Went to Vinnie’s today , showed him the drawing , and he said HE’S GOING TO DO IT !!! Yippee !!!
The biggest stumbling block to the Foamstream has been solved .... and he even said he could easily nest the parts , AND put puzzle joiners in it too ...

Woo hoo!

Will he let you take pictures while he works?

Mike...

[GPW]

Pictures ? Sure !!! I’m going to be there when he cuts them out ... May be able to do a Video .... Funny , he was asking whether I wanted just round holes, or geometric shapes , or something else , seems most anything is possible He asked what the holes are for , I said not only for lightening , but you can hang lanterns, cargo nets , or your clothes on them ... He thought that was Cool !!! Also asked what thickness I wanted , he said 3/4” ply was no problem , but I think 1/2” would suffice ... I explained once the whole structure was assembled , covered and skinned , it would be Strong .... He agreed ... I asked if he could possibly do other rib sets for others , he replied , the program would be saved, so that’s possible too ... getting exciting now ...

It also might be possible to do the foam kerfing on the machine too , but i didn’t want to press my Luck ... Yet ...
Machine made foamie trailers ... what’s next ?

[Wobbly Wheels]

Excellent!
If it's anything like the experience I had with the formers, you'll be blown away by how fast it goes together...and every one exactly the same!

[GPW]

W2, That’s exactly what I’m hoping for ... Years ago when model kits came Laser cut , it was Amazing how quick and accurate assembly was...
Now I’ve completely abandoned the Low Wider idea , and am going for “the Big one “ ... rib problem solved...

Guess i’d better start working on my submarine commanders hat , so i’ll look the part too ...

[GPW]

just got an e-mail from Vinnie ... he wondered if I wanted any changes or additions to the formers to accommodate shelving or cabinets ... Whoa , I never thought of that ... I told him to feel free to interject any of his ideas too ... He’s a really Talented guy , makes Fabulous guitars , and is also a classically trained sculptor ... Does all the public memorials , big bronze eagles and stuff like that ... Nice to have such a creative guy aboard on this ... Never know , this may turn into something really Cool ... the wife might even like it ... ...

[wagondude]

You just stumbled into quite the income opportunity. Imagine offering up a pre cut you build camper kit. Just send out the cut parts with the instructions and a materials list for the basic shell. The builder then could outfit the cabin to fit their needs. The modular nature of the kit would also allow placement of the door pretty much anywhere along the length.