Creating Moulds - Hands Off !

A friend of mine told me a simple method to make a good mould, as we do ourselves nowadays. We've changed our design structure and started to cut as much wooden sections CNC(laser) as is possible. We place all sections in the same height position as we have designed. And then starting to build our mould from outside in. This saves the time to build a positive model. But it's an idea and I am not sure if it works for you.

 

Ok, so the obvious next question....

What if I want a very precise male mould? - is this just what you guys also call a plug?

Is it best to do it by hand.. or is a cnc type deal here ok?

Thanks.

 

after thinking about it, Plug questions was silly question i think....

 

We cut CNC female plywood sections. (as many as possible) Build the whole construction. Make sure it is all at the same level (offset from floor). Then apply wooden strips. You're building a boat inside out. Sand it with P80-120. Apply epoxy. Apply filler (rough and fine) and smooth the surface as it should be. Apply epoxy(colour). Then strengthen the outside of the mould with fibreglass and epoxy resin. Let the construction cure at least for 1 week.

In our experience we calculate with a hull offset of 200microns for the design of the cnc cut sections.

 

guys... been researching more and there are some people with CNC machines that can make direct female moulds.

Prices seem reasonable... quotes of 110 per square foot.... for soft mould - reckon 1-15 boats out of it... made of some sort of foam and woods and other stuff....

only prob is max temp is 80C..

 

Anyone using C-Flex rather than using a full mold? How's it work for ya?