Cowl vents for model ships

[Spankbucket]

Hi all

I came across this site for the first time yesterday:

http://matthewsmodelmarine.wordpress.com/writings/matthews-cowl-vents-for-model-ships/

The author has made a 3D CAD model of a classic ships vent and made it available for 3D printing on the Shapeways site.

In principle you can scale it to any size (A range of standard sizes are already in place) and use the Shapeways service to produce the 3d object in a range of materials.

Unfortunately it doesn't come cheap but for the discerning builder who wants precision fittings it is an option worth looking at.

You may, of course, not like the basic CAD design.....

Cheers.....Bernie

[Talisman]

Hi Bernie,

Now please don't get me wrong on what i'm about to say... 3d printing has it's place and you can bet i'm hot on it's heels!
The problem (and without getting to techy) with the particular method of 3d printing used here is there are many layers used and in 'old pattern makers' terms there are many 'witness lines' left.. or in layman's terms it has a rough finish and still needs good old fashioned human intervention (soapy water & wet and dry)
There are better 3d printing soloutions but they cost .... I have an eye on the chinese guys

Regards
Kim

P.S. And at the risk of a self advert ... I sell 'smooth' vent tops at many different sizes.

[Spankbucket]

Hi Kim

No problem as I am not advocating this method just informing.

I think the 'roughness' issue you raise is acknowledged in the blurb...I read it a couple of days ago now!

The biggest problem for me was the shipping costs of the finished article from the Netherlands which would have exceeded the cost of the articles themselves. It made me think of EBay!!!

Where can I find your products listed Kim?....I was looking for only 4 for my 'Presto' project...23mm high, 9mm cowl diam, 5mm shaft diam.

Cheers........Bernie

[Talisman]

Hi Bernie,
Don't get me wrong. I think its great that people are exploring these technologies some may call it cheating but ignorance to technology is in part what killed ship building on the Clyde and even in my small venture my eyes are wide open to technology.

Regarding what i sell i am really to busy at the moment to overhaul my website but you can of course make direct contact via the website and help me avoid abusing this forum.

www.clydemodelboats.co.uk

Regards
Kim 

[Spankbucket]

OK Kim

Actually I'm  101% in favour of using modern technology to achieve objectives, I spent a lifetime in the computer industry so am fully sympathetic.

My CraftRobo is the nearest I have to a CAD driven cutter but I am finding it more and more useful for modelling. It's limit is the small thicknesses it will cut (It's really designed for paper/card).

I'll go to your link (which I think I have had bookmarked for a little while).

Cheers...Bernie