Making Lures with a Homemade CNC machine

[LaPala]

I have a question guys. What is the easier/better software to use to draw those 3D shapes for CNCing. Still lookinng for a solution to this end as drawing then optimising the tool path and the conversion to g-code been my biggest headache.

[BigR]

How many baits per hour can you cut with the CNC?

[BC_CARVER]

Anyone have any pictures of baits made from the CNC?

[michael merrill]

I have read this thread a few different times in the past, but because of it's age, hesitated in prompting any further discussion.I am a professional custom woodworker who has experience with multiple axis cnc equipment.It has been my experience that cnc is the way to go if the product volume warrants the initial set-up cost in materials and labor.This will obviously vary greatly, depending on the equipment and software purchased.I personally dont think that any "off the shelf " machinery suits my needs with an alphabet style body, unless it is spindle based like a lathe.You could, however, reproduce a true flatsided lure very, very efficiently with the equipment that I am familiar with. Without milling completely through the sheet stock,it is common in the industry to produce high numbers of small pieces nested together with little waste, to later use a small trim router with a 1/4" bearing or pilot bit to seperate.One would have to be very familiar with the software to write this type of program.For an alphabet style, it is possible to engineer a spindle type set up where slave spindles would follow a template guided master spindle.The major problems would be deflection in the master spindle,and the under support of all the spindles during milling operations.All of those fixes are possible with time and understanding. Does any one here have any pictures of this type of production?