Hot Foam cutter for RC aircraft

**GeorgeD** · 12-08-2010

Hi Keith

I have this feelin that the width of this machine can be narrower unless I'm missin somethin that dictates it needs to be wide?

**rckeith** · 12-08-2010

Hi Irving2008

VC10 is built with 3 type of foam Depron which comes in various widths 3 and 6mm being the most popular. Its mainly used for underfloor heating insulation. XPS is the pink/orange looking foam and is similar to blue foam used a lot in RC flying. This stuff is mainly used for wall insulation and I get mine from B&Q. The wings are the usual polystyrene foam which acts as a core and strengthened with a spar ( carbon rod or spruce) and a balsa leading edge. its then covered in brown parcel paper which is glued on with thinned PVA, a bit like wall papering. Amazingly strong once dry.

Keith

**rckeith** · 18-01-2013

Hi Guys

Few more updates. I've added home/limit switches and run some test cuts. Its starting to become a bit easier now. Here's a link on my website CNC Config Mach3 and TB6560 with some sample cuts and setup.
I've documented the configuration so anyone else using the same set up can save a bit of time and head scratching.
The biggest learning curve I think is getting all the software to work, but I use Mach3 and profili2 which do good job. I'm also looking at InkScape as there is a gcode extension for it. Might use this to cut fuselages.

Keith

**rckeith** · 30-06-2013

This video show the flying wing I made with the cnc foma cutter its on my video page RC Video's - rcKeith | Projects

It was a quick test to see how it could cut wings and what a fantastic flyer its is. Its my favorite flyer now. Goes like stink and can fly at snails pace as well.
Have now purchase DevFus software to make fuselages which I going to test on a 50 inch wing span Hurricane.

Keith

**rckeith** · 10-08-2015

I've added a lot of details to my build including plans, instructions and parts/cutting lists all at my website www.rckeith.co.uk . I've have a video almost ready that should be up in a few days on using Profili Pro 2 for cutting foam wings which I'll then follow up with one on Dev Fus Foam. I've used these to produce a 50 inch Wing span Hawker Hurricane. A few images below. Not finished yet because of other stuff getting in the way. I'm now looking to build a CNC router probably a Openbuilds OX but also may try and build Mark Carew's Phlatprinter this seem ideal for producing foam models. I like the fact its fairly compact and can produce large parts.