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CNC Milling of bespoke parts
rchadd:
Hey I really like this jet boat project
http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/hawkinsp/jetboat/jetboat.htm
the milling process looks very involved and expensive
anyone with experience of CNC milling of similar objects out of aluminium - any estimate on how much that would have cost him to make the jetpump?
i assume that if I could get the CAD files it would be feasible to get someone with appropriate CNC milling machines to make it?
do such people actually exist that will make bespoke stuff like this?
PS. make sure to check out the video on the site - that boat really moves!
DYNAGOD:
Im the cad/cam guy at a precision machine shop. the impeller and stator would be the killer.
if you were looking to keep tight tolerances, I would suggest you use someone with 5 axis capabilties,. the method hes using i can only imagine would allow for alot of deflection.
the fact that you would likely only want one each would also increase the cost as its a one off.
if your truly interested your best option would be to contact the individual who made those and ask if he would be willing to make another set for you as he is already set up to do it and has already incurred all the engineering costs on his own.
Zakk:
Hmm, that's kind of interesting, so you couldn't just do up a CAD drawing of that impeller and have the machine cut it? Would it depend on the complexity of the CNC machine?
(sorry I find some of that stuff fascinating, I should have taken machine shop instead of auto body dammit!!)
Franco:
The CAD part is the easy bit, its the programming of the CNC machining center that would be the tricky bit. I work for a company that makes gas turbines and turbochargers and we have a range of m/c's that produce similar components. Always comes in handy for making custom parts for my cab amongst other things ;)
rchadd:
there is a range of ready made jet drives for model boats by a company called Graupner
i think the one at the bottom of this page would be best equivalent...
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jetdrives.htm