I just don’t get that. Using a computer to “shape” a surfboard? If you’re using a CAD program to “shape” your surfboard then shouldn’t the program be labeled CAS? And then of course it would be right to call hand shaping HAS. If CAD is computer aided design. Then CAS would be computer aided shaping… right? And then HAS would be hand aided shaping.
When you “design” something with a CAD program you also usually use a CNC machine to actually make the something that you “designed” in CAD.
CNC = computer numerical control. The machines that “cut” blanks that have been “designed” in CAD are CNC machines or …specifically a computer "controller" that reads coded instructions and drives a machine tool, a powered mechanical device typically used to fabricate components by the selective removal of material.
The machines that “cut” blanks into surfboards selectively remove material. You know what? That’s what a “shaper” does when shaping a blank… selectively removes material from the blank.
When you “design” a surfboard with a CAD program you are not removing any material. I think one needs to be removing material to be “shaping.” Sure you can take a little volume out or make an outline change to your over all surfboard “design”. As a matter of fact, you can add more volume and make your outline wider if you decide to. Try doing that after the “material” has been removed. You can’t add “material” when you are actually “shaping.”
Ok, no I don’t have a problem with “shaping” machines. I have and do work for guys that machine cut blanks. From time to time I have boards cut. But I don’t think it’s time to call using a CAD program to “design” a surfboard “shaping”… yet.
D.R.
My serious face... nicked from Surfer... obviously
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