Kevin Morin

[Kevin Morin]

One more item in this topic. The application SketchUP has an ‘offset’ tool that will automatically create a copy of a closed planar object which is a given distance inside OR outside an outline plane.

This allows the full height and breadth ‘slices’ of the Plug In mentioned above to be used to create frames from the full transverse sections. Further, if an x-verse frame were deeper below the chine than from the chine up? (common case) then.. two offsets could be taken one, for example at 6″ inside the outline of a ‘slice’ and the other 4″ inside the same outline.

Using the line tool in SketchUP then point of intersection of the 4″ offset and the 6″ offsets could be drawn/connected so the resulting transverse frame was 6″ deep in the floors and 4″ wide at the topsides; after deleting the initial top line and the other (now) superfluous lines- the outline of a frame could be exported via *.dxf format to Gcode processors for tool paths.

This is a very low cost way to create frames from D’Ship and SketchUP, along with the Plug-in app.

cheers,
Kevin Morin

[Kevin Morin]

This reply may be slightly off point? but it does work and is helpful to my work, maybe others will find it helpful too?

First, I’m using the 3D app SketchUP with D’Ship so after modeling in D’Ship Pro I export 3D>DXF and Import that into SkUP Ver8.

Then using a Plugin called Slice Model, free on SketchUcation.com you can create stations/slices of the model in all three axis.

There are dialog boxes to control the spacing and the slices come out with egg crate intersection slots taken out to accommodate those slices taken in the opposite direction so you can get both x-verse as well as longs and even waterlines (Z slices). I’ve not tried to roll the model in a SketchUP “group” to see if the Plugin Tool will create diagonals ?(!)

By placing a deck in the hull, to limit the hull’s depth for one set of slices or by using the SketchUP “offset tool”, (or download the ‘smart’ Offset Tool Plugin from Sketchucation.com) and you can create an entire egg crate form for plastic or cellulose hulls or other molds- male or female. I use this method to create frames for metal skiffs and it seems accurate to the D’ship model.

This may not be the most elegant method but the method is fast, and low cost. Coupling the Plugins with SketchUP and D’Ship creates a set of working tools that rivals the extremely expensive marine modeling software suites as far as planning internal framing elements easily.

Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK

[Kevin Morin]

sorry not to update, Peter, here is a current email.

k.morin@kmmail.net

Kevin Morin

[Kevin Morin]

Thank you Marven,

when I follow the steps and immediately interact with the diminished/minimized window shown on your screen image things work as you mention; however, when I click in the main window before restoring the plate development window which is reduced/diminished- the tool bar icon disappears but the modal form retains focus and I can’t find a means to restore that ‘hidden’ but modal window?

I’m operating in an old version of XP (not even fully updated).

In fact, on my system, the main window of D’ship Pro will minimize to the tool tray below the desktop and not restore by clicking, it requires the pop up and Restore selection.

cheers,
Kevin Morin

[Kevin Morin]

I have written a series of exercises that explore, for the newer user, D’Ship Pro basic navigation and fundamental tool use. Rhey are not in Marven’s very nicely edited style (except the first one) but they may help?

I email them for free, only asking that you keep the mail box clear enough so I don’t get the files returned and have to keep track of what I’ve sent.

These exercises should/could be edited by someone who is more adept, but they will help the total novice with some exercises that may result in their improved familiarity with D’Ship Pro.

I wrote them several years ago in an earlier version, and they are not updated or edited well. I’m not explaining the design cycle just a series of learning exercises to facilitate the newest learners in the basics.

k.morin@iiscoak.com email direct to request

Cheers,
Kevin Morin

[Kevin Morin]

Yes that is possible, I export from D’ship to an NC processor for my router and have done models of several boats, thin ply & aluminum.

The steps to get this done are not simply “point and click”. Many internal surfaces are not fully addressed by D’Ship so frames can be more work than hull panels.

There are work arounds for many tasks but D’Ship is not intended, at this time, as a fully integrated manufacturing (CAD/CAM) solution.

You will need to work with other CAD applications (in addition too D’Ship) to create the full set of outlines for the NC cutting you’re describing.

Cheers,
Kevin Morin

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