DIRECT ARCHITECTURAL MODELING USING A HOMEMADE FOAM-CUTTING CNC ROUTER

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Introduction

Models are an easy way for people to understand a new and unique , complicated project. Custom homes etc. Concepts like complex roofs or hillside sites can be difficult to describe in flat, orthographic drawings. Especially to Clients and Elected Officials that are not trained in interpreting drawings in plan view. And those of all ages that need to understand complex spatial relationships quickly and intuitively. But models are expensive and can delay the production of the Plans.

Normally, architectural models are a separate and additional process and expense. They often have to be done by a separate company. I would like to explain here a process I have researched on my own time, to try to integrate the model making process into the normal custom home design process.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control A CNC machine or CNC router is controlled by a compute system such that a cutting tool of some kind is made to operate in several axis to cut into the work. The commercial versions of these machines often cost into the tens of thousands of dollars and are used in metal working shops and in aerospace or other high tech industries.

This is different from the additive processes like stereo Lithography that add layers of powder, wax or special plastics to create small models. These specialized machines can cost a hundred thousand dollars or more and weigh many hundred pounds and are outside of this discussion.

The CNC technology filtered down to the tinkerer and home shop as well. Individuals are finding that with help from fellow hobbiests and a few hundred dollars they have their own machine. The machine I decided to build used a Dremel tool that I already owned. The plans

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