: Hi Mick,
: Not sure about the mouse and CAD stuff but I do like the concept of the
: drafting arm for making transfers. The thing is, I have already done the
: time consuming disc transfers unto hardboard and back to paper. I took it
: one step further and folded those in half, cut to a mean so they are
: symetrical. I am to the point where I have a full size pattern and a 70%
: pattern printed. They are just a little rough compared to computer
: generated plans. Those small variations on paper are going to represent a
: lot of sanding so I will need to clean up the plans or the stations.
: Probably the stations. I am really close and want to start making stations
: next week. The middle stations mirror like 10,11 and 9,12 so I can choose
: the truest of each pair on those.

: I did take Prasad's advice (thanks Prasad) and downloaded the HULLS program.
: I need to spend a little time with that to even know if I should be
: considering that route. Between HULLS, DELFTSHIP, FREESHIP, and KAYAK
: FOUNDRY, which is prefered for simplicity and would still accomplish the
: task of printable stations?

: Anyway, I have lots to think about over the weekend and will decide early
: next week. Making the 1/8 scale model would give me some answers.

: Thanks,

: Reg

as far as free programs are concerned, i believe freeship 2.6 will give way, way more flexibility to what you may (may) do here and as a program to have learned for further use down the line.

2 main points for freeship (in your specific case) are: 1)you can bring in jpg's of your sections to compare 'fairly'(heh heh) well with what you want and 2)that you are not limited in control points or networks as you require to get closer to odd shapes that you may need (for example to match the keel and stem curvatures of a haida or a tlingset type canoe).

and as far as fairing plywood - use tracing paper over your form drawings and fair your composite drawing of all sections laid over each other - way way quicker and less cumbersome than shaping ply pcs - and you can easily add a fatter line wheras you can't if you sand too far!! - then sprayglue the trace on the ply and cut your your forms.

mick