For the last few days I've been working with Jeff Hartman on the interface and software for the fourth axis on our CNC MultiCam router. We use the software to create the files we use to operate the router. Jeff and his brother show true genious, writing amazing mathematical equations that generate all kinds of things.
One of the manouvers the software creates is called Rapid Texture. Instead of taking many hours to a panel with a small bit, the software creates random vector lines across the panel which the router follows with a large diameter router bit. The file is cut in a fraction of the time - as much as 1/20th of the other methods of routing.
We'll be using Rapid Texture to route the wainscot panels. Jeff Hartman kindly offered to design them for us. Janis described the look we were going for as waving grass - as if a gentle breeze was blowing through a field. Once the file was done (which Jeff whipped up in a hurry) I popped a sheet of Precision Board High Density Urethane on the router and set it in motion. A short time later our first sheet of textured HDU was done. It was enough for eight panels of wainscot. My rough calculations tell me that we'll need at least ten sheets of rapid texture panelling done on the router. That will make one large pile of sawdust when we are done!
I'll continue routing more sheets of High Density Urethane, enough for all the wainscot panels through the house. As soon as the drywall is done I'll begin installing it. Won't be long now...
-grampa dan
