3-D model for Canoe Paddles?

[Jamesve]

Just wondering - Has anyone ever used the shopbot to carve out paddles for a canoe? Like, used aspire or something like it to make a model and create tool paths...etc....?

[zeykr]

I made a few, but there were just a profile cut to get the shape, then run thru a roundover bit on the router table.

[ajf]

If you do come across a good 3-d model of a paddle please let me know. I've been thinking of making a commemorative plaque for my wife's paddling team as they just completed their 1oth year paddling in the Yukon River Quest. So I've been looking for 3-d model of a paddle or a voyageur canoe. This link might explain the race and the team and the reason for the plaque. http://www.nfb.ca/film/river_of_life/

[myxpykalix]

google is your friend...search "free 3d objects, canoe, paddle"

[billp]

Al Ching brought some beautiful paddles to the Camp in Southern California a few years back-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/campsho...7604036290888/

[pappybaynes]

I'd be interested in cut files as well...I have hand-carved 2 canoe paddles and a kayak paddle out of cherry...would love to do one on the 'Bot

[Jamesve]

I Googled for a 3d model and came up dry, anyone else have success?

[billp]

ANY 3D file could work if you carved the paddle blade as though it were a "flat plane', BUT carved it just a little deeper than "normal". Then you can power/hand sand the blade to your "operational state" and still have detail in your carving.....
The other option would be to carve BOTH the blade, and "3D" image in a program which will let you drop one 3D shape on top of another 3D shape. If you create both it should be pretty easy to do.
And of course there is the real question here; is it going to be an art piece, or something to fend rocks off with....?

[Jamesve]

Well, it was going to be more fuctional than artsy, but I was just trying to avoid a ton of hand carving. If I can create the shape I want in Aspire then it's no problem. I figured I would ask if someone had already done it before doing myself.

[kfitz]

Personally, I would not do this as a 3D project, but did you try TurboSquid for a model? http://www.turbosquid.com/Search/Ind...media_typeid=2