Does anyone know of a tool that could be attached to a CNC machine to cut monokote, or maybe another way of cutting it with the use of a computer.

quantum,
If you want to cut monokote with a computer you need to use a vinyl cutter. You'll need to lay down a layer of application tape on the back of the monokote to help it feed through the cutter without bunching up. The pictures of the plane attached are of my Slow Poke which I used a vinyl cutter to cut all the graphics on this plane from monokote.

Hope this helps

Ken

Ken,
Your monokote job looks pretty good.......how much does a vinyl cutter cost and where do you get one??

It depends on how big you want. They can run as low as $500 or so all the way up to $5,000+. You can get a Roland Sticka 8" cutter starts at $499. Here's where I buy all of my supplies for vinyl cutting, they also sell the cutters too.
[link=http://www.signwarehouse.com]www.signwarehouse.com[/link] . The Roland cutters are nice because they come with the software needed to cut with. Most other cutters the software is a separate cost. Once you get a cutter plan on going through a lot of material as you learn to cut with it. If you ask around at the local sign shops they will more than likely let you take their scrap vinyl to practice on. Practicing on vinyl is a lot cheaper than practicing with monokote.


Ken

Hey Ken.......How much would you charge to do the Atlanta Braves for me?????????????????????????

The Braves???? [:'(]




Just kidding of course. PM me on this one.

Ken

Thanks Ken
Can you tell me want does the cutting in the vinyl cutter. Is it a knife that spins around. Can they be purchased separately.

quantum

It's actually a blade that is about 1" long and about 1/16" wide. It can be purchased seperately but I don't know why you would want to. An X-acto knife is easier to hold and control than the blade for a vinyl cutter is.

Ken

Has anyone tried a rotary cutter as found in the sewing section at any craft store? I've used them for cutting fabric,leather and even wrapping paper. The small diameter ones cut tight radii and the larger ones cut very straight if used with a good metal rule.

They go through ultracote nice and easy too.

I've considered it, but wasn't sure how it would keep a sharp edge. I go through X-acto blades like shelled peanuts when covering. I couldn't afford that many rotary blades...

They work well but the problem is keeping them sharp enough. I thin they can run between 2 to 5 bucks a blade. I use cheapo razor blades from the hardware store. 100 for $5. With a metal straitedge you can cut a line straight as an arrow.