FAQ About Precision Shapes' Machine

Question: How much space does the unit occupy?

Answer: The standard unit is 12'Lx 3'W x6'
Top

Question: What type of finish does the unit provide?

Answer: Comparable to all other existing machines and in some cases better.
Top

Question: Why is your machine less expensive?

Answer: We leverage our partners to provide material discounts. If you are compelled to spend $55,000, we will sell you 2 units that you can run off the same PC. Now that's a fast machine at 6-8 boards per hour each surfboard a different design. Amazingly, two of our machines take up less space then some of the units being sold today.
Top

Question: What type of software?

Answer: Shape 3D! This is simply the best surf design software available with excellent support. S3D provides the flexibility for future upgrades to our machine. S3D can import both DSD and APS3000 files. Other software will be available in the near future.
Top

Question: What powers the machine?

Answer: We use the most simple and advanced servo system available. Our motors have embedded intel inside! Each motor keeps itself in tune allowing the unit to never skip a beat while providing diagnostics that let the operator peer into the performance of each drive. This allows preventative maintenance to be recognized before a major problem happens.
Top

Question: How fast will the machine mill a board?

Answer: 3.5 - 4 boards per hour. She has been clocked running 20" per second but is happier chugging in the 12-14" per sec range. You can run 2 machines off the same PC each milling different designs. Space required 12'x8'.
Top

Question: How long does it take to finish a board?

Answer: This depends on how many passes you allow the machine to make. You still have to scrub out the board so we find 24 passes each side to be sufficient. This should take a competent shaper less the 10 minutes.
Top

Question: What type of cutter does the machine use?

Answer: We have a custom cutter we developed that is long lasting and leaves a nice surface finish. Replacements are readily available and affordable.
Top

Question: Why does this machine not use a heavy-duty spindle motor?

Answer: We can if you want to pay for one! The reality is you don't need it to mill foam and the little piece of wood known as a stringer. We have milled tons of boards using a $200 grinder motor and the finish was better then machines with expensive spindle motors. Routers and grinders will only stop if you have a poorly trained or lazy operator.
Top

Question: What type of support system does the machine have?

Answer: A quick change simple to position vacuum system that eliminates distortion and is operator friendly.
Top

Question: How do I take care of my machine?

Answer: A squirt of lithium grease and a quick vac in general. We have a simple and fast maintenance schedule to follow. Our diagnostic software will tell you when a particular drive needs attention. The motors keep themselves in tune throughout their life cycle to ensure consistent predictable performance.
Top

Question: What type of materials make up the frame?

Answer: We build our frames out of aluminum and feel machines built with steel have been over built for what they are milling. By manufacturing standards, surfboard machines are considered light duty. Many have only guessed at the forces involved and overbuild their units to compensate for lack of engineering. The cost is passed on to you the customer. Even the mighty 60-100k machines fall out of tune or can break down. All machines need maintenance and parts replaced. The life of the part must be justified by the cost, availability, and time spent to repair. We thoughtfully selected each component to ensure long life, low maintenance, and optimal up time.
Top

Question: How much experience does your team have?

Answer:
Combined 60+ years of surfing.
Combined 40+ years of building CNC machines, pneumatics and motion control.
Combined 10+ years working with surfboard machines and related software.
Top

Question: How many machines has your team built?

Answer: As far as surfboard milling machines 4 different prototypes were built and tested each machine design drastically different from its predecessor. The Precision Shaper is a fusion of the positive qualities developed during this process. Our team has developed both 3 and 4 axis machines for the aerospace and woodcraft industries.
Top

Question: Is your machine built in a garage?

Answer: Like many others we started out in a garage. Besides, many of the best shapers in the world shape out of their garage! Today we have partnered with a US based engineering/motion control company that has existed since 1958 servicing the aerospace industry. We benefit from their corporate discounts, expertise, and on time delivery. Good friends are always willing to lend a hand!
Top

Question: Can you scan surfboards?

Answer: This can be done manually or we offer a laser scanning system much faster then a probe and runs separate from the machine. The machine was meant for cutting boards and it is a much more efficient use of its time.
Top

Question: Why should you consider our machine?

Answer: We understand the nuances of owning a $75,000 shaping machine. We have worked with the 3 most popular machines used in the industry today, owned and operated the most advanced machine on the market. We don't make claims that our system is better. Our machine just makes more sense! You can own and operate 2 of our machines for the cost of most other units on the market creating redundancy if needed. Our goal is to help small to medium board builders afford technology without sacrificing quality. The machine is designed to be a personal shapers tool but will easily serve a community of shapers.
Top

Question: Support?

Answer: You will fully understand how the machine works and will be its operator/mechanic. It is much quicker this way then waiting for someone to show up if you have an issue. We are always available via phone and you are equipped with a simple yet detailed troubleshooting guide. All of our vendors provide full support for their products and have been selected due to their excellent quality, response, and policies. We can come to your location, however, we designed the machine to be operated and repaired fast and efficiently by you. All the parts are readily available and none of them will break the bank.
Top

Proudly made in the USA by Surfers.
Precision Shapes crew.