I saw mentioned the lack of certain specialty parts of fiber, paper
and wood, with the closing of PPCo [090320 MMDigest].  I am quite
active in the model airplane industry and am aware that most all
the model airplane kit parts of wood and fiber are cut using laser
cutters.

There are several laser cutters available well under $5,000 which
will do wood, paper and fiber quite well.  They are controlled by
a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program on any modern computer.  If
changes are needed, one has only to change the pattern in the CAD
program, as opposed to changing dies in the old methods.  Strip dies
are usually short lived, and punch and cup dies are very expensive.

The only drawback I have seen is that the edges of the cuttings are
a bit dark, though very smooth and possessing no ragged bits as are
the result of using dull strip dies.  I am not in the position to
purchase a laser cutter, at present, though I certainly have the
knowledge, and know people who have knowledge I lack.  If anyone is
interested in working with me to provide specialty parts, contact me.

Best to all of you,
Jim Cook
jaimicook@verizon.net.geentrope [delete ".geentroep" to reply]