On Fri, 30 Nov 2007 06:16:55 GMT, Evan Gatehouse
wrote:

Steve Lusardi wrote:

No computer will ever replace this task,
even big ship yards still must bulletproof the table of offsets for CNC
cutting machines to be accurate.
Steve

Steve,

Maybe a decade ago this was true, but in the real world of today's
shipyard, the cut files are all done on computer, the plate is burned,
and erection starts the next week. The loftsman is a dying breed.

We (commercial naval architects) seldom provide tables of offsets any
more; just send 'em an IGES file of the 3D hull surface, or we produce
all the steel parts in house. No lofting required.

Evan Gatehouse

Aw shucks! You didn't even mention being able to run a ball bearing
along the panel seams before weldup! :-)

Brian Whatcott Altus OK