Here is an excerpt from a recent interview (Jan 25, 2010) with Dave Howellin from MISFIT SHAPES in Brookvale, NSW, Australa, in mesurf.com.au
Dave talks about the advantages that the flexibility and accuracy the AKU Shaper machine and software have given him as a surfboard shaper, along with other things.
"Nowadays though, as my business has grown and given that there has been amazing advancements in machine shaping technology, I would be silly to ignore the incredible benefits they offer. I use the AKU shaper machine and find that I can do what I used to be able to design and handshape in the bay, now in the comfort of my office, home or even plane. I can modify designs down to the millimeter and catalogue all our customer’s boards so I can work closely and very accurately on his or her specific requirements. It allows me to build solid relationships with all our customers, which is so crucial for a surfer and their shaper to have. I also still try to handshape at least a board a month to keep my eye in and keep things fresh, and all the blood, sweat and tears from learning to handshape have certainly not been time wasted. All my curves, concaves, outlines etc are all my own MISFIT designs, from my own proven handshaped boards."
You can read the whole article here.
Yes I did look at both the AKU and APS300. and went with the AKU and there are so many things wrong with the aps and miki that I needed only 1 hour with him to make up my mind. I can make a list if you like but it all start at the software, as for the machines and how they are built the AKU is way better in all aspects, On how the blank is held and where the blank is mounted to the machine, Spinals motors which spin both ways, the machine frame and vribration, self oiler, the software as shape3d still has some major problem with curves, AKU has a rack for the X drive not a belt and the list goes on, I still have my old 3dm machine but have not used it since I got the AKU still works fine but I find the AKU much easier to run. Call into the factory when you are next in Aussie HAve a look at the nipper board I did on the web site for AKU Peter
A couple of interesting articles in reference to our system. Check out Muzza's Tripping on the right of his main page. www.pipedreamsurfboards.com
An article about his turnaround towards to computer design and machine shaping.
A couple of quotes from Muzza:
"Brooko's (Troy Brooks WCT Surfer) telling me that my success rate with his boards has more than doubled and Munro (Luke Munro WQS) says the same."
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"To fully answer the line of thought that shaping machines are a removal of skill I have to say that it is the time and thought that goes into designing your board must be energy better spent than time in the bay."
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"In concluding I hope that this explanation to pacify the sceptics of my final acceptance of the embracing of this new technology is not to save dollars but to move forward in giving my clientele the benefit of more modern, accurate and customized designs than ever before."
Master surfboard designer Greg Webber (riders include Taj Barrow plus a whole slew of rippers) is one of our very good customers and has recently added what's below to his website, Greg Webber Surfboardsin reference to our machine.
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"The existing machines, although great for accuracy and production, are not custom friendly at all."
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"By using an incredible machine that has just been perfected, merely drawings and/or words can become a balanced shape."
Read his full quote.
