Use CNC Foam Cutting, 3D printers and CNC Routers to build RC Aeroplanes

Wings created by the Foam Cutter
3d Printing FPV Grom
GosHawk Foam Parts
F18 depron wings

If you are looking to build RC aeroplanes using affordable CNC machines, then you’re in the right place. Here, you can find all the information you need. Plans, cutting lists and recommended parts to build CNC foam cutters.

I’ve built several aeroplanes using these CNC machines to create fuselages, wings, and those hard-to-source parts that can be made with a 3D printer. This was the case for a propeller spinner on my Focke-Wulf 190A, so I made one, which was challenging but very rewarding. I’ve printed several 3d printed planes now,

With CNC foam cutters and 3D printers, you can build your own fuselages, wings, and even rare replacement parts that aren’t available anymore.

Free eBook + $3 Plans

My completely rewritten eBook shows you how to build a DIY CNC Foam Cutter — from parts to software.

Runs on modern laptops via USB
Uses low-cost NEMA17 stepper motors (NEMA23 compatible)
Built with 3D printer controllers to keep costs down
Supports both Marlin firmware (PC-free), grblHAL 32-bit and Grbl 8-bit

Plans are $3.00, and the ebook is free.

CNC Software Tested & Reviewed

CNC software can be tricky — I’ve spent hours testing both free and paid options.
Here are my top picks:

DevFus Foam – Fuselage design
DevWing Foam 2 – Wing design
GRBL HotWire Mega 5X – Free hot-wire control
OpenBuilds CAM – Easy CAM setup
Mach3 / LinuxCNC – Proven, reliable control
Wing Designer for 4-axis CNC foam cutter– Free G-code generator

How to build a CNC Foam Cutter

My latest CNC Foam Cutter key features:-

Runs on modern computers/laptops using the USB interface
It uses cheap NEMA17 stepper motors, but NEMA23 can still be used
I’ve reduced the cost by using 3D-printer controllers and stepper motors, and a more lightweight design
Includes improvement from several years of foam cutting
The new free eBook is completely rewritten with detailed plans; there is a small charge for the plans ($3.00)
Free control software to run the foam cutter. (Windows only)
Run without a PC using Marlin firmware
Now supports grblHAL 32-bit as well as grbl-Mega-5X 8-bit

Builder’s Gallery

See the machines built by other hobbyists, some of whom used the plans and others did not. Some are identical, others customised — all are amazing. A few examples

👉 Visit the Gallery

CNC Router

I’ve also built a CNC router with a kit I purchased from Ooznest to make parts for my builds. Recently, I converted this to USB and adapted it to run a CNC needle cutter.