Thanks Burr. I'll check out that Allibre program. As you suggest, I've learned to reserve 3D cutting for shapes that cannot be created with a 2D toolpath or a special router bit. As a hobbyist with virtually zero CAD and absolutely no prior CAM or CNC experience it's taken me quite a while to develop my techniques. I also won't try to hide my disappointment in learning that making a model in MOI might not be the most difficult step in the production process. I was a bit naive as to the capabilities of CNC machine and how the whole process worked. Still, it's been a great experience. Re: machining time, I've done some longer projects but an hour for anything made of MDF is too long :) - but I understand what you're saying.

Thanks again.

Bob