MacFoil creates plots of airfoils, and is intended for builders of model airplanes. In addition to drawing the airfoil itself, it can also draw sheeting allowances and up to 10 spars or reference lines. It can create foam cutting templates including entry and exit ramps, washout (or washin) angles, and wire kerf compensation. You can edit an airfoil's thickness and camber, and export the modified airfoil data to a text file. You can also export an airfoil plot in DXF, EPS, or PICT format, and MacFoil prints at high resolution on printers that allow it.
I worked hard to make MacFoil self-explanatory: you can probably use it without reading this small manual. But there are a few subtleties (in particular, you can enter numeric data in many useful ways), and you'll certainly get more out of the program if you look over these instructions first. If nothing else, you should definitely read the sections on entering data and spars/reference lines.
If you find anything confusing or unclear (or even slightly awkward) about the program or this documentation, please contact me and let me know. I want MacFoil to be as easy to use as possible.
Feel free to distribute MacFoil on any medium that provides free access to everyone. If you want to distribute it on any other medium (like a shareware collection that you charge money for), contact me first.
One more note: I made very little attempt to save you from yourself. It's easy to enter plot parameters that result in a nonsense plot, and MacFoil will dutifully draw what you tell it to, even if it makes no sense. If you decide to add a wire kerf of 2 inches, I won't stop you; if you create a template that is only 1/8" tall, well, that's what you'll get. I could have checked each and every parameter for "reasonableness", but my assumption is that if you're smart enough to build your own airplane wing, you're smart enough to correct your own mistakes.
MacFoil is shareware. That means you can try it out for free, but if you decide to keep it, or use it more than once or twice, you should send me some money. How much money? Well, the "normal" shareware fee is $25, but you should let your conscience be your guide. If you're a poor hobbyist who only makes the occasional wing, send me $15 instead. If you're a REALLY poor hobbyist who can't afford even that, send me candy, a nice postcard, toys, old RC equipment you don't use anymore, or at the very least a nice note telling me what you like and don't like about the program. On the other hand, if you're a kit manufacturer and you use this program to produce your templates, send me $50 or $100. Better yet, send me one of your kits.
Registered users receive a unique registration number that lets them bypass the otherwise annoying startup dialog. Registering MacFoil is easy, thanks to the Kagi shareware payment service. The fastest and simplest way to register is online with a credit card. Point your web browser at
for a one-stop, secure order page. If your browser won't support secure connections, you can instead go to
You can pay with check or money order, cash, or credit card.
If you donŐt have an internet connection, you can pay me directly with a check or money order, cash, candy, wine, toys, or used RC equipment. See Contact Info for the address.