Question About CAD>CNC

[JBirdman]

Hello, let me first say that I know NOTHING about any of this stuff, but could use some general info and would be eternally grateful for any help.

I have a design for just the shape of a guitar body that I am having built in China. The factory is using a CNC and have requested that I send my basic design in a CAD format. I work for a contract office furniture co. and our design dept uses autoCAD all the time for 2D and 3D renderings and for blueprints.

I have asked one of the designers if she could convert my drawing to CAD and she said she could, but she doesn't know if it would be exactly what the factory is asking for.

Could someone please give me a "CAD to CNC For Dummies" lesson?

Again, I don't need to send them the specifics like routing depths or neck pocket angles etc. just the outlining shape to scale, and the placement of pup routs, switch/knob holes and bridge placement.

I would be SO grateful for any and all responses.

Thanks!!

PS: Eventually I would like to have my own CNC machine but obviously I would not have any idea where to even start. Are there books I should read? Classes I should take etc? Thanks again!!

Will

[ger21]

The factory really needs to be more specific about what type of file they want.

[Markced]

Most Cam systems will work fine with an IGES file or if you only need a flat profile view on scale you can use a DXF file.

[TheBigJW]

Look here.

www.solidcam.com

Tons of free info.

John

[JBirdman]

Hey, thanks for the replies you guys...this stuff has surprisingly piqued my interest. By that I mean that I am what used to be called a 'right brainer', and am just old enough(42) to have missed the 'raised on computers' era. But I'm fascinated by how accessible these capabilities appear to be.
So, how realistic is it that I could have my own CNC machine for carving wood guitar bodies and necks and be able to draw out designs, convert it to CAD/CAM and produce my designs all in the comfort of my own home? Am I dreaming?
Thanks again for the tips and links...they are very much appreciated!!
JB

[TheBigJW]

Hey, thanks for the replies you guys...this stuff has surprisingly piqued my interest. By that I mean that I am what used to be called a 'right brainer', and am just old enough(42) to have missed the 'raised on computers' era. But I'm fascinated by how accessible these capabilities appear to be.
So, how realistic is it that I could have my own CNC machine for carving wood guitar bodies and necks and be able to draw out designs, convert it to CAD/CAM and produce my designs all in the comfort of my own home? Am I dreaming?
Thanks again for the tips and links...they are very much appreciated!!
JB

You've come to the right place. Now it's so possible to do al that. Buy or build a router and some software. And read read read.

John

[JBirdman]

You've come to the right place. Now it's so possible to do al that. Buy or build a router and some software. And read read read.

John

Incredible...well then, let the journey begin.

Thanks John!
JB

[bostosh]

Birdman, This is completely realistic, if you send a remote factory a complete, precise 3-D model , X Y & Z, then there is no room for misinterpretation, leave nothing for them to guess, then you will get what you wish.

Example, Boeing sends a 3-D model to machine shop, it inherently contains complete geometric definition, they get back what they send out returned in precise expensive parts.

We have been doing this for many years now, no mysteries, no problems.