software for cnc inlay work

[rossp]

Hi

This great site has given me the confidence to build my own machine, parts are on the way.

I will initially use the cnc to do inlays in gutar fret boards. I make guitars as a seious hobby and i want to speed up and improve the inlay process

I currently design the inlays free-hand onto 1:1 scale printout of a fret board that I have drawn in Microsoft Visio; designs of animals, dragons etc.

I propose to continue this, so I guess I need to scan my drawings and import to appropriate CAM programme.

Are there an inexpensive, easy to use CAM options out there?

can these programmes cut the recess a few thou bigger than the inlays.

Am I on the right track?

many thanks for any help

ross

[HuFlungDung]

Hi Rossp,

What is your price range?

How automated do you want the CAM process?

OneCNC Mill production might be overkill for you, but it would be easy to use for 2d pockets. It gives you good accurate renderings and simulations of the machined surface. It will import solids and surfaces from other programs (using igs standards is best). This version of Onecnc does not allow modelling in 3d within the program, however you can extract curves from 3d models.

Check the demos at www.onecnc.net for a first hand look.

If that is too pricey, take a look at Bobcad. You will have to work a little harder, but you can make 2d pockets without too much difficulty there, too.

A lot depends on what you already know, or what you can put up with. Some guys (like me) like tinkering with CADCAM more than making the actual parts. Some guys hate having to do much more than click an icon to make code.

[Klox]

Rossp,
the guys at the musical construction forum can help you with info as well.
If you seriously want to expand your vocabulary i can send you a copy of cameo! LOL!

Klox

[dcd121]

Heres a $300 easy to use product you might look at .
(www.deskcnc.com) . I use this product and like it very much.

[turkgeltz]

You might read the posts on the Liberty cnc thread. There's a guy there who does inlays in instruments also who probably can help you.