CAD enthusiast needs help in materialising ideas!

[joanne firus]

Apologies if this has already been answered elsewhere on the forum. I'm new here and I don't know where to look!

I've got heaps of CAD models of guitar bodies that I've made; some of which are almost-accurate models of existing body styles, while others are totally original concepts of mine.

I know absolutely nothing about luthiery; however, I have a friend who does, and he has attempted to build some of my ideas by hand.

While I do not wish to discredit his skills in any way (he is pretty good at his work), I'm a bit of a perfectionist; and I wish to use a more "automated" means of building my ideas.

In terms of machinery, I don't know what it is that I'd need. If it is of any relevance, then I should state that I'm somewhat proficient at a number of CAD packages (I completed my Bachelors in Industrial Design, and my Masters in Architecture...so it was CAD all through uni!).

Any opinions/suggestions?

[bostosh]

Yes I can help you, send me a PM and we'll chat.
Your education level will accelerate this learning.
BrianO

[cr2]

C'mon...there are few enough interesting posts on this forum as it is. Why keep it private? Put it out there so others can read, learn, and possibly contribute. That's the purpose of the forum in the first place.

Thanks.

[joanne firus]

Anyone willing to lend some advice here?

[cr2]

Check out the section on Woodworking Machines and then visit their websites. I have a K2CNC 39x25 which has been satisfactory and a decent deal for the money. Camaster makes a heavier duty machine that looks nice. I see you are from AU. There is a guy on this forum named Greolt, also from AU, who would be a good resource for you. Do a search and you will find posts by him. He also has videos on youtube. Come back with any more specific questions. Good luck.

[bostosh]

C'mon...there are few enough interesting posts on this forum as it is. Why keep it private? Put it out there so others can read, learn, and possibly contribute. That's the purpose of the forum in the first place.

Thanks.

There are so many questions to answer that I could spend too much time typing (I am lazy) easier to communicate by phone conversation .

[luthier]

A 24 x36 machine would be ideal for guitar components. I have a 14 x 25 one at the moment on which I can do necks with re indexing the material to get the total length machined. Bodies are not a problem. Most bodies only require about 13 x20 work area. A 5" Z would be the minimum in my opinion, but a longer Z would be nicer in many cases as some of the router bits get a little long. Rigidity will help with accuracy. Staying with a reputable vendor that has been around for years may ensure that they are there down the road when you need parts and such.
My K2 has acme screws and anti backlash nuts. I think I ordered 10 turns per inch. If I had a more powerful motor package I could probably gain some more speed. Right now I'm doing about 60 inches per minute safely with steppers.

[bostosh]

Have you materialized any ideas yet?

[Oscar1]

Building guitar by hand will give you the necessary knowledge how things works, because to actually finish a guitar require a knowledge of luthery.

I don't know if those are electric, arch tops or acoustic, but obviously electric are the easiest to do on cnc and least amount of hand work required.
But still you will need to learn how to set the neck, how to do fret work.
Also some things are actually easier and faster by hand than on CNC, for example you can just thickness the neck plank, cut the head and glue the head in angle in less than 30 minutes as in opposite to carve it as single piece on CNC.
And then there is the huge part of finishing, you can ruin even the best design by bad finish and it is not just spray some lacquer, it is whole science how to close pores, sunbursts, etc...
So i would first start by making a hand made guitar...