Newbie- What's the best CAD Software for Guitars?

[Jetleg-Jazzman]

Hello,

Please forgive me if I have posted in the wrong place but I'm kinda new to CAD, CAM, CNC and the forum.

I am trying to evaluate CAD/CAM software and am considering Alibre and BobCAD not to exclude others but mostly because each are running specials due to end next week and I'd like to quickly come to a decision on them and take advantage of the discount.

Their is no way I'd be able to get past the learning curve to to make the best decision even within the 30 day trial never mind next week when the discount ends.

My application is to model 3D guitar bodies, necks, neck inlays and head stocks.

Any review, comparison, suggestions, tips or information that may be helpful would be greatly appreciated.

[Switcher]

You might want to have a look at the Vectric products (Aspire, Vcarve Pro)

http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5067

http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4985

Vectric released new versions Aspire2 & Vcarve Pro5, this week.

[ger21]

I think most will tell you that Rhino is thebest bet, but I know at least one person will say Solidworks. Since Alibre is similar to Solidworks, it should work too.

Keep in mind that carved guitar bodies and necks are two of the most difficult things to do in CAD, especially if you have no CAD experience. You'll need a lot of practice to get good at it. And on the other hand, if you know what you're doing in your CAD program of choice, you can do guitars in just about any CAD program.

For the CAM side, it's hard to beat Vectric's offerings. They offer a lot of features for the price, and have outstanding support. For guitars you'd probably want either a combination of Cut3D, and either Cut2D or V Carve Pro, or Aspire, which can do everything the others can.
Vectric's stuff will also give you some great sign making tools as well.

[LiquidGuitars]

Lightwave 3D using Catmull Clark soild models the best

LG

[ger21]

Originally Posted by LiquidGuitars Lightwave 3D using Catmull Clark solid models the best LG

Is there a plugin for that? Or are you talking about native lightwave modeling? I have LW8.

[LiquidGuitars]

Originally Posted by ger21 Is there a plugin for that? Or are you talking about native lightwave modeling? I have LW8.

Its native but use Lightwave V 9.5 if you can.

Change your 3D model from Catmull to standered tessalation of polys and back with just a click of the mouse.

LG

[ger21]

Can't afford to upgrade right now. Actually, I rarely even use it anymore.

[LiquidGuitars]

Looks like Newtek will be overhalling the software with the new "Core". so 9.5 could be the last build of the old
software started on the Amiga.

LG

[ger21]

I just checked, and if I don't upgrade now, the upgrade price in the future will be $695. So it may be a long time until I get a chance to get current. I had to sell my last guitar to upgrade to 8 a few years ago.

[Jetleg-Jazzman]

Thank you everyone. I think I will give Alibre a try.

[GeeksGoneBad]

Sorry to bring up this old thread, but you mention Lightwave for modelling guitars - what is your flow for getting Lightwave objects machined on a CNC?

Thanks for any info

[ger21]

Use this plugin to export an .stl, then load it into your favorite CAM package.

http://www.chromecow.com/downloads/l...shm-stl-tools/