CNC machine for guitar build

[Ludus]

Hi, I'm newbie here and I discovered this nice place by the link on some web site about CNC carved guitars. I'm living in the state where is hard to find out or to buy necessary parts for DIY CNC-machine. My primary intention is making body of solid body guitar, maybe later adequate necks. I'm familiar with some of CAD software, so I think it isn't problem; the dilemma for me is CNC router (machine) under economical acceptable price, so I need recommandation for it. On some German site I saw CNC machine for 2500USD and when I asked for last price (after I describe to seller my needs and intention) then the price jumped on 6500USD!
I have no intention to make mass production, just hobby, for my needs, maybe later some example for the friends and few customers.
Would you be so kind and say some advice? Thank you.

[Keskin]

Hi there, first of all you need to make shure what minimum dimensions you`ll need.
The "y" working are length depends on the length of the necks you want to do, bass guitar necks are quite long and a neck through is even longer.
The "x" axis working width depends on the width of the bodies.
The "z" axis height depends on the headstock, angled or flat?

As for the machine itself, there are even some who make guitars with a Carvewright so it all depends on what you want.
Spindle power, the rigidity of the machine itself, motors etc. determine the bit diameter, cutting depth and the speed you`ll be able to cut with.

The faster you want the machine to finish the job, the more it will cost but if you can live with the lack of support and maybe some occasional technical problems, you could look for some routers from china. They usually offer a strong spindle, frame etc. for a fair price and will enable you to use 1/2" bits for faster routing.

[Ludus]

Thanks pal for your info. I'm owner of Dean ML and Gibson Explorer, so I would like to be able to make guitar with similar look, maybe like ESP SV Standard too. So, X=720 mm; Y=420 mm; Z= 110 mm. I saw a model HIGH-Z S-720 on http://www.cnc-step.com/html/cnc_fra...nstig__cnc.HTM and I thought it would be fine, just don't know is there all what I would need for this job.
Due that I asked for some advice about CNC models that some of members here are using and their recomendations.
Thank you again.

[Keskin]

You`d need a spindle, CAD-software, PC, T-nut(MDF) plate and a table to run that router, as far as i can see those are not included in the price. The Z-1000 model would give you the option of making bass necks in the future, after all it`s a quite an investment and you`ll never know but 550Eur for a couple of cm more is not cheap.
Good luck and don`t forget to ask for a discount.

[Ludus]

Hi Keskin,

Thank you for your kind input. It's really useful information you provided to me in just a few sentences. I just registered here and didn't saw all forum's contents, but IMHO it would be nice & useful to see some sticky where some expert would post necessary tools, e.g. machine for guitar building. For example: machine called XY is aimed for cutting body, additional tool called ZX is using for carving, this for drilling...etc. It would be informative, space less consumptive but very, very informative.
My problem with mentioned German site is that I'm a somehow limited with German language in expert region of talk and don't now what to ask and to get most things necessary for my needs under acceptable price. Yes, I know that CNC-things aren't cheap but I haven't had a idea to be competition with my small production to big company like Fender, Gibson...etc., just wanted to pay off machine during some reasonable time period, have fun and understand some new things and technic.
Software is less problem in this project, hardware is what is producing headache.

[Keskin]

Actually it`s quite the opposite for most, the hardware is the easy part but the software usage of CAD and CAM is hard but if you say you know your way around software then you`ll be making guitars in no time.
So don`t worry about the hardware too much, the router company will give you support and advice on how to get the machine working.

As for the bits, you can use a roughing/chipbreaker bit to get rid of most of the wood and make the final cuts with a normal bit to get a smooth surface.
Curved surfaces like the back of the neck require a "round nose" bit. The diameter and length of the bits depends on your workpiece. Example: If the round corner diameters of your pickups would be lets say 6mm, it wouldn`t be wise to use a 8mm bit. So you have to know the diameters you`re going to cut and get the right bits for that.
I`d go for carbide tipped or solid carbide bits, they last longer.
Again, you can ask your router supplier, i`am certain that they will provide you with advice and bits to start with.

The machine itself depends on the speed you want, the one you linked will cut guitar parts for shure, maybe it will take a bit longer but it`ll get the job done. As i said earlier, there are people who make guitars with even smaller routers.

In addition to the High-Z router itself, you`ll need a table (t-slot or mdf etc), a spindle (Kress 1050 for example), a PC, CAD programm and bits.

[jemmyell]

Have a look here:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/musical_instrument_design_construction/

-James

[Ludus]

Hi Mr. Keskin,

Thank you for your input, believe me or not, with every your new post in this therad I start to understand better the problem that rised up along with my idea to start CNC-job. In seller offer these details were mentioned:

- Portalfräsmaschine High-Z-S-1000 mit 1000x600x110mm Verfahrweg inkl. Software WIN PCNC Light / milling machine High-Z S-1000
- 5 Kanal Steuerung 5x2,1 A für High-Z / 5 channel controller 5x2,1 A
- Kress Frässpindel 1050 Watt elektronisch inkl. 8mm Spannzange / Kress milling engine 1050 watt incl. 8mm collet
- Spannzangensatz für Kress Fräse 3 versch. 3mm, 6mm, 1/8' / collet kit 3mm, 6mm, 1/8"
- T-Nutenplatte S-1000 Fräsmaschine 64x133 cm, 4 teilig mit Abdeckplatten /
- T-groove plate 64x133cm for machine High-Z S-1000
- 10 Nutensteine für Platte in M6 / 10 nuts for t-groove plate
- 10 Stück Fräser Sortiment gemischt / 10 different endmills HQ, VHM
- Absaugstutzen f. Anschluß an Staubsauger oder Absaugung / Exhaust housing for connecting exhaust or vacuum cleaner
- CNC Drehachse RounDINO 120 mit 20Nm Abtriebsmoment / rotary table RounDINO
- Dreibackenfutter inkl 3 Innen und 3 Außenbacken 80mm Durchmesser / 3 chuck fodder for rotary table
- Reitstock für Drehachse mit laufender Spitze / tail stock

Whole package above is near 4911EUR. Full version of CAD-CAM software for my needs is near 1300EUR, but don't know now the manufacturer. Do you have some better recommendation, as almost 5 grand of EUR is big bite that I can't swallow in this moment (no defined orders, no potential buyers, strategy, work plan...)? Believe me or not, I thought that just Z-S-1000 would be enough for starting job and later to finance additional parts from selling incomes. Now, it seems that I made bill without a waiter! On the promo web site of seller the CNC machine seemed to me complete, just install software on PC, plug cord into line and - run. Man, it's like a cold rain in hot summer day.
Thanks again. If you get some additional info, please drop me here. I will appreciate it a lot.

[Keskin]

I don`t know how you calculated the 5k but here is what i came up with:

Z-1000: 3343,-
Kress 1050: 159,-
Bits. 100,-
CAD Softw.: 200,-
Small Shop Vacuum: 50,-

You could get the t-slot plate later and use a MDF plate or something for now. The CAM software is included with the router.
The last three prices are just guesses. Try to get a student version of the CAD programm you like, they`re much cheaper and should cost around 150-200.

Anything else is included with the router.

[Ludus]

I don`t know how you calculated the 5k but here is what i came up with:

I saw it in pro forma invoice, there is price for this model 2390.-, probably discount included.

[neoman1]

Hi there,

I make Greek instruments (bouzouki, baglama etc) and I am interested on buying a CNC router but I do not know if it is suitable for what I want to do.

I want to dig a hole like a very big spoon into a solid wood with a 15cm depth.
Is this possible?

I will make a custom order of a CNC with a 300mm Z axis movement but still...
I am worried about the motor hitting on the sides of the wood.

I have a few images attached to help you understand what do I mean.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[SirSmash]

I want to dig a hole like a very big spoon into a solid wood with a 15cm depth.
Is this possible?

- Yes.

I am worried about the motor hitting on the sides of the wood.

- Use an extension, something similar to: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920920000P which would actually be too long as it's 12in. I'm sure you can find one to size or get a longer one and cut it down.

Edit: Forgot to add if you're ordering a custom built machine with 300mm Z axis I'd probably recommend you order it a bit larger, say 400mm or so. Your needs may change over time and 300mm would barely have clearance if your wood is ~150mm and the bit is ~150mm long.