Building my DREAM GUITAR CNC on a Budget! (Longmill mk2 48x30 by Sienci labs)

This is the stuff dreams are made of: A fast, strong, accurate CNC machine that's large enough to make 2 or 3 long scale neck through bass guitars, all for less than $1,800! This machine is a beast, far and above anything even remotely close to it's price range, and (from what I can tell) competitive with anything 2-3x the cost! For more info about the Longmill mk2, check out this link:
sienci.com/product/longmill-mk2/
join the Longmill facebook group here: / mill.one
here is the Avid Power (Makita clone) router I mention in this video: amzn.to/3VKmy85
*Prices mentioned in this video are subject to change without notice, please check the links for current pricing.
Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and the links in this description are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, it doesn't cost you any more money, but I will earn a commission. I want to thank Sienci Labs for sending me this Longmill mk2 for my honest evaluation and review, I'm excited to push it's limits and see what happens!
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Background music made by Jordan Rowan of iMakeMusic
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[@tomassedlacek8202]

Man this CNC content coming from the channel is amazing! I remember watching you a few years ago and I've randomly found your channel again a couple of days ago. I see massive improvements and very interesting and informative content. Keep it up!

[@pmdinaz]

That's awesome Dan! Looking forward to your future! May it be bright and prosperous.

[@eveningcharlatans9743]

Fine work Dan and an incredible machine you've put together. Glad to see you do what you're doing. Keep it up!

[@Phyoomz]

I'm thrilled for you! Can't wait to see what you start making from this thing.

[@realjester]

Locking forward to your complete review of this CNC and the Avid router. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@ronhansen7717]

I just built the same CNC machine and I'm just getting it mounted properly and fine tuned. I love what I've seen so far and customer service is amazing. I highly recommend it and Sienci Labs. BTW, I also bought the Y axis dust shields. They keep the screw mechanism much cleaner.

[@vanshankguitars]

Canadians are good for a few things after all right? I've seen their ads before and I never realized they were located in my own back yard! Definitely something I'll buy in the next year or so.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Can’t recommend it enough. Excellent machine, excellent community, excellent customer service, excellent price

[@andrewgocken517]

@@GunsandGuitars " @edwardikechukwu" using you stuff, with no info on channel, offering prizes for Direct messaging. Thought you should know.

[@andrewjeffries8721]

Thank you Dan for a channel that gives me some great ideas and inspiration! I have been thinking about making my own bass. It's a blessing to be able to learn from your experience. I appreciate you, sir.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thank you!

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

Way to go ,Dan... Just as I get started I have a small injury to my shoulder and other places... But way cool with what your doing,I can't wait to get started ... Wishing you and your family all the best on your journey ✌😎👍

[@keithsmith9889]

That's awesome I'm so happy it's all coming together smooth

[@JoeTheGuitarGuy96]

Dan, you keep hitting out of park with these CNCs and what your doing with them, the results keep getting better.

[@MrGwg11]

Dude, You're living the Dream..... Can't wait to see things blossom! hopefully the automation process doesn't take too much of The Dan Craftsmanship feel away, cuz your hands lay a blessing on about everything you touch it seems... Keep on going Friend, you're a real inspiration.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Wow thanks for the encouragement!

[@fredgonzalez6619]

Thanks for yet another cool and I sprint video man!!!

[@steverees1936]

Hi Dan. Very interesting video and has given me ideas for my retirement in a few years. I have built kit guitars and this might have just given me the reason to take the next step into hobby guitar building. Thanks for sharing

[@fstephani13]

Awesome machine and video! If you replace the router with a spindle you can get the chip loading just how you want it to preserve your bits longer and a spindle is way quieter. Thanks again for sharing!

[@shelleywetzel7292]

Love the new table space!! Great price!

[@Johnny.D]

I own a longmill mk1 and I love it.

[@bradc2905]

Man I’m so excited to see what you do with it. I watched your vid on the fox alien, it lit a fire with me, after a ton of research I got a onefinity on the way now.

[@ispearo]

Great Advertisement! Keep up the Good Sales. 😀👍

[@rtroiani]

Good video. I use a Shapeoko XXL 33x33 which looks very similar to the tracks and and V wheels. Works great for guitar building. People look down on it, but hey, it just works without issues.

[@CarlosKTCosta]

Been loving the progress. I would really love a video on wood sourcing.

[@shakyblues2099]

Hi Dan Hope you're well. I just bought the last available Behemoth bass kit on your website! So excited. I've been wanting one of your custom basses for ages. Can't wait to get started on it. Will make a video when I've finished it to let you know how it turned out. Best wishes from the UK.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Awesome! I’ll have that kit shipped out for you this week!

[@VedunianCraft]

That's incredibly cool!!

[@tmenet]

Dan, I bought a longmill a few months ago for the same reason you did. I am cutting through Birch hardwood at 100 IP.M like it's butter. I bought G-wizard on sale for feeds and speeds. It comes up with numbers I would have never tried just make sure your hold downs are tight. Welcome to the longmill family!

[@GunsandGuitars]

That’s awesome! These LongMills are legit! Thanks for the tip I’m gonna look up those speeds and feeds. I’m not worried about breaking the cnc I’m worried about breaking the router bit! The cnc is more than strong enough

[@tmenet]

That program takes everything into consideration. Also 1/4 inch bits are much harder to break. What the heck is that surfacing bit you used? It looked huge!

[@MrDaveKC]

That's fascinating and looks like a fantastic machine. I'd be thrilled at this point with the Foxalien (and maybe I'll be able to get one of those eventually). That's really impressive, and should really get you to being able to truly "manufacture" these bodies. I really like this and what you're doing with this. Hopefully I can eventually get a CNC going, but it's definitely got to be something I can use to make money, too. Keep it up Dan!

[@GunsandGuitars]

You are correct on all accounts! A machine like this needs to make you money or else it’s not worth the cost and space it takes up. I’m still figuring out the most lucrative use of this machine, but at least in the meantime I can use it to make guitars I can sell

[@BBGuitars]

Mega setup there! Id be using that to cnc a whole bunch of plywood cabinetry to deck out the whole shop and underside of the cnc table with storage.

[@3dkev384]

Love the idea of using a desk as a CNC bench.

[@danlsmock]

I have the 30x30 and it's a fantastic machine. Enjoy!

[@1960fusion]

Love the old Craftsman bandsaw...had one for many years!

[@bluesfool1]

Amazing tool

[@thebreakingwinddialoguessh7801]

I also went with the long mill 48X30... the extra couple inches in the x and y was a pleasant surprise

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

So informative. Thanks.

[@peterchamplin8767]

I like the x wing and Ty fighter on the dust collection 😁

[@MarkGutierrez]

Sweet machine Dan.🤖

[@familyengineering5591]

Its crazy to see how far this channel has come along. I used to hate on you for shilling chinese junk but stuck around fir your gun content. Watching you evolve to have these new really cool ideas is awesome. Good job dan. This channel has become super interesting and informative.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I’m glad you came around…or I came around? Haha whatever it is, I’m glad we are onboard together now

[@WaterN2WineCreations]

I just got a longmill CNC. I am thinking with the vortex rotary axis I could probably even make a gunstock… I bet it would do a guitar neck. I worked as a machinist and have a little experience using CNCs . I didn’t get the rotary axis, but I got the laser module they had. Looking forward to your complete review. Happy CNCing!

[@makertime6296]

Nice setup video! When might the full review video be coming?

[@glennw3909]

Congrats on furthering your vision on your business! It’s been fun following your journey. What kind of guitars will you be building? Cheers!

[@ronkunk144]

I like what you're doing here! I'm trying to decide if I should continue to build kits or to jump into a CNC. I programed and ran CNC milling machines for over 20 years so I'm not afraid of the challenge in that. It's just I'm retired and do I want to make a business of this. Yes, maybe, maybe not

[@stevegrimes5105]

Great video, thanks. Any more information on your dust collection?

[@PuppetWood]

Nice. I love my LongMill.

[@scarmyguitar]

Whoo Doggy! I knew this day would come!!

[@thseed7]

Great video, extra points for the 🕷 knife

[@GunsandGuitars]

Good eye 😉

[@abdultairu]

I think you just made good a case for those Longmill guys, in mu honest opinion, I think they should pay you :) indeed. I am looking at this CNC myself now and will be making a decision soon. For space constrainits I am looking at the 30x30 which is alos within my budget. Thanks for sharing this video man!

[@DaveParkersonofficial]

I naught one because of this video and it is in shipping now.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Yay, new machine!. Hey where did you get those short bristles for your custom dust shoe?

[@darcyboyer2998]

Great video, thanks for posting. I'm in the final stages as to whether or not I want to complement my guitar building with a CNC and the Longmill Mk2 is where I've landed if I do. If I want to get a more serious and move beyond being just a hobbyist builder I would have to do some serious upgrades to the tools I have and I when I started to add up the costs it certainly started to cost justify a CNC. Living in Canada I quite like the idea that it is Canadian made. While the exchange rate works well for you it certainly works against me for any machines I'm looking for that come outside of Canada. Thanks for the tip on the Avid Power router, I'll take a look at going that route when the time comes. I'm curious as to what you use for bits.

[@williambradford7748]

I use that same Avid Router. Interesting to know its a Makita clone. Makes sourcing parts easier now. And I felt it was way better performance then just some average knock off brand. Been impressed with it thus far 3 years into use on it.

[@jamescopeland5358]

Good video

[@atebea5259]

wow... what A Dream to make sick guitars with this

[@smesple]

Great Video. CNC Machinist by trade but have been bitten by the guitar building bug. I have always wanted a hobby grade CNC and have thought of building one but this machine looks nice. I'm going to have to do some research. Thanks

[@JamieLamb]

That thing is a beast!

[@JamieLamb]

@NiecgramMe@Guns and Guitar you're a waste of space. Too bad you can't spam me in person. Stay off this channel.

[@CarsInDimension]

I think that in time you'll eventually replace the router head with a dedicated CNC spindle. While it may not go along with you're DIY, budget oriented ethos, it would probably speed up your cuts. The ability to use computer controlled Cartesian machines like 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser engraver/cutters has opened up a world of possibilities.

[@joepoole4922]

I build guitars the old fashioned way ,and makes feel so good.

[@shirestudios]

Very cool

[@cybergnetwork588]

Subscribed! Looking at the exact same CNC for the same type of project (guitar building).

[@johnpeters211]

Mine comes tomorrow! I'd be interested to seeing what your feeds and speeds are for bits/woods.

[@edgelite]

So cool. I'm in the researching what to buy stage. I was looking at the Open builds Lead1010. I'm in Canada so for me this company you recommend is better for me also.

[@GunsandGuitars]

The LongMill is a way better deal than open builds for sure!

[@PK22-b7v]

Looks great !!! What CAD and CAM software are you using?

[@warwickben]

should look at getting a 2.2 water cooled spindle. your able to control rpm and cutting sound will be louder then the spindle.

[@Kyle7K]

Just ordered mine. Getting the big one! Never used a CNC before so it's a bit scary spending the money but there's no reason I can't do this!

[@GunsandGuitars]

You’re gonna love it!

[@SienciLabs]

That's one snazzy machine (y)

[@stephanematis]

As a Canuck, I think I am sold. Finding enough space for the machine will be the challenge.

[@nephosl5292]

Hey GnG. Nice Machine! I´m also running a Makita Clone and curious what feedrate you drive with your machine to cut those bodys. I´m also starting to build a guitar soon.

[@Clockeman]

How's it going so far...I was just looking at this CNC this morning for guitar making.

[@mritorto1]

do you have a video on how to use a cnc machine to build a guitar for beginners ?

[@mikeyuberalles]

Looks like the custom shop is really coming along well for you. I'm happy for you, sir Any updates on the Behemoth prototypes from June?

[@GunsandGuitars]

I should be wrapping them up this month!

[@mikeyuberalles]

@@GunsandGuitars Hooray

[@JakeHolder]

Do you still recommend the Masuter Pro? I have a shot at one with the bed extension and offline controller for 750. Curious if I should go that route or save for a month or so and get this guy!

[@davidpetersonharvey]

My Canadian wife will want this.

[@bzousel]

Just subbed. I am looking at this for my 1st CNC as i want to start a small business as well starting off with signage and wall art then moving onto other various projects. Can you share a little more about your dust collection setup?

[@GunsandGuitars]

I’m using the long mill dust boot, it’s connected to a 4” hose going to an old dust collector I bought used on fb market place it works great!

[@bzousel]

@@GunsandGuitars Thanks!

[@QuebecoisSti]

How do you ensure the pockets underneath the guitar are done at the good locations once you turn it over ? You make a square cut around the slab then reference about that one ?

[@anthonystoval9267]

Does this machine do variable depth cuts? For example if you wanted to build a strat style body, will it carve the belly cut and the forearm contour?

[@pec0309]

Hi Dan, did FoxAlien ever answered to you about the nema 17 motors for the Masuter Pro?

[@kenvh8569]

Consider the V1 Engineering LowRider v3?: Full 4x8" sheet ability, make it yourself for under $1k. I'll be embarking on my own LowRider build this spring specifically to make basses with some complicated geometry! (Albeit with belt drives and NEMA 17's.... but people get amazing accuracy and power - at the expense of speed.)

[@eross21]

so fox alien has a ball screw style machine. i’m just curious as to why you didn’t consider that one? was it just to small? or other issues that kept you from considering that one? i’m just curious because i’m shopping for a cnc machine currently.

[@billieb]

I thought I was going to jump into cnc with a genmitsu but you may have changed my mind. One thing everyone seems to breeze over is dust control. What system did you get?

[@ultrakool]

Dan would make the perfect neighbor. cool personality with mad skills. I could have my amp to 11 and I don't think he'd mind. lol j/k about the noise, but hey, we could jam and talk firearms, while I pick his brain about guitar building. Only thing is, I lived in AZ for six years and I don't think I could take another summer there😆

[@brevs8387]

That's awesome Dan! I am curious if you looked at the Inventables X-carve machine. It seems to be about the same size (if not bigger) and around the same cost. It's one I've been looking at for years and am now trying to understand the difference between yours and that one. Congrats 👏

[@scarmyguitar]

I use the Xcarve! I have 2 of them!

[@GunsandGuitars]

I almost bought an x-carve but I learned that I didn’t want to have a belt drive machine, that’s why I ultimate went with the LongMill. But @scarmyguitar uses an x-carve with great results!

[@fitzymagee7469]

Ghost Gun next !!!

[@woodyoulove-reynaldguibone6890]

Can we upgrade the stepper motors of the Foxalien masuter pro?

[@fishburgerful]

Great video. I’m just starting out. Are there any accessories you recommend buying with the Longmill CNC for guitar making such as the magnetic dust shoe and a router bit starter set?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Definitely get the dust shoe, and start with a 1/4” upcut but (long one, 3.5-4” with 2” cutting surface) so you can cut the full depth of a guitar body. You can add a 1/4” ball nose bit for finishing too if your 3d design skills can put it to good use.

[@esixx17]

What software do you need to run this? New to cnc research but I have a laser. Someone said lightburn works with cnc?

[@peternotpeter]

Nice upgrade Dan! Say, did you have a link for those angled headstock necks you've been importing for your builds? thx keep up the good work.

[@GunsandGuitars]

No link, I just get them from a seller on eBay.

[@peternotpeter]

@@GunsandGuitars Thanks Dan, I could not find any angled paddle headstock on Amazon or ebay..Anyhow, I'll keep searching. Nice stuff you're building!

[@joeygregory695]

Hey man! Great work you're doing! I have been researching CNCs to purchase for taking my guitar builds next level and your videos have helped in my decision to go with the Longmill. For which I thank you! Would you clue me in on which one of the bit sets they offer is the ideal set to go with? Does the 3D Carver set have everything that I would need for guitar building, including fret slots? And are you just using the provided gSender software, or is there something else that's far superior but as easy that you may recommend? Again, thank you for what you do.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Hey Joey, congrats on choosing a LongMill! I love mine, and you will too. For bits I just have a 1/4” up cut, 1/4” ball nose, and a v bit. But I actually haven’t use the ball nose or v bit yet. My carves are really simple at the moment, I still have a lot of learning to do. I use their Gsender app, but I also use easel for my cad/cam. I’m trying to learn fusion360 but it’s a steep learning curve so I’m not their yet. I don’t think scieni sells a bit for fret slots, you’ll need to find one specifically for that from a luthier shop. I plan to use one of my cnc lasers to do the fret slotting. It’s a lot faster and easier and no chance of breaking those super fragile bits. Hope that helps!

[@joeygregory695]

Hey! Cool, thanks for getting back to me. So most of the guitar carving is really simple for the machine with just using the basic bits, it would seem. And the laser doesn't burn the wood enough to be of any negative effect in the fretwork, I must ask? This is so amazing!

[@HyPex808-2]

Can you control the router through the software?

[@heythere6983]

So have you built guitars for anyone? Iv thought of this for years but don’t have the space . I started drawing up a guitar recently , are you able to take someone’s idea and try to make it ? I still have to measure but I have a fairly simple design in mind for a guitar body

[@LargeFry1]

Nice job getting the Longmill. I made the same choice. Oh, and thanks for the Canada bashing, typical Yank doofus remark. (I know you will say you were joking, but ALL Y'ALL do it) love you.

[@dennisperusse3837]

Great video, but a couple of questions. 1. Are you using limit switches or are you using software homing limits on it? 2. Have you thought about using your new machine for just guitar/bass bodies then using your original machine just for the routes where that has all been figured out? 3. Lastly, are you using the same cad/cam software on both Cnc machines and can you do a review on Easel?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Great questions! 1) not using limit/homing switches as of now because my work are is so large I don’t need them for my current projects. When I start doing more complicated carves with tool changes I’ll need to install the switches. 2) I am currently thinking of how I can use both machines to speed up production, I have a few ideas 3) I’m using easel for both machines currently. But it’s very limiting, I’ll need to learn a more powerful program eventually.

[@dennisperusse3837]

@@GunsandGuitars Take a look at FreeCad. It’s open source, actually has a manual to it, and it being free is well with anyone’s budget. I just downloaded it and had Staples print me out a copy so I am unfamiliar yet with how good/ bad it is but food for thought for you. :)

[@Lendley]

I’m looking at buying a CNC I am interested in building wooden flags and military ribbons, most of those files are wrote for the vcarve or carbide is there a simple way to change the files to work with this machine? It may be a dumb question just new to it.

[@GunsandGuitars]

This machine is open source grbl, so you can use any software you want including both those you mentioned

[@HearGear]

The CNC seem very cool and good, but hey, i think i mentioned this in another video of yours, you gotta upgrade to a 1,5KW water cooled spindle with VFD because it´s a huge upgrade and your machine is going to route so much better and faster, those Makitas and similar clones are not very good at the end of the day actually. I have exactly the same clone you have on this machine, it´s scrapped a long time ago, also i had a real Makita that worked out great for quite some time and then it broke. I can see in several of your videos that the material you are routing of is turning in to dust and/or tiny particles and that´s not an optimal working CNC and there is alot of things that can go wrong there. But you make great videos and this is very interesting, i think you gotta learn from your own mistakes hey.. keep it up. Cheers.. :D

[@DaveParkersonofficial]

What software do you use for your Longmill?

[@cybergnetwork588]

Am I crazy or ou've raised the Longmill to be levelled with the wasteboard?

[@johnrau2265]

Based on the visual similarities between the computer-controlled router and laser machines, is there a method of just swapping back and forth between the two? Or does it have to be two separate machines?

[@GunsandGuitars]

You can absolutely use them for both. Sienci Labs makes a laser for the LongMill, and Fox Alien makes a laser for the Masuter Pro as well.

[@freaksarise]

Hi. i was just going through options on their site and see the software area. For the large size it requires the pro version. Are you using that $650 software or an open source application? Seems like it makes sense to get the vacuum attachment for dust collection and other addons. Any knowledge with its laser? Im considering that as well. Thanks!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Right now I’m just using easel for the software, it’s free and user friendly. But I’m learning fusion 360 which is also free and much more power, but way less user friendly.

[@russelldenton8753]

Do you do necks on these CNCs too? Wondering if programming for the fretboard radius fret slots is hard?

[@GunsandGuitars]

I haven’t done a neck, but I plan to. Programming and 3d modeling is the hardest part. But you can purchased 3d models to get started. So to answer your question, yes fretboard radius and fret slots are possible

[@iwannaapple7190]

The lead screws that came with mine are crooked. They wobble.

[@guitartube5822]

How has this machine been doing since you made this? I have been making guitars for a few years and suddenly have the need to be able to make more. Been doing a ton of research and want to see what issues you’ve run into. Also what add ons have you need to purchase or recommend! Thanks!

[@GunsandGuitars]

I’ve had zero issues. This machine is an absolute beast, it has more than exceeded my expectations. I’ll be making a follow up video pretty soon.

[@guitartube5822]

@@GunsandGuitars I have mine all configured in their cart… have just been waiting to do a little more research. Thanks so much for the response

[@TheAusherGuy]

Any links to files for these guitar bodies?

[@josephd3066]

Where do you get you template files?

[@thenoizfaktory]

What are the dimensions of your work space that you will be working in with the CNC router?

[@GunsandGuitars]

34”x50” is the work area of the router

[@shanefoster2861]

I never would have thought you would make it this far and resort to a CNC machine.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Only for the cookie cutter stuff. It’s still way more practical to make one off custom builds by hand