Making Custom Inlayed and Pre-Slotted Fretboards the EASY way (Ortur Laser Master 3)

[@winston4339]

There was a time when Dan told us that we don't need these fancy tools to build a guitar. This channel is not what is used to be about. Therefore, I'm unsubscribing. Have your robots build your guitars. Not very interesting to watch automated machines in work. KZbin will push me these videos anyway.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I’m still a firm believer that you don’t need fancy tools to build guitars. The whole point of my channel is that you don’t let your circumstances define what you’re capable of. I know some people won’t want to watch cnc machines, or feel like they are out of reach for them, and for those people I have literally hundreds of videos (and will still continue to make them). But for those that weren’t taught woodworking, or are physically incapable of using hand tools, these cnc machines level the playing field. I’ve always been “spend less, play more” which is why you haven’t seen a $10k cnc on my channel, only the budget friendly models. But the bar of entry for cnc tech has become so reachable that I would be a fool to ignore it. Desktop cnc machines are the tools of the future. Every workshop will have them eventually. I embrace the old and the new. If that’s not your thing, no problem, watch the vids you want to watch, and unsubscribe. I bet at some point in the future you’ll start being interested in cnc tech. It’s a whole new level of craftsmanship on a digital level.

[@stephenhookings1985]

@@GunsandGuitars how about a sister channel ... automatic guns and guitars?

[@anvildesignartphotographyl5646]

you probably don't need fancy tools to build anything, but using a hammer to put up a shed is a lot easier than your fist, you can buy one hell of a hammer these days lol. all of the various projects is the reason i subscribed! keep up the great work, i look forward to getting my own laser engraver cutter soon!

[@nilsen589]

I like that you explore innovative and unusual ways to build a guitar. I embrace this new technology. It's here anyways...if we cry about it or not. And it won't make the luthier obsolete anyways. 😅

[@themodernluthier]

And yet I'm guessing that you (among many others) wouldn't pay for this time intensive type of work to be done by hand. It makes no sense to insist on hand operations (for guitar building or other fine woodworking) if the quality is as good (and often better) with more automated tools. Want to insist on hand cut mortise and tenons? I'd rather have them done on a machine for accuracy. For a guitar, the only hand work that really matters is tuning an acoustic top. Other than that, best to enjoy the increased customization at the lower costs that this allows.

[@robertprice9052]

I have a friend who builds custom guitars. He needed to borrow my cnc one day because his had a mechanical issue. WHile in my shop he played with my laser while the cnc ran his job. He bought a laser that night. He stopped by to show me the most awesome guitar he build as a Prince tribute the was, of course purple, but was covered with small paisleys. The laser lets him put very detailed custom touches to his products.

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

Hey Dan just wanted to thank you for all you do to help out the diy guitar player community. I just did my first fretjob following your tutorials with your tool suggestions and after a setup, my guitar plays better than it ever has! Thanks a ton

[@GunsandGuitars]

You’re welcome! Glad I could be helpful!

[@JoeTheGuitarGuy96]

Dan, the more I watch your videos, the more I get inspiration for my personal builds. Those fretboard look amazing, especially the duelling wood part. The possibilities, especially with hardwoods, seem endless with the laser machine. 👍

[@Cake_Doge]

Man, you are really inspiring. Wish I had a garage full of power tools and crazy stuff like this just to craft things in my spare time. This is one of my motivations for the future.

[@MrDaveKC]

That's such an awesome tool. It really seems the combination of cnc and laser is really incredible for producing guitars and bases. Love it.

[@GunsandGuitars]

These cnc machines are the shop tools of the future. I truly believe that. It’s a new type of craftsmanship, and becoming more available to the average joe.

[@Ellery-USA]

So awesome to have hobbyist grade tools that work well. Just wished I had a whole workshop to put all this stuff in.

[@KingBespokeCreations]

Super cool Dan. I’m getting grips with mine an I’m super impressed with speed accuracy of it! Video out soon 👍

[@GunsandGuitars]

Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

[@realjester]

Cool Laser demo. Can’t wait to see what you do once you have the extension kit. Thanks 👍👍👍

great idea making the fretboards like that. The wooden inlays looked great

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

The Pedal box is amazing - You can sell them disassembled

[@MagicAtticGuitars]

Looks like Ortur is coming to own guitar building comunity. I have a lot of fun with my laser. I also made a fretboard with it in my latest video but I only marked the fret positions and then cut them to depth by hand. Its hard to control how deep it will burn and its not always consistant on grainy woods. Great video man!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yeah for each of the frets I did 3 passes .14mm apart which make a gap just under .5mm (the width of my fret saw). I could probably press the frets straight in just fine, but after radiusing I’m gonna clean each slot real quick with the fret saw to clear out the saw dust and any ash. If I find they aren’t deep enough for some reason, I’ll take the time to fine tune them. It will still save a ton of time.

[@asafpelleh7594]

This is so awesone!

[@JamieLamb]

Man this is super impressive.

[@zfxpedals]

Here I was leaning toward getting a CO2 laser as an upgrade to my Ortur LM2 15 w but this looks like a big upgrade for Ortur. This may need to be the direction that I move in soon, but I need to make an enclosure for one also to get fumes out of the garage (I'm burning away powder coat from aluminum enclosures and you don't really want to breath that stuff in)

[@GunsandGuitars]

I’m not sure if the co2 laser tech is evolving as fast as the diode laser tech, I’ve been watching videos of what people make with their co2 lasers and I’m starting to see videos of people making the same stuff with diode lasers. If the playing field isn’t level yet, it might be soon. It seems that it’s catching up.

[@christophertodd6405]

Brass or nickel bullet heads would make really cool fret markers.

[@muskop42]

for bass fretboards you could use an alignment jig to cut it one half at a time

[@stevesstrings5243]

Lot’s of possibilities!

[@chadith]

Cool. Exactly what I was curious about as well.🤘

[@sufianmusiran2434]

Pedal board awsome

[@BBGuitars]

Videos like this are pushing me further and further down the wanting a small CNC rabbit-hole... THANKS DAN.... jerk...

[@scottmorris4914]

Great video, and a great idea on using the cutouts for the other fretboard. On the fret boards, what will you do with the burned edges?

[@GunsandGuitars]

I made these slightly wider than a neck, so I plan to sand it down or route the edge to make a flush fit, which will remove the burn. But one I get ky cnc designs more streamlined and dialed in, I might just cut them to the proper size and keep the burned edges for contrast and install white dot inlays for fret markers.

[@davidmead9799]

Man I love all that you do on this Chane, and the reason I started building. God has truly blessed you. Because of this video I bought the orthur master 3 as well for the sole purpose of fretboard art. I was wondering, where can I find a file for the fretboard layout?? Is there one, or do I need to figure it out?? Thanks and look forward to your next video

[@GunsandGuitars]

There isn’t one. I just drew it in lightburn

[@markthomas3853]

for the 3/4 you could try lowering the laser just a little further partway down (not sure how the Z axis works on this model) I have a cheaper and far weaker laser that I use to laser etch things and changing the focal point really makes a huge difference

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yeah I did experiment with different focal lengths and couldn’t get a clean cut all the way through maybe if I did several passes then lowered it and did a few more, but when I tried that the laser shifted (ever so slightly) and didn’t make a clean cut.

[@OxaudioPhilly]

Wanna try something cool, remove the crumb tray and focus it higher than your material. It will engrave a wide v groove when its focused close but the material is far away. At least that’s what my glowforge does

[@aukinotanga4530]

Thanks Dan. You inspired me to get one. does it come with a base like the honey comb one you are using?

[@quickwashtheraccoon7601]

If you combine the cnc and the laser you can do a much cleaner effect box . Best Quickwash

[@GunsandGuitars]

I agree, I think I’m going to use the cnc mill for the box, and the laser for cutting the holes and graphics

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Sweet! Thanks for the vid. Keep bangin'! 🤘🏼

[@ChinJazz]

Wow! This just might be the ticket for me! I see that you've reviewed a few Laser kits. The Ortur Laser Master 3 w/Extension kit seems to be perfect. The extension kit is available now (as you probably know). Bass Fretboards are a requirement for me so I either grow into one, and buy the extension, or just get one that has a long enough working area. And this market place of Laser Engraver/cutters is daunting Geez! - I was looking at CNC's at first, but now it seems like a Laser will add more value to me up-front for Logos/Inlays, routing jigs.. (I've spent a lot of time on making those manually...LOL

[@GunsandGuitars]

I love my lasers. The are faster and cut cleaner than cnc routers (obviously can’t cut as deep yet, but I’m sure they eventually will!) I use my cnc lasers 10x more often than my cnc routers.

[@ChinJazz]

@@GunsandGuitars That's a good thing on the wallet!... One other quick question when you have time: Have you cut acrylic? Thinking about something in the range of 1/4" thick or a bit less..Or aluminum? Thinking about re-making some jigs I have :)

[@calebbhawkins]

I guess what I’m interested in is seeing how well frets go in the slots and if they require CA glue to keep them in place or not. I could see this as a viable way to do custom scale lengths and fanned frets and all kinds of things like that. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if someone wanted to cut acoustic guitar tops out on something like this, backs and sides too I suppose. Taylor has used this tech for a long time but it’s only finally getting to a hobby price point.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I haven’t pressed a fret fully in yet, but I set the laser to do three passes each spaced 1/8” of a mm apart, cleared out the chaff, and it left a slot slightly smaller than the one left by my fret saw. It might be a tad too tight and need to be touched up with the fretsaw in order for the fret to fully seat at this point, but I wanted to start narrow and widen it as I go until I get the perfect size. So to answer your question, it will not need glue unless you want it as extra precaution.

[@HearGear]

This is a great video.. but, did you ever think about making a bracket to put a laser on your CNC to save some money ?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yeah they make lasers and adapters to use a laser on a cnc router, but honestly it’s a pain to switch back and forth between router and laser, so it’s better to have two dedicated machines. Plus they can both run at the same time.

[@shawnbryant60]

Great vid! But how much does the whole laser system run a person? Please let me know , I have been a subscriber for 3 years!

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

That is so cool!

[@jimcorliss9330]

I’m just trying to set up and cut a 20” scale length fretboard . I have Lightburn and Corel draw but haven’t got around the learning curve. If you’re care to share a file I could modify that would be awesome. Even pay for it as it would save me a lot of time. I get started then discouaged. I have an Atomstack A30 pro with. Extension .

[@MattCaffell]

Great Vid Bro, loving the idea of the pedal board, perhaps you can integrate the pedals you wanted to combine a while back. (Before R&R)

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yeah I was thinking along those lines as well. I could definitely make enclosures that fit two or three pedals now!

[@charleswallace5818]

Would love to have a neck that said "Heaven Bound" have wanted one since I was 6

[@charleswallace5818]

@UC2zyJTG7k6SEgj69O8ljWMg just add it in with my order. Thanks

[@kg0il]

Interesting. I'd not thought of doing inlays the way you did. As I was watching, I was thinking you could also do an inlay with colored resin. Thoughts?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yes absolutely!

[@alaricpaley6865]

So, Makers Muse just put out a video on how dangerous this laser CNC design is. You really really *really* need to build an enclosure with an exhaust system for these, all that light scattering against the gantry can and will burn your eyes and has a chance to make you or others in the room blind or partially blind. This unit has no safety features at all, and I don't think you are aware of just how much potential for harm there is with this design. Think about this for a moment - If at full power this light can burn and cut wood, then what will even a fraction of that do to your eyes?

[@the_real_beefchunks]

I also watched the makers muse video. I think while his concerns are valid, most of the dangers mentioned in his video are easily avoided in this use case. As long as you wear properly rated eye protection, and don't actually send the focused beam into your eye you should be fine. And as for the risk of fire, Dan showed in the last video the precautions he has taken. As long as you don't cut anything you don't know is laser safe, dangerous fumes shouldn't be a problem either. At the end of the day, as long as the proper precautions are taken I don't think open frame lasers are really anymore dangerous than CNC routers. It's just a matter of wearing eye protection, and not leaving it unattended. P.S. I don't write this to put anyone down it is just my opinion and should be taken with a grain of salt the same as any other random person on the internet.

[@kmichaelp4508]

A shroud, ie shaded welding blind, could easily be installed around the sides to protect you or passer’s by. It wouldn’t take but about maybe 8” all around. But yeah! That light can do a number on ya.

[@alaricpaley6865]

@@the_real_beefchunks For context, I own and operate an Epilog Radius laser. Trust me, it is far more dangerous then you seem to think it is - Safety equipment exists *because something bad happened.* "It's a matter of using eye protection" - Okay, so if it's near a window, or has line of sight with a doorway, whats to stop someone from looking in either of those? When I was a child I looked at the light from arc welding because it was bright and the person welding was just... welding in an open garage. My main concern here is that he said nothing about the very obvious safety concerns with this laser. It feels not so great to have him basically selling people on something that could hurt them or someone they care about without touching on the safety aspect at all.

[@the_real_beefchunks]

@@alaricpaley6865 Fair enough. He should have touched on some safety information. And I would agree that an enclosure would be the ideal solution, but I don't believe that not having an enclosure is an instant deal breaker. Obviously open frame lasers are not for everyone, but I think it is possible to operate one safely with some research, and common sense.

[@timothypotter2137]

You are at the next level, just keep going!

[@_mysilentblue2227]

I was hoping to see this, and it looks like it worked out great!

[@pascalb746]

How do you manage the depth of the slots ?

[@alexanderketterer9992]

Have you tested installing frets into those slots? I'm curious if the width of the cut is the appropriate size. And also, ho did you guage the power needed to achieve the appropriate depth?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yes I tested the fit. I figured out the proper settings through trial and error on scrap. Each fret has 3 passes .14mm apart which leaves a gap just under .5mm, the width of my fret saw. So the frets fit a little more snug than when I use a fret saw. The depth was a speed and power setting, again, trial and error.

[@alexanderketterer9992]

@@GunsandGuitars awesome. Thank you

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

How did you figure out the fret slot depths ? Also these would be about $10/ea or less since China mass produces this stuff.

[@shelleywetzel7292]

Super awesomeness ;)

[@EricVadala]

Where did you find the fretboard scale as an svg?

[@E-BikingAdventures]

Why would having a wifi connection to the laser cutter not allow you to use lighburn software to control it?

[@jessehoward6160]

Killin it

[@Itai_H]

This is such an amazing tool - revolution

[@GunsandGuitars]

Agreed. Desktop cnc machines are the tools of the future. Every workshop will have them eventually.

[@BenD_Bass]

Would you be able to cut half way through through the 3/4 maple and turn it around? Or would there be accuracy issues?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yes there would be accuracy issues unfortunately

[@novacordaguitars-metecemkuzu]

How about the kerf size on those inlays? Or did you just glue them in as they came out of the other board?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yup just glued in the ones from the opposite boards. The laser only cuts .01mm wide so no need to adjust for kerf.

[@novacordaguitars-metecemkuzu]

@@GunsandGuitars That's pretty cool.

[@Furiora]

so now to test it on Ebony, MoP and abalone to get the full range of fretboards and inlays haha

[@GunsandGuitars]

You are correct, need to find some ebony to test. Probably won’t do abolone, since I can just pour epoxy for the same effect and wouldn’t require laser time.

[@Furiora]

@@GunsandGuitars pointing our something from other comments, while I believe your laser is pretty accurate, I would suggest cutting the slots to final thickness by hand, just so you're not setting the frets into charred and damaged wood which could fail over time.

[@GalGaos]

Awesome tool - What amazes me is the price

[@cedarandsound]

Honestly, by the janka scale oak and poplar really aren't considered hardwoods. You could make a dent in poplar with your fingernail easily. I would be curious to see you use something more along the lines of real hardwood, such as rosewood, honeylocust, padauk, or anything above 1500 on the janka hardness scale.

[@walterwallace9503]

cuts ebony wood?

[@Doug_Seidlitz]

How wide is the cut?

[@GunsandGuitars]

Which cut? The laser cuts .01mm per pass. For the fret slots I did three passes spaced .15mm apart leaving me a .45mm slot, just slightly tighter than my .5mm fret saw

[@martinwinges9328]

Just throw some fanned frets ones out there, easy profit for sure.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I didn’t mention it in this video, but these are very subtle multiscale fretboards. I did 25”-25.25”scale (modified prs scale) but I think next time I’m going to do something that can be a replacement for standard fender scale, so something like 25-3/8”-25-5/8”

[@martinwinges9328]

Sounds great. My guess is, with the ongoing growth of popularity for MS instruments like Dingwall or Ibanez, there could be a niche for people trying to make an instrument for themselves or modifying their instruments. I hope it turns out well for you! Cheers from Germany. 🙏🏼

[@bigkahuna100]

I think you could list those for $65 a piece! Quick turners, easy money!!!

[@VoyeurGuitars]

I was hoping you'd also share your cutting power/speed for the fret slots. You mentioned power/speed for cutting all the way thru, but not for the fret slots. 🤔🤨🧐

[@GunsandGuitars]

If I recall I did speed at 400 and power at 80, 3 passes each .15mm apart

[@Voztox]

Dang, they have upped the price to $700. Now a little out of reach.

[@TheSmooshster]

Is there any way to contact you to commission a custom bass to be built?

[@Lennard222]

Please don't use an unprotected laser while you are in the room. There can always be a bad reflection and it may damage your eyes bad

[@GunsandGuitars]

I’m shocked at how many comments about safety I’m getting with this laser video. I explained my safety concerns in a previous laser video. I guess if I don’t cover them in every video people will always assume I’m being unsafe.

[@insederec]

I don't think the laser cares which direction the cut is in, grain should make very little difference

[@E-BikingAdventures]

I don't think anyone would buy a fret board made out of poplar. Even walnut is not as hard as maple, let alone rosewood.

[@JamieLamb]

Well.... I kind of wish I hadn't bought necks for the build we are doing. Lol oh well.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Fretboards can be replaced, all it costs is my time and some wood.

[@ericvernon1182]

Now I need a laser AND a CNC...great...

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yeah…cnc machines are the tools of the future. Thankfully the technology and prices have been coming down enough to be reasonable for average consumers where as before they were only in the grasp of major manufacturers.

[@ericvernon1182]

@@GunsandGuitars yeah for sure...but not quite into my range yet...

[@HumunculousInPants]

At the end of the video you said that this machine is capable of producing a pre-slotted fingerboard but in answer to a comment here you said you are having to cut the slots by hand. I don't imagine that a laser cutter will ever be a good tool for cutting fret slots. The kerf is not consistent enough and it damages the wood inside the slot. So why are you saying it is capable of making a "pre-slotted" fretboard when it is not? The inlays look OK. They aren't the right size because of the kerf but maybe that's OK for you. But you are really overselling this unsafe and inappropriate machine.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I said that the fret slots might need to be touched up with my fretsaw for THESE TWO FRETBOARDS SPECIFICALLY because I haven’t had a chance to see if they are cut to the correct width and depth after I radius the fretboards. This machine is more than accurate enough to cut fretslots. Each of these fretslots were done in 3 passes, each pass .15mm apart, for a total fretslots width of .45mm which is slightly tighter than the .5mm width of my fret saw. After I figure out the proper laser settings to nail the width and depth of cut it will be perfect without touch ups. The inlays are also fine, they fit tight, and the wood glue fills any gaps, with the exception of the smallest corners of the smallest inlays, where it will be filled with thin ca glue, the same as hand cut inlays would be. I guess you don’t understand the technology enough to be confident in it, which is understandable. I didn’t either. But now that I’ve had some time on the machine, I can see it’s potential. That’s what I was selling, not that my first attempt at laser cut fretboards are perfect, but that they can be perfect with some practice. And much easier repeatable results than doing it by hand.

[@HumunculousInPants]

@@GunsandGuitars Selling is the important word here. You are literally just shilling. And maybe you don't understand the technology. Maybe your slots would be 0.45mm measuring at the top of the piece but the laser thickness changes the further it is fired. And good luck Seating the frets into Ash.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Call it what you want man. My laser makes fretboards. And soon, my laser will make even more awesome fretboards 🤷‍♂️ I’m sorry that bothers you.

[@HumunculousInPants]

@@GunsandGuitars I think you have for some reason misunderstood what I am saying to be a gripe about using laser cutters? What bothers me is you claiming that it makes "pre-slotted" fretboards when it doesn't. My gripe is you literally lying. Literally being a greasy little pig for shill money. The machine is inappropriate because it doesn't cut fret slots and it's not wise to seat frets into charred wood. And it's unsafe without an enclosure and ventilation. Especially in a dusty workshop. You are just exposing yourself as being a complete idiot willing to do anything for money. And congratulations, you have upgraded Ben Crowe to the least worst guitar making luthier. Well done. With the whole foxalien crap on top of this... you should literally be banned.