Why CNC CAM Strategies Are So Important For Making Guitars

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

Chris, my old machine was a MPCNC with belt drive, oh my! New one is pretty robust, has a 1.5 kw vfd spindle. Good insight!

[@MET3]

While it’s not as capable as your x-carve pro; ball screws is why I went with a Onefinity CNC. It is a machine with ball screws at a hobbyist price. It’s not prefect, but I think it’s the best bang for the buck out there. Thank you for all the videos about how a hobbyist can use cnc to build guitars. You are probably the main reason I bought a cnc.

[@vanshankguitars]

Thanks for the info. I think for me the only reason I'd get into CNC would be if I decided to start making carved top bodies. Other, templates and plunge routers are good enough for now.

[@jimbecker5675]

I'm glad you did this discussion for folks...it's an important topic. It's important even with a larger, heavier, more capable machine. Aside from the technical aspects of optimizing for the given tool as you discussed and what you want to do with it, the extension is also making sure one thinks through the cutting process to further gain efficiency. I liken that to "thinking like you're the machine" and also striving to use the most efficient toolpathing in the CAM plan to get the job done. Order of operations to reduce tool changes, using the most efficient type of toolpaths for a specific operation (2/2.5D, linear like Vectric's moulding tool path and 3D, in that order of preference) and so forth kich things up a notch beyond just leveraging better feed rates, etc. I honestly avoid 3D carving where I can do it a faster way with the same or similar result. At any rate, the one thing I think you are a bit optimistic on is eliminating sanding on CNC created wood components. Even with the tightest, most time consuming step-overs on 3D finishing toolpaths, I think the finesse work will still remain. But it will take a fraction of the time and that's a good thing, particular for folks who are making for others. And if you can get to "sanding free"...I'm going to be paying attention to how you pull it off. :)

[@OverlandTrailer]

Awesome information on these bits. Love it. Thanks for the link.

[@AndrewScott1762]

I run the Shapeoko xxl and I’m very happy with it. I wonder how mine and an x-carve compare.

[@dalgguitars]

Thank you for your videos!

[@roberthurless4615]

Did you have to get a different electrical service installed in order to use the X-Carve Pro? By different I mean a larger ampere service.

[@HighlineGuitars]

No. Just a regular 110 outlet.

[@bucknaked31]

Use a 1/2” ballcutter! You won’t regret it! ;)

[@HighlineGuitars]

I do, and I don’t.

[@bucknaked31]

@@HighlineGuitars Can’t wait to see the new videos!

[@fstopPhotography]

Great information. Thanks so much. To be honest, I love the sanding portion. Therapeutic I believe that call it. Lol

[@HighlineGuitars]

Therapeutic? That's just weird. If I want therapy, I'll go for a walk.

[@fstopPhotography]

@@HighlineGuitars No, there is nothing weird about it. Because you don't like too doesn't mean everyone should fallow your lead. I happen to enjoy it. What I actually find lazy is relying on machines to do something I am very capable of doing myself. So, guess you've helped me to decide weather I should spend $10,000 on a machine I sm more than capable of doing myself. Thanks.

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@fstopPhotography Why are you here? Are you a troll? You’re a troll aren’t you? Go away troll.

[@bucknaked31]

@@fstopPhotography So, you were on the fence but now have decided to NOT spend the $10,000? Maybe you should start to wear a dust mask when you are woodworking? Lol

[@harveyd_5-11under]

I spent a whole summer sanding cabinet doors and drawer fronts, before graduating to cutting, assembling, and spraying. Sanding is fun... for a little while.

[@RC-xi1xb]

Great info!