Here are some of the questions we have received while ramping up to the 3D CNC file offerings and our responses:
Note: 3D CNC Files are coming at a later date:
Q: When I import your files (either 2D or 3D), the scale is not correct. What is the cause of this?
A: We create all of our 2D and 3D files in millimeters. You will have to do one of two things. The easiest is to find out the scale factor and apply that to the import window in your particular software.
If the file is for an instrument plan, the best way to handle this is to load the file into your CAD program, measure the distance from the backside of the nut to the 12th fret (which is 1/2 of the scale length), and compare it to the pdf plan sheet. Divide the pdf millimeter or inches by the measured value and that will be the scaling factor you need to apply. I is likely to be 25.4 or 12 depending on how you have your scaling setup in your software.
Secondly, most programs can enlarge the file once it is imported. Just measure a known dimension in the file such as the scale of the fretboard, body length etc. compare it to the actual plan measurement and calculate the enlargement factor and enlarge the file information accordingly. and
Q: What plans are your CNC Plans based upon?
A: Our files are based directly from the PDF plans and 2D CNC Files that we offer. All dimensions reflect those files for each particular instrument.
Q: I want to buy a 3D CNC files to run solid body guitars. Some of the cavities and other routing operations need to be run of the from and back of the wood slab. How is this done?
A: While we don’t offer specific instructions on this because each machine and software handles this differently. Generally though, most technicians will use registration pins to locate the wood slab on a CNC sub-base to allow the project to be flipped after routing the top and having perfect registration when routing the backside of the body.
Q: I want to install different hardware on my instrument other than those specified on your PDF plans. Will your 3D plans accommodate these changes?
A: As indicate above our files are based upon the plans and files above. While a lot of hardware is standardized, it is best for you to check the dimensions of your hardware to be sure. Minor modifications can be made with 3D editing software. We do not offer editing changes as part of the file support.
Q: I want to run a 3D arch top for a Les Paul or other arch top instrument. Will your files give me a smooth arch for the top?
A: Yes. All of our arch top files are constructed using NURBS objects or as SubD object, which are very smooth and should provide a project that requires only minor shaping and finish sanding. In the case of hollow body instruments, we will attempt the replicate the instruments thickness variations intent, but final tuning is usually required due to the different nature of tone woods.
Q: What are the 3D CNC Files and how do they differ from 2D CNC files?
A: 2D CNC Files are just as the name Implies, they are 2 dimensional only and do not contain any 3D information or depths. The 2D files are exported in both DXF and DWG files, which are standard input and export options for most every CAD and modeling software.
In the 3D world, we deal with 3 planes. The X and Y planes that are used in the 2 dimensional world, with the addition of the Z plane or the depth factor.
Q: I like your neck profiles, but I would like to change the shape slightly. Can I do this with your files?
A: All of our necks feature a very close replication to the neck sections depicted on our PDF plans. If you wish to make a variation to the neck profile, you can run the neck and make the slight variations by hand. If you wish to make actual changes to the 3D geometry, you will need a file format that you can edit in a 3D modeling program. We can write our files into several program formats. Please contact us for additional information on this.
Q: I want to run guitar bodies, necks, bracing etc. on my CNC. Can I do this with 2D CNC files?
A: 2D CNC files are intended to be modified by the end user to add the depth information such as pickup pockets, wiring channels, stud holes etc. These type of operations are considered 2-1/2D, because you are just adding a cutting depth.
Other more complex shapes such as necks, arm and waist reliefs and other complex shapes have to be added by using a 3D editing program such as Rhino, 3D Studio, FormZ, Modo, Solidworks, or some of the more complex CNC programs such as Vectric’s Aspire.
Q: What do i receive if I order a 3D CNC File?
A: We offer our 3D CNC Files in a wide variety of variations. In other words if you just want to run a neck on your CNC machine, you will be able to order just the 3D neck file and are not required to purchase the entire instrument file. We will be offerings our files as follows: (Note this can vary depending on the guitar, bass or other instrument).
1. Top and all associated bracing.
2. Back bracing, included arched bracing
3. Head block, with neck mortise, and tail blocks, side reinforcing bracing.
4. Neck, heel, headpiece, truss rod slot and truss rod access. Also, tenon for neck joint. Some neck will include a dovetail joint option as well.
5. Headpiece decorative plate (if required for guitar model), including tuner and bushing holes.
6. Pickguard, bridge, with bridge pin tapered holes, pin relief and saddle slot
7. Fretboard, showing fretboard radius, fret tang slots, MOP inlay slotting and binding for fretboard perimeter if shown.
1. Guitar Body, showing electronics cavities, pickup cavities, wiring channels where applicable, neck recess, neck attachment bolts holes, tremolo cavities, string access holes where required, pot holes, arm and waist relief in certain guitar models, all edge rounding at guitar edges and bridge and tailpiece stud holes.
2. Archtop plate for certain models such as the Les Paul guitars.
2. Bracing (for hollow body instruments), such as the L5 or 355ES or our upcoming Benedetto hollow bodies.
3. Neck including heel, headstock shape, with tuner post and bushing holes, and if required, truss rod slot and adjusting nut access . Also all smoothing for neck to heel and neck to headpiece transitions.
4. Fretboard, including radius, fret slots and inlay patterns. Fretboard binding if shown.
5. Pickguards, including pot holes, screw holes, and pickup holes. Also cover plates will be included with this file, such as truss rod covers, electronics cover plates, tremolo covers and other miscellaneous plates.
6. Fretboard, showing fretboard radius, fret tang slots, MOP inlay slotting.