3D printing and CNC

[Randy Zwitch Zwitch Guitars]

> 1) For those of you that have both capabilities in your shops, which do you find more useful or more often used on a regular basis?

Without a doubt, the CNC is much more useful for building ELECTRIC guitars. For acoustic guitars, the CNC is pretty useful for making molds, fretboards, doing soundhole, inlays etc., but obviously doesn’t do anything towards bending the wood.

3D printing is great for making one-off little tools, clamps, etc. that would be helpful to have. But it’s absolutely not as useful as a CNC machine is.

> 2) How did you choose a cnc machine? Given the high cost and huge number of products in the marketplace the decision is a bit daunting.

I’ve owned two CNC machines: Shapeoko 4 XL and OneFinity Journeyman Pro. I upgrade from the Shapeoko because I kept finding myself running into the width limits of the machine (it is 17″x33″ IIRC).

The Journeyman Pro is 33×48″ cutting area (1/3 sheet of 4’x8′ plywood) which has been plenty for me. This machine is also much more robust, as it uses metal screws instead of belts, which leads to better rigidity when cutting into hardwoods.

> Given that the learning curve is steep, I am inclined to be partial to those products/software options that have an abundance of learning resources.

The learning curve isn’t as steep as you might imagine, until you get into 3D carving. Meaning, if you are making templates from plywood, you could pick that up very quickly. Once you get into CAD from a design standpoint (say, for carving guitar necks), then it does get a bit more complicated. I use Fusion 360, which does2D and 3D design and machine toolpaths, so it’s a great one-stop solution. If you were just making templates and such, the Shapeoko comes with free software that’s pretty good.

> If any product comes to mind, please share your thoughts.

My best advice is that you can’t go wrong with a Shapeoko Pro/Shapeoko 5 or a OneFinity machine. I’ve not personally used it, but Sienci Labs also seems pretty well regarded. The biggest thing upfront is get the biggest machine you can comfortably fit in your work space. Once you get some projects under your belt, you’ll start to see bigger projects…that’s why I ended up getting rid of my original machine, just wanted to do things slightly larger than I had. I learned a lot, but ultimately bought twice :/

You don’t need a dedicated spindle to start, you can use a trim router. Using a spindle just gives you nice-to-haves like automatic speed setting, quieter, and possibly larger bits.

I’ve written a lot already, but happen to continue answering questions as you work through your decision! Post budget, machines you are looking at or whatever and happy to share my experience

[James Huntley]

Thanks so much, Randy. What a fantastic and thorough response. I’ve been eyeing the shapeoko 5 pro. This confirms my suspicion that a cnc should be my next move.

[Randy Zwitch Zwitch Guitars]

You’re welcome, both machines really unlock new capabilities. Just need to be careful not to get sidetracked and forget to build guitars 😅

FWIW, I would’ve repurchased from Carbide3D had I not found the OneFinity on Facebook Marketplace. Great company, really focused on ease of use and support

[James Huntley]

Hi Randy, I just went back to this great answer that actually also addressed my question that I just sent in the feed. Please disregard that question and thanks again!

[Dave Staudte (rhymms with "Howdy") NB Guitar Repair (New Braunfels, TX)]

I had it in my head I needed a CNC until I met James Roadman. He asked why I didn’t want a 3D printer. I thought “What am I going to do with that? Print pickup rings and knobs?” Boy was I wrong. I got the 3D printer (Bambu X1 Carbon, same as many of us have) This has been a perfect and affordable move. I have printed so many helpful parts mostly form the repository here, but there is a whole new world out there. Sites like Printables, Cults3d, Thingiverse, ec. You can print almost anything. I print all kinds of stuff, shower curtain rings, organizing trays, Cat Helmets!

Point being, now that I’ve entered this world I just need to learn Fusion so I can 3D model. Then I’ll start thinking about a CNC. But having the 3D printer I can prove my drawing before wrecking a niece piece of wood or breaking bits in a CNC by printing it out first.

Thanks to James Roadman for this sage advice! (and he has both)

I do build acoustic guitars when I have time (have 2 to in the works right now) and look forward to having a CNC someday.

[James Huntley]

Thanks, Dave. That’s the 3D printer I’ve been eyeing. I saw someone post a file for a binding cutting jig that looks great. From what I’ve read a 3D printer is easier to get up and running (vs a cnc having a greater learning curve), which makes it appealing.

[David Foster Fostino Guitars and Ukuleles]

I’ve recently got into 3D printing. and Cnc as well. I think one of the biggest hurdles to get over is figuring out which software and mastering it first before you decide which machine to get. I have a Bambu A1 and love it. it’s nice to be able to dabble with it as Im also learning the Cnc. I purchased the Genmitzu from Saintmart. https://www.sainsmart.com/products/3020-pro-ultra. to experiment with and figure some things out before I go with a large Cnc machine. At the recommendation of one of my teachers I’ll be getting the Laguna IQ Pro. You will find that a small Gantry is going o be limiting to what’s possible with operating like carving the heels on acoustic guitars. <font face=”inherit”> Check Frettie Mercury (Tom Dalia) on IG he gives classes on the CAD software. Tom </font>teaches<font face=”inherit”> Rhino CAD. Take one of his classes before you get a machine as it takes awhile to learn the software. Tom offers tutoring as well. </font>

sainsmart.com

404 Not Found

The official SainSmart website - A trusted vendor for Desktop CNC router machines, desktop 3D Printer, 3D Printing Filament, and accessories, Raspberry Pi & Arduino Projects since 2012.

[James Huntley]

Thanks, David. Yes, I follow Frettie on IG and will take a closer look at his posts and cnc related courses. Learning the software before getting a cnc isn’t something I had considered. I had assumed that I’d need to have the software and use it to figure it to learn, so thanks for that tip!

[James Huntley]

Just an update for thise that kindly replied to my original post. I went with an altmill mk2 2×4 cnc. Just finished setting it up. Also began a 3D cad class with frettie mercury last week.