A different Brian.

I'm curious about this stuff, too. I bookmarked this source in Virginia. It's worth a try.

Wow, Dave, that was quite an articulate post. I don't think I've written that well since college, if at all. My 3axis machine should have no problem with this design. Of course, you have to use a little enginuity to keep the machine's limitations from becoming an issue. For instance, I'd first create index holes in the outer margins of the wood blank. Then, I can rout the cavities on the backside before turning the blank over and doing the front. On this, I'd probably cut out the shape last. There are no undercuts in this body, and in fact, if the body took more than 20 min. to program, I'd be suprised. The neck would be cut separately. The only issue I see is in drilling the holes for the tuning pegs and cutting the shape of the headstock. I'd probably rough out the head and then make a jig to hold the headstock for drilling the holes and doing any inlay work, as well as one finishing pass on the shape to clean it up. Nothing too tricky. Again, you'd need a system of indexiing to be able to do both front and backside, although I'd probably surface-plane the blank before machining and use that surface for attaching the fingerboard. There are several different CAM programs, with varying complexity to their use. The speed at which this design can be programmed for onsie-twosie production should be fairly fast, depending on the skill of the programmer and the strategy the software uses to determine the toolpaths. Probably the most time consuming aspect would be thinking about what kind of jig to use on the headstock. That's one of those things you think about early in the morning before you get out of bed.

BTW, Chris, if I were trying to get veneer to work on curves, a vacuum bag is the only way I'd attempt it. I've noticed that a softened burl is more flexible than most veneers. (Joe sells softener) The advise about compound curves is pretty accurate. Myka's situation is a little different. The curves are not that great, and the burl is probably softened and fairly flexible. Nice job on the faux quilted finish. Makes me want to try it on some scraps. I'm very much a novice on an airbrush. Am I correct that you basically paint the body the dark color first, then paint over the edge of a mask with the lighter color to get the quilts?

You guys might be interested in this... I just joined the board this week. I'm excited about the thought of building my own guitars as a hobby. The more I learn about the process, the more I realize that my workshop/studio already has many of the key tools. One of these tools is a vacuum press, which I built myself. It's easy, and much more effective than weights or clamps. Here's the link to Joe Woodworker.com, which is where I learned to build the press. Joe Woodworker.com And here's a picture of my venturi vacuum press, which hooks up to my air compressor. I know there's still some cost, even in making your own. But this is a much better unit at a much better price than I could possibly afford. Joe also sells the vinyl bags that you need. The prices for bags are exceptional. If you want to do veneer on guitars, get to know Joe's site. If you order from him, please let him know that the guy who built his "tree sculpture" referred you. I don't get anything, but I'd like to let him know that I appreciated his help and good deeds come back to you. And he *is* very helpful. He's also a big Rush fan.

I'm game if you are. I have two CNCs, a 4'x8' bed (new) and a 19"x14" that I've had for about 8 years. Up to this point I've only cut 2D using Bobcad/cam. Rhino is new and I'm working through tutorials as time permits (vtc.com). The CNCs work for me during the day. I should have some time at night to start burning through the learning curve on making guitars that I enjoy playing. Free time is so valuable right now that working with someone on design might be the way to make it work. Finish the drawing and let me know. We can exchange a PM to get email addresses. I have a webcam here in my workshop studio hooked up with MSN messenger. That might be a useful tool. I'm just wondering... does anyone make a carved top version of an Explorer? I'm dying to try a carved top design. There's just something about the "plump-ness" of a carved top, and the CNC can do it so easily. This is just a thought. Maybe something to try in the future. I just want to have some fun. I told my wife that this is the first thing I've done in many years which I'm doing just to have fun. Everything else seems to be to fulfill some responsibility, either to my business, wife, kids, house, family, etc., etc.

Do you have a CNC? The reason I ask is that I have a new CNC and also use Rhino. I'm just looking at the learning curve for building a guitar or two as a hobby for myself (I use the CNC for other purposes during the day). I've thought about cutting a body/neck or two just to get experience with bit selection. Let me know if you want me to play around with your file. I'm struggling to find spare time right now, but where there's a will... You know, of course, the neck needs to be separated from the body before any toolpaths can be written. Otherwise, I think its looking pretty good. How do you plan to run the pickup wires to the other cavity? I'm also guessing the fretboard needs to be cut separately (or purchased).

It seemed like a phase switch, so that's what I called it. It has two positions, but it looks just like the volume knob. Click it one way and it makes the sound more "hollow". My uncertainty about what to call it just comes from a recent revelation that when I was younger I knew *everything*. The older I get, the more I question what I thought I knew. This is probably a common feeling. Here's a thousand words about the switch...

My first post. AWESOME board folks! You've put together a collection of knowledge and experience that is invalueable. I'm truely greatful for the time and effort everyone has put into this board. I've read quite a bit over the last couple of days, yet there is soooo much more to see. I'm getting ready to try building my own guitars as a hobby. Before I start, I want to fix up my old guitars. Right now I'm working on my Strat that I bought used and "customized" back in the 80s. I say "customized" because I was a young idiot who just threw components together without any consideration for compatibility. I removed the bridge single coil, routed a larger space for a Dimarzio Super Distortion humbucker, and just hooked it up to the existing controls. The Strat had 3 single coil pickups, a 5-way switch, a volume pot, a tone pot (which I removed) and another matching knob that I guess must be a two position phase switch. I have a short in the volume pot so I took a look at it today. It's a 1 Meg pot and I was able to find a replacement at Stew Mac. I noticed the phase switch has a broken component and should probably be replaced as well. Stew Mac didn't have anything like it and I'm at a loss were to look next. I'm still an absolute novice at this so I'm hoping some of the more experienced folks here can point me in the right direction. I admit I was amazed when I saw how this guitar was wired. I would never have guessed it was that complex. That phase switch especially has quite a few wires attached to it. I figure several close-up digital pictures of the existing wiring would probably be a good idea before disconnecting it and installing the new one. If anyone sees a need to share any valuable insight on what I'm about to "fix", I'm all ears! Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Brian