I would really like to have my body design put into a CAD drawing (partly because I have access to a CNC router that could make quick work of my somewhat curvy and pointy (read: pain in the A$$ to cut out) body.

Problem is... I have NO clue how to use any type of CAD program and with limited internet access, can't take the necessary time to learn online. I DO have AutoCAD 2005 on my machine (D/L'd it - doubt they'll lose any sleep, I don't even know how to use it for personal, much less business applications).

Could someone who is familiar with the program render a 2D drawing for me? How much should one expect to pay for such a service? How long does it often take to do such a rendering?

Is there a somewhat quick to learn program I should play with instead of CAD? Are there good, intuitive tutorials for the applications of the program that we use as luthiers (or wannabes :D) ?? As of now, I click on the icon and stare at the screen, then start doodling random lines and quit every time I decide to give it a shot. Not a super intuitive program... ;)

First the CAD...I've never used AutoCAD but it is widely used and fairly straightforward (for a CAD program that is...) from what I hear. You're just facing the usual learning curve that comes with getting to know any CAD software from scratch. If there's an electronic manual or "Help" screen that comes with it, make that your friend. If you want to learn it, you just have to bite down and plow ahead.

With regard to CNC, the advantage of a CAD program is that you can save your drawing as a DXF file that some (some....) CNC computers will be able to use, but others will require that you translate it into a low-level format called G-code before it can be uploaded to the CNC. It really depends on the specific machine.

So....you may have 2 learning curves to overcome, drawing in CAD and uploading to CNC. If all you're doing is cutting out a 2D outline for a single body, you could probably do it with a steak knife and nail file before you figure out how to do it with CAD/CNC.

The CNC mill is really best for two things: #1 cranking out a lot of pieces, that is where you'll save time after you've done the programming; and #2 precision in 3D (for someone who's already well versed in programming). As you're discovering, there is a certain amount of set-up with CNC, even for guys who already have the software end of it dialed in, and it is almost never worth it for a one-off job.

It would be quicker to go bandsaw on your body.

I would like have access to a CNC for a nice carved top more than just cut a body

If you have a scanned and image of your design, and most importantly dimensions, it should be a very quick job for any competent drafter. Ill happily do it for you in 2d as a dxf.
Alex

Get Sketchup. It's demo version is free, easy to learn and the drawings can be exported to DXF, Autocad or any other CAD program by anyone who has the full version.

I would like have access to a CNC for a nice carved top more than just cut a body

Hear me now and believe me later.....I've seen what it takes to program in 3D for a CNC, for stuff that is way more simple than a guitar body (we have a full machine shop at work). You could carve your body entirely by hand, and probably another one too, before you get the CNC programmed and ready to do it for you.

In our case at work, the shop uses the CNC almost entirely for the precision it affords in machining metal parts...IMO you have nothing to gain from CNC in lutherie unless you want to do high-precision stuff (like detailed inlay) or you want to crank out 100 of the same thing.

I guess I will have to learn how to carve then :D

Most likely the easiest thing to do would be to scan the image and import it into your CAD program so you can "trace" over it using the CAD drawing tools. I know AutoCAD will allow you to import images into a DWG.

Asad

Yep. I have done that and it requires no Einstein to do it. I have to "learn" AutoCAD to help me design my project and I import the body drawing I did and draw over it without a problems. Ill do the same thing for more ideas I have in mind. In my case I didn't even scanned the drawing. I took a photo of it, modified it on Photoshop to certain measures and then imported it to CAD.

If you have a scanned and image of your design, and most importantly dimensions, it should be a very quick job for any competent drafter. Ill happily do it for you in 2d as a dxf.
Alex


I'm a Lineslinger (CAD Tech) for my occupation and if you sent me an image w/ a couple of critical dimensions I could do this for you in minutes. 3D on the other hand is a completely different animal and it would require a lot more effort.

hey, been offline for a while. Thanks for the replies. I think you have a good point, Erik. I do believe that the CNC machine has the capability to work from a DXF, but I'd have to confirm that.

I appreciate the offers, Alex and Kris! I'll see what I can do about a scanned copy. Shouldn't be too hard. I may even be able to get you a 1:1 file if the scanner at Kinkos is fancy enough. I'll PM you when I get it worked out.