CNC fretboard G-code generator

[Jeff Siddall]

I just read through the thread, very nice work @Jeff Siddall ! Being a software engineer by trade, working mostly in python, I really appreciate the work you did here! And twisting the fretboard is a whole new level there...

Going back to basics, I understand that having a straight fretboard under each string means that the fretboard will be a slice of cone where the top and bottom radiuses depend on the string spacing at the nut and bridge, on top of the base radius you choose at the nut, right?
My intuition tells me that this works also if the strings are not regularly spaced, when the e and a strings are farther apart than d and g, is this correct?

Another thought I had was that I usually lower the frets a nudge on the bridge end of the fretboard, so I'm wondering if the curved fretboard path can also be desirable. By computing the hyperbola equations (in other words, staying with conic maths), one could maybe make a fretboard with a custom fall-off...

Thanks!

Regarding the string spacing, yes, it doesn't matter where any string goes as long as it is along a path defined by a ratio of the string spacing at the nut and bridge relative to the centerline.

So, for example, you can put a string at 10% of the distance from the centerline to the outside string at both the nut and bridge and it will still be on a flat string path. You can't mix and match though. For example putting a string at 10% of the distance at the nut but 20% at the bridge will result in a non-linear string path.

Regarding fallaway, yes, theoretically you could cut a longitudinally curved fretboard in addition to the typical transverse curve. However, the fretboard will naturally form a parabolic shape under string tension so I don't think there is any benefit to cutting that into the board itself.

Using conical segments won't provide a fallaway since a cone, by definition, is a ruled surface.

 

[mshaynerush]

And if you want, Today I made a tool to cut fret slots based on scale length and the width at the last fret and at the nut. For guitar. I can modify it for a different bit size, but this one assumes .6mm bit and leaves about 1mm of fret edge instead of cutting through.

Fret Slot G Code Generator

mshaynerush.github.io

Enter units, scale length, width at last fret, width at nut, how deep you want the slot and how much to step down each pass.

Current defaults. .6mm bit, 900mm/min feed rate and 1mm left on slot width. Start at the fret side of the nut slot and center in the fretboard for X0 and Y0. Z zero should be the top of your piece.

Generate g code. Copy and paste into a plain text editor and save as .nc file.

I have some edits to make for user experience, but i tested it today on a fretboard and it was perfection. Hope any of you find this useful.

 

[mshaynerush]

If if you want, Today I made a tool to cut fret slots based on scale length and the width at the last fret and at the nut. For guitar. I can modify it for a different bit size, but this one assumes .6mm bit and leaves about 1mm of fret edge instead of cutting through.

Fret Slot G Code Generator

mshaynerush.github.io

Enter units, scale length, width at last fret, width at nut, how deep you want the slot and how much to step down each pass.

Current defaults. .6mm bit, 900mm/min feed rate and 1mm left on slot width. Start at the fret side of the nut slot and center in the fretboard for X0 and Y0. Z zero should be the top of your piece.

Generate g code. Copy and paste into a plain text editor and save as .nc file.

I have some edits to make for user experience, but i tested it today on a fretboard and it was perfection. Hope any of you find this useful.

Come to think of it, it doesnt matter which instrument. If you have one scale this will make consistent g code for bass, guitar, etc. since the formula works for any instrument like this. I plan to include inputs for feed rate setting, rapid movement, tool diameter and extension so if you choose to cut all the way across for each fret or if you want a bit more edge than 1mm.

 

[Phil Mastro]

for Linux

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