CNC machines have been around for a long time. The OP was questioning that a CNC was used.
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Fender Basses made in Mexico
- Thread starter Giles Isaac
- Start date
CNC machines have been around for a long time. The OP was questioning that a CNC was used.
I know. It certainly could be CNC related, but it could also be related to other manufacturing processes. Before CNC, routers and other tooling were used with jigs and/or patterns, and still are by lower volume makers.
In the woodworking world, it's common to have some sort of common index or reference when moving from one station or jig to another when making duplicate items. There are also automated work holding devices that can insert into a round hole and expand, allowing oddly shaped items to be picked up or repositioned without gripping "show" areas.
I remember a quote from years ago:
According to Jeff Beilke from Fender, "That [hole] is indeed a byproduct of the routing machines utilized in our Mexico factory. I believe that's where the CNC machine actually holds the body in place in order to assure the correct cut. The US counterparts just use slightly different machines, which leave no hole. In the past the US factory used to plug those holes, but it's been a while since we've undertaken that process."
According to Jeff Beilke from Fender, "That [hole] is indeed a byproduct of the routing machines utilized in our Mexico factory. I believe that's where the CNC machine actually holds the body in place in order to assure the correct cut. The US counterparts just use slightly different machines, which leave no hole. In the past the US factory used to plug those holes, but it's been a while since we've undertaken that process."
Thanks for your response. Well said. I’m pretty well certain this matter has been discussed so often that it’s the butt of much humor. Have a great weekend!
Fender's poor attempt at chambering their bodies to reduce weight? Maybe yes, maybe no. 
I don't know about the CNC stuff, but the MIM Mike Dirnt Road Worn bodies have the stamp, but not the hole.
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I'm not sure what this thread is about, as far as reality is concerned.
Evidentially Fender in Ensenada, Mexico has more than one production line outputting bodies using different generations of equipment and methods.
I don't know how many here, besides myself, have worked in a field deeply involved with--literally side-by-side, if not directly--manufacturing and fabrication including commercial woodworking, various processes for making metal components, CNC for both wood and metal, injection molding, and finishing processes ranging from lacquer to water-based urethanes, plating and anodizing, etc.
What I can recognize is who here hasn't, and I'll just leave there.
Evidentially Fender in Ensenada, Mexico has more than one production line outputting bodies using different generations of equipment and methods.
I don't know how many here, besides myself, have worked in a field deeply involved with--literally side-by-side, if not directly--manufacturing and fabrication including commercial woodworking, various processes for making metal components, CNC for both wood and metal, injection molding, and finishing processes ranging from lacquer to water-based urethanes, plating and anodizing, etc.
What I can recognize is who here hasn't, and I'll just leave there.
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I'm not sure what this thread is about, as far as reality is concerned.
Evidentially Fender in Ensenada, Mexico has more than one production line outputting bodies using different generations of equipment and methods.
I don't know how many here, besides myself, have worked in a field deeply involved with--literally side-by-side, if not directly--manufacturing and fabrication including commercial woodworking, various processes for making metal components, CNC for both wood and metal, injection molding, and finishing processes ranging from lacquer to water-based urethanes, plating and anodizing, etc.
What I can recognize is who here hasn't, and I'll just leave there.
That actually was a lot of words for nearly no contribution.
No offense, it's practically a thread about nothing, but am I supposed to care just because you missed the contribution?
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as usual with TB, panties are twisted, feeling get hurt, and those with answers just tease
In his own words, “I believe”. And those same mills cut thousands of the same bodies without the hole.
A NC mill or CNC mill does not require that hole. There are millions of wood products produced across the globe on NC mills and this only occurs on a few Fender bodies. Show me that hole on your dresser or kitchen table and then we can have a rational conversation about automated milling or DFM.
Site Specific Configuration. Kanban in Japan, Guey in Ensanada!, Dude in Corona and Bung in Indonesia
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