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CAM setup of guitar fretboard longer than CNC table

dbeetcher
Enthusiast

CAM setup of guitar fretboard longer than CNC table

dbeetcher
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

I have been working on a guitar fretboard drawing for several weeks. The desired outcome was to CNC the fretboard radius, blind fret slots, and the outside perimeter. Eventually, it all came together and I was able to complete the project on some test wood. However, my CNC table is not large enough to fit the fretboard in either the horizontal (X) placement or the vertical (Y) placement. So, I had to make a choice between indexing (doing the fretboard in sections by machining a section, then moving the fretboard to a new position and continuing the machining) or placing the fretboard at a 45 degree angle across the table. I tried the 45 degree angle first, due to simplicity.

Originally, I made the fretboard drawing with the fretboard oriented vertically (up the Y axis). But I couldn't figure out how to rotate the drawing 45 degrees when I went to CAM mode. I ended up just modifying the drawing (in Model mode) so that it was rotated 45 degrees. However, when trying to change my views between ISO view, Front, Right, etc., I could never really get the view positioned the way I wanted to. And it didn't seem like this was the right way to accomplish the desired 45 degree angle in CAM.

 

So, the question comes down to this: Can you make your drawing (in Model mode) with a standard orientation (along X or Y axis), but still be able to rotate that drawing in CAM mode so that you can position and machine the part at an angle on your CNC table (while still leaving the drawing [in Model mode] oriented along the X/Y axes)?

 

I have attached a JPG of the fretboard CNC machining 'in action' during one of my test runs. In this photo, the fretboard is being machined into the top of a pine board. Screws were used (through the fretboard top surface) to attach it to the table top (double-sided tape was not holding due to lubrication I used when machining some aluminum!), but in the future my fretboard blanks will be long enough to put a screw at each end (outside the machining area).

 

Thanks, Dan

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LibertyMachine
Mentor
Mentor

You can draw and model your part anyway you prefer. If you find that you need to "rotate" the part in the CAM environment, all you need to do is create a plane at an angle and use that when you define your setup:

Create Setup

Select Z and X axis

Select the top of the part (or router bed) for your Z axis

Select this new plane to represent the X axis

All set!

screenshot_04.png


Seth Madore
Owner, Liberty Machine, Inc.
Good. Fast. Cheap. Pick two.
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LibertyMachine
Mentor
Mentor

Of course, you will need to know WHAT the angle is that you are holding the part. You will also need to have some way of locating the stock for easy WCS setting at the machine. 


Seth Madore
Owner, Liberty Machine, Inc.
Good. Fast. Cheap. Pick two.
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dbeetcher
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi Seth,

Thanks for your quick response!

 

I tried doing what you suggested, but all that seems to do is to rotate the stock 45 degrees, but it doesn't rotate the fretboard too. I did a test drawing with a simple fretboard shape (rectangle). Then drew a plane at a 45 degree angle. I switched over to CAM mode and, in Setup, selected Z and X axis, clicked on the top of the part for Z axis, then clicked on new plane for X axis. All it did was to rotate the stock, but not the part itself (see attached JPG). Any suggestions? 

 

Thanks, Dan 

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LibertyMachine
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Mentor
Accepted solution

It will not rotate the view, your imagination is required for that. However, your code will be output at a 45 degree angle:

screenshot_05.png


Seth Madore
Owner, Liberty Machine, Inc.
Good. Fast. Cheap. Pick two.
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dbeetcher
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi Jeff,

 

Yes, you were correct. Even though it doesn't look like it's supposed to, Fusion 360 will generate the G-Code in the proper orientation. I must say though, this is really something that the F360 team needs to fix. If it can change the orientation of the Stock, it should be able to change the orientation of the Part. Maybe this can be a 'future enhancement'?

 

Dan

 

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dbeetcher
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Ooops, I mean Seth, not Jeff!

 

Dan

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