Joseph Tardio asks: I want to make a custom electric guitar… I’m always in for a Fusion360 and CNC project…

Body

  • Purchased a F360 file from Etsy for a Telecaster design
  • Moved the cavities and did some redesign
  • Purchased a 1.75” block of Ash from Dyke’s

  • Interior pockets with tight radii using a 1/4”x1”CL downcut bit, marked the position for the string holes and neck mounting holes with a tapered ball mill bit, cut the deeper pocket and contour using a 3/8” x 2” CL downcut

  • I really like the contrasting look of wood and colored epoxy as shown in this video, so keep that in a back pocket for future projects

Neck

  • The most important guideline is to have 25.5 inches from the bridge to the nut slot. Everything else is negotiable.
  • Started by using a downloaded file from Etsy, but ultimately had to design our own
  • Just buy a fretboard and glue it on.
  • Truss rods are complicated, so for the prototype we’re gonna forget about it
  • Great video on designing the neck especially https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shxir1Z4Bw8
  • Purchased a 3/4” thick maple board for the neck from Dyke’s

Double Machining the Neck

Aside: 3d printing

  • Prusacaster - cool idea, just bought the neck and 3d printed the body in sections. It’s cool, just a different project