Help with engraving please

[VGCustomShop]

I only make guitars and know nothing about this so help is appreciated.  I have a friend who asked me to make a sign for his new house in the mountains.  I don't know what bits I need or anything.  Here is the mockup.  The picture is here on my web site as the forum doesn't allow photos:  
www.vegasguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Davemockup2.jpg

[btreichel]

I'd start with a vbit with a specified flat depth and use a roughing tool where allowed. Just sent you a picture of the carve sim in an email.

[VGCustomShop]

Aug 24, 2021 5:16:11 GMT btreichel said:

I'd start with a vbit with a specified flat depth and use a roughing tool where allowed. Just sent you a picture of the carve sim in an email.

Thank you so much for the help - much appreciated!

[Derek the Admin]

I agree with the V bit.

[btreichel]

Maybe someday you can help me carve a guitar.

[tampareb]

Aug 23, 2021 21:33:27 GMT VGCustomShop said:

I only make guitars and know nothing about this so help is appreciated.  I have a friend who asked me to make a sign for his new house in the mountains.  I don't know what bits I need or anything.  Here is the mockup.  The picture is here on my web site as the forum doesn't allow photos:  
www.vegasguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Davemockup2.jpg

Your work looks great. I just joined the forum today to look into building guitar bodies with a CNC router. My brother and I have both played guitar since the single digit age and we are now 50 and 51. I am a classic tone chaser / technique player so, I have a lot of guitar electronics knowledge and guitar setup knowledge. My brother prefers more of the classic Fender Strat sound weather being played on a cleaning artist torta channel and, is excellent at guitar set up as well. We have never done any type of woodworking or, carving so, this is a little intimidating. I majored in computer science and I work in the telecom construction field so, I have a lot of experience with programming and multiple CAD programs. What type of CNC router would you recommend getting started? Do you care if you want to build initially carb basic solid body, Fender Stratocaster style customs. Is there any other information you would recommend that we should consider before committing to trying this? I would certainly appreciate anything you share or recommend. Thank you for your time. Patrick aka TampaReb

[VGCustomShop]

If you're not planning on getting into manufacturing on a large scale I recommend MillRight CNC machines - they are very well designed and built. I have two, the Carve King and the Power Route - you can make bodies with both and also necks with the Power Route. If you're out to buy pre-made necks and just make bodies and are on a budget the Carve King 2 is just big enough - but it's too small for necks. You can also make parts and glue them together for larger bodies. The best bet IMO is the Power Route Plus - while I like the size of the Mega V XL it doesn't have enough z travel for guitar bodies. The Power Route has the largest Z travel of all MillRight machines. You can even get one with a 4th axis. I have the earlier machine and am hoping they make a Power Route Plus XL at some point - that would be perfect for even bass guitars.
That you already know 3D CAD is a very big deal when it comes to making guitars. However, the woodworking side has quite a learning curve. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Once you get your machine, start simple, say a basic Telecaster. Then once you've had some experience on the CAM side and operating the machine you can try something more complex. One important point is - CNC machines are very dangerous - you have to pay attention and really get to know your machine. Do dry runs, air cuts (without a bit in the machine). In fact, I recommend the kit instead of the assembled machine because building it from the ground up teaches you the ins and outs of how a CNC machine works. Practice on Styrofoam and other cheap materials until you get the hang of it. Use this forum - there are some brilliant folks on here. Derek the owner is pretty busy these days but if he can't help you he can steer you in the right direction. I'm happy to answer any questions you have and you can call me if you like. Thanks for the questions. I'm excited for you that you're going to build some guitars - it's a blast!