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PostPosted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 3:25 am 
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Cocobolo
Cocobolo

Joined: Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:19 am
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Is there a CNC source to cut guitar molds?


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:30 am 
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Koa
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Location: Crownsville, MD
First name: Trevor
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Zip/Postal Code: 21032
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
What do you mean by "Molds"? Do you want to actually mold something or are you looking for code to actually cut out a body or other part?

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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:11 am 
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Cocobolo
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Yes, Hesh is correct. What I want is to be sure that the sides of the mold are exactly true, so that I can glue linings, braces, etc. against the mold. John Hall tells me that his molds are +/- 1/16", which I don't think would work for what I have in mind. From time to time I have seen even aluminum molds, which I am sure somebody had custom machined.


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:24 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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Billy, I'm interested to hear what your project is.
Most wooden sides don't fit spot on to the mold all the way around each time. Even with various spreaders, it can be tricky to get everything sucked up to the mold perfectly.
But to your question, Check with CNC guys, if you want AL molds, check a machine shop that has a CNC.


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:55 am 
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Koa
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Aluminum molds are usually sand cast and then finish machined; at least that's what Martin and Taylor do.


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 3:00 am 
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Cocobolo
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Paul, I used to have a 1/2 side outside mold that I made by a laborious method to match the inside bending mold. I could assemble 1/2 sides and then join them, and all was fine. The mold got ruined in a flood. It's really laborious to make, and not necessarily perfect each try. So, I was looking for a better way. I don't see the CNC sponsor listed anymore.


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 4:25 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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Location: Canada
First name: Bob
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You could always use bondo or something to match the interior mold. I do CNC work in metal and wood if you can't find someone local.

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PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 5:38 am 
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Cocobolo
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Bab,
Thanks. I actually did use Bondo a few times, including for the mold that was ruined in the flood. I may contact you later.


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PostPosted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 3:04 am 
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Koa
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Location: Crownsville, MD
First name: Trevor
Last Name: Lewis
City: Crownsville
State: MD
Zip/Postal Code: 21032
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro
I'd also be happy to cut one for you. I only do CNC work in wood/MDF but my equipment holds about .002". I made a nice MDF mold that I currently use.

I'd need either a digital picture and some overall dimensions or a physical tracing to start from. Please PM me if you'd like a quote (if my time was limitless, my generosity would be as well!).



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PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:31 pm 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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we here at McPherson use solid aluminum molds. But I think they cost like
$500 each for the AL billets...maybe more.

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http://www.mayesluthier.com


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PostPosted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:47 am 
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Cocobolo
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Thanks everyone.


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