Official Luthiers Forum!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270410663814
This caught my eye has a neck, fretboard etc. machining setup that wouldn't take up much space.
An index fixture mounted in the 4th axis would allow access to three or more sides of the neck in the same setup.
The price does seem a little high though, in my opinion.

The compressor and vacuum pump would add some value, but the really interesting thing is the inclusion of MasterCAM X (which is worth more than the CNC). I find it interesting that a guy who's paid ~10K for software didn't dish out for a spindle.

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

That's not a bad deal, but if you are going to spend that kind of money I would recommend getting a machine that can do other things as well. 6" Y is pretty small.

I have a similar machine - the KG3925 and I've been pretty happy with it. Just for reference, I can carve a neck in about 30 minutes with the PC router & a 1/2" ball mill (this is just the carve operation...doesn't include all the stuff that comes before...!).

Trev

_________________
http://www.PeakeGuitars.com

Looks like a guy would almost need a 5-axis to machine a neck complete in one setup.
The 5th axis would allow tilting the fixture or the spindle for machining features on an angled headstock.
(I'm thinking facing the top and back of the headstock, tuner holes, binding rabbets, inlay cavities etc.)
Probably makes more sense to do it in more setups with less axes.......

Carving in one go on a 5-axis requires a less rigid fixture and thus reduces feed rates. It really helps being able to hold onto the other side of the headstock while carving the front/back of it. Still need another for truss rod.

I've seen a pseudo-4th axis that tilts the fixture 15 degrees mid-program to allow the back carve and the headstock shape/drills to be done in one setup. Still need another for face of headstock and truss rod.

You can do two setups on a three-axis, but it's faster with three and fastest with four.

A fourth axis saves some time, but only about a minute a neck if there are good fixtures and a skilled operator. The fastest way would be with a 5th axis, but would still require two setups and would only save 30 seconds over the 4th axis speed.

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services