Technology Aids the Creation of Cost-effective, Precise Custom Guitars

Born Custom Guitars turned to CAMWorks to reduce costs and make precision custom guitars.

A custom guitar by Born Custom Guitars is a precision instrument made in part with the help of CAMWorks. (Image courtesy of Born Custom Guitars.)

A custom guitar by Born Custom Guitars is a precision instrument made in part with the help of CAMWorks. (Image courtesy of Born Custom Guitars.)

When Jonathan Miller founded Born Custom Guitars, based in Colorado, in 2010, he set out to create precision instruments that were sustainably made and crafted for each unique guitarist. As a business owner, he also knew the importance of cutting costs and finding ways to ensure accuracy by eliminating waste and delays. He found the perfect solution with CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS.

“Our primary focus is sustainability and quality,” Miller stated on the SME website. “Those two goals take priority over everything else, but we still need to be efficient and control costs to succeed as a business. That’s where CAMWorks milling software comes in. I already knew a lot about woodworking and guitars, and my business background made me realize that if I could learn and leverage CNC technology to automate some aspects of the guitar-crafting process, I could save time and money, realize consistent quality, and allow sufficient time for the details that are so critical when crafting a special, one-of-a-kind instrument.”

The overall goal was to automate the process for crafting the guitar bodies and necks— which typically required a full day to hand carve—while also boosting accuracy and efficiency. Incorporating CAMWorks into the process resulted in a 90 percent reduction in cutting time and an 80 percent overall production decrease. It enabled that extra time to be focused on the details, which are essential when it comes to customization.

The professional milling software, in combination with 3D-modeling software, enables the company to provide a more seamless service from start to finish.

“I really liked the idea of how SOLIDWORKS design software and CAMWorks machining software are integrated and work in unison,” Miller stated. “CAMWorks Milling Professional software was easy to learn and is the best solution for running my machine—3-axis milling on a 4 x 8-foot CNC router table—to make sexy, flowing curves and modify the geometry on every guitar. I also value the knowledge-based machining database, which learns and replicates common tooling operations. I’ve found SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks to be really fantastic and flexible solutions for what we do.”

Within three months of using the products, Born Custom Guitars has seen continued improvements in its process and efficiencies. Using the tooling program with a CNC router, a complete fretboard, with all the custom inlays, can be completed in about 30 minutes. During the process, the virtual toolpaths enable evaluation of machining files before the creating process begins. The software has also enabled the company to establish a database of preferred cuts that goes back seven years.

A SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks design used to mill the guitar bodies and necks. (Image courtesy of Born Custom Guitars.)

A SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks design used to mill the guitar bodies and necks. (Image courtesy of Born Custom Guitars.)

So, just how does a Born guitar get made? Each instrument is crafted with sustainably sourced wood that is evaluated for structural and resonant integrity. A client chooses the exact top wood and a unique handbound pickup. They then determine the layout and design of their custom guitar. The Born luthiers have quality control measures in place to ensure the guitar will function as it should.

After the design is set, which clients can view thanks to 3D renderings, the technology component comes into play. The different software used ensure technical details and geometry are within 0.001 inch of established design specifications. The guitar body and neck are then machined. From there, it all comes down to the expert luthiers to get the precise details finished.

“In essence, CAMWorks and milling technology help me to be more artful because they automate the heavy labor of shaping and sanding bodies and necks, as well as the attention to detail required for completing those tasks by hand,” Miller stated. “This allows me to spend the extra time needed to add the artistic touches that make a guitar special.”

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