Pickguard Project in AutoCAD

[LGMT]

My DBK's mirrored pickguard cracked a lot and start to miss some pointy parts, in the cut off. I decide myself not to buy one new, cuz they are very poor in quality in "my point of view". So........ i found a industry near me that had a laser cut stainless steel and other kind of metal material. I sent the original pickguar to be used like a template, so the engineer can draw a CAD based one to insert in the machine that can make every kind of cut, even the screw holes. I need to wait about 1 week to see the CAD results.

I'll post whn it's done.

Ahhhh... , the price.............

The Cad will coast bout U$20 and the cut other U$20

Need to find someone to make the side angle of the pickguard. I think that they are 22º.

[kangaroo]

Get a titanium pickguard! That would be cool.

[guitarob]

Couldn't the same shop that is cutting the pickguard also put the bevel on the pickguard as well? If they've got the CAD dimensions, they should be able to use a beveled end mill to bevel the pickguard outline and give you the bevelled edge. If they're using a CNC machine to cut the outline, the same program would be used to put on the bevel, just a different tool.

I like the idea of making the pickguard out of anything that is machinable. Aluminum diamond plate that is anodized some funky color would be cool

[LGMT]

I asked to the beveled end and they said that the machine can't do that.

[ScottB]

It's probably an AutoCAD plasma cutter.

We use them all the time in the air conditioning and heating industry to cut sheet metal for custom air ducts. They usually set them up for 20 - 30 gauge galvanized sheet metal, but the largest models can cut very thick plate stainless.

The plasma arc will only cut at a 90 degree angle. The bevel will have to be milled in a seperate process.

I have a portable plasma cutter for field work, with a built in air compressor, that will cut 1/4" steel freehand.

[JEM10th]

Ahh, would be nice with an Polished Titanium pickguard, since its sooo light material, and the most "humanfriendly" material too.
Just make sure not to grow stuck on the guard with the palm or fingers.
Then the guitar will really be an extension of your arm

BTW.
When the cad is done, make sure you´ll get the data on disk, since you paid $20 for it. Then you can start to get those Pickguards for "only $20"

Plus eventually material cost.

After that, you can make us all a good but cheap pickguard here...

Why not learn AutoCAD, and throw in some Whine inlays a´la´theese virual JEM´s made in that other forum

CYA

[LGMT]

Originally Posted by ScreamJem7

It's probably an AutoCAD plasma cutter.

It's a laser cut, not plasma.

[dex]

Same thing - different name.
Gas laser - extremely hot gas, so hot it glows like mad, is called plasma.

I did my work experience in a factory operating an industrial size gas laser cutter with a table (the laser didn't move, the table underneath the beam did) 2mx2m (almost 7'x7') size.
Jugga jah jaaahh jaaaahhh.

Their limitation is that they only cut at a right angle - so you can't do the beveling.

ilia

[LGMT]

So ............ I found a man that will do the beveling. Just adjusting the CAD draw to fit perfect. I sent the draw to a plotter and still not correct. Need to wait till next week.

[screamndemon69]

I'll be watching this thread with great interest as I'm trying to build the mahogany bodied virtual Jem from the Loops' pics that has the chrome vine, chrome pickguard and dark mahogany finish. I'll post picks when I get nearer to completion. I really hope to find a reasonable priced metal pickguard for the project and something like this could be the answer!

[LGMT]

Screamndemon69,

the final price will be U$56 including CAD design, some print test and final product.

Just to cut another piece will be something about U$35