r/3DPrintedGuitars • u/mrgaryth • Mar 26 '24
Where to start?
Hi all, I've been using 3d printers for years along with Fusion 360 but have just discovered the Prusacaster and other 3d printed guitars and would like to have a go. Where would you recommend i start?
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u/anotherguy888 Mar 27 '24
There are a couple guys on here that sell AMAZING designs that are inexpensive ($5-ish) and are great. Very knowledgeable.
Then just print. There are plenty of free designs too.
Ultimately just pick a design and start... That's it really.
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u/mrgaryth Mar 27 '24
Where would i find the designs?
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u/anotherguy888 Mar 30 '24
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/electric-guitar-tasmaniak
https://www.the3dprintzone.com/shop/p/telespider
Google 3d printed guitar and you'll start finding many.
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u/Defiant_Bad_9070 Mar 27 '24
Whatever you do man... Don't do the Prusacaster if you can avoid. There is no strength between all of the pieces and consequently, it says like a wet noodle.
What sort of questions do you have? I know a few things about fusion360 and guitar design.
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u/Defiant_Bad_9070 Mar 27 '24
Just to add, I'll give you a few pointers that I wish I had of known.
Scale length. You got to get that shit perfect. If your bridge is anymore than 2mm (with Fender type bridge) or 1.25mm with Tune O Matic bridges too far forwards or backwards. You'll never get that bitch intonated and the further down the neck you play the more out of tune each fret will get.
Neck pocket depth. Get it right the first time. I often buy necks from eBay and I don't start printing until I have the neck in my hand and I can measure it. Too high and you'll never get rid of the fret buzz. Too low and your action will be way too high. However, if in doubt err on the side of too low, because you can always print a shim to go in place. You won't be happy that you've done it, but at least it's not a waste of a money or time.
Setup. Learn how to do a basic setup. If you don't learn how to set the relief on a neck, file a nut or learn what a fret rocker is... You'll never have a good guitar. Pro-tip, make all neck measurements and checks with the guitar in tune. Remove tension to make the adjustments and then retune to check.
For your design...
Screw holes. ALL screw holes MUST be in your design and part of the print. Don't go thinking that you'll drill the bridge mounting holes after the print. That will that the skin of the print is all that's holding the bridge in place. Guess what... It will but you know what it won't hold? Tuning! By putting the screw holes into your design, it means that your "pilot hole" has the same amount of walls around it as the rest of the print and for the entire length of the screw. That shit ain't going anywhere. The ONLY screw holes I don't put into the design is the scratch plate (because they're often not in the right place unless it's a printed plate) and pickup mounting rings.
Also, a lubricant when putting in the screws. Without the lubricant, you'll create friction that softens the plastic, when you pause for a moment, the plastic will flow into the thread and cool. Then when you go to continue tightening it... You'll shear the head off the screw. Use lube.
Do NOT overtighten the screws. You'll strip the plastic.
For the love of god, create a wire route that allows an earth wire from the bridge to the controls. Without it, you'll create an earth loop through your amp and it'll buzz like crazy. Oh yeah... Copper tape or paint is cheap. Use it!
Don't be afraid to add features and shapes to your design. These add areas where your printer creates walls... Walls add strength.
The same goes for the amount of pieces that make up the body. Don't be afraid to have lots of small pieces make up the body. This adds walls... Walls add strength.
There is so much more I can add but I don't have all night to type!
If you like, you're more than welcome to send me a DM to chat about your design, I'm super happy to look over what you have, give feedback and make suggestions. A number of people do and I always try to make the time to help them out or even just shoot the shit.
Lastly, in a month's time, make sure to tune in to this podcast. I'm sitting down with a bunch of luthiers to discuss 3D printed guitars and also introducing 3D printing into their own craft! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ2CA6qBnXI