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So, I've been saving up for a used Ibanez SR505 5-string bass, and ended up getting an insanely good deal on a brand new SR655 instead. I also picked up a pretty inexpensive case from Musician's Fiend (yes, a story for a different day), and the case is big enough, but has just a bit too much room. So I learned that there was a free online near knock-off of SolidWorks 3D CAD software at www.onshape.com and saw that it allowed image import and scaling. Printed out some graph paper with 0.25" squares, laid the new bass on the paper and snapped a picture which I imported into OnShape. Then I proceeded to measure out some of the case dimensions relative to the bass and drafted some spacers that I will now cut out of 2x4 at our library (yes, our library has a maker-space and it's awesome). Here's the effort so far of the design work. [img:left] https://flic.kr/p/R1uuUA[/img] Once I get the pieces cut out, I'll post back here if anyone's interested.
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very clever approach! Yes, I'm interested, so keep us posted.
That's a nice looking bass!
And thanks for the heads-up about ONSHAPE.COM.. I didn't know about it.
On the surface, it seems logical that libraries should have 3D printers. But what my sister-in-law (a librarian) has discovered with the 3D printer in their library is that they've had to discourage people from tying up the machine with production projects so students can use them for learning.
The time required to print just about anything exceeds the library's operating hours. Librarians get complaints if the school kids want to use it, but there's a job in process.
I say all that because I want to hear about your experience with using a library's 3d printer.
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I'm debating whether to 3D print or use the Shopbot and cut them out of 2x4's.
At this library, you have to sign up for the processing time slot
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Leaning to cutting them out vs printing due to size being too long to print.
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the library has a shopbot too?
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Yes. The maker space there has 3 different cheaper FDM 3D printers, a shopbot, an Epilog laser cutter and a vinyl cutting machine. It also has sewing machines and supposedly a decent serger. Full list of machines can be found by google searching Library 21c maker space. The whole Pikes Peak Library District is awesome, but this specific location is very unique
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Seems like only yesterday that to do a project like this you would go buy a piece of open-cell foam, soak it with water, throw it in the freezer overnight, trace around the guitar and cut out the foam shape with a jig saw.
Boy I'm beginning to feel old, ... again! <grin>.
LLOYD S
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Lloyd, if I had a jigsaw I would have done that!
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Yes. The maker space there has 3 different cheaper FDM 3D printers, a shopbot, an Epilog laser cutter and a vinyl cutting machine. It also has sewing machines and supposedly a decent serger. Full list of machines can be found by google searching Library 21c maker space. The whole Pikes Peak Library District is awesome, but this specific location is very unique I'd love to have access to gear like that! I'll probably buy a 3D printer pretty soon, as prices are reaching the consumer level. Our library doesn't think along those lines yet. You must have some local expertise driving that decision. The only way I can get time on automated equipment is to take a night class at the local community college. ;-(
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Hey, Scott...
Did you consider using a sturdy foam or Styrofoam? - both easily cut with a snap-blade knife (cheap) fully extended...
OR... with cellophane wrap (or a long bag of some kind) laid in there, you could use Great Stuff gap filler to create an insert that would fit well...
And these would not add any (or much) weight to your case...
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Hey, Scott...
Did you consider using a sturdy foam or Styrofoam? - both easily cut with a snap-blade knife (cheap) fully extended...
OR... with cellophane wrap (or a long bag of some kind) laid in there, you could use Great Stuff gap filler to create an insert that would fit well...
And these would not add any (or much) weight to your case...
Not a bad idea either. That's the way we used to ship stuff (expanding foam in a bag) of test instruments when we didn't have original packaging. In true nerd fashion, I will admit that I'm using this project as an excuse to try out the CAD software and the the CNC.
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In true nerd fashion, I will admit that I'm using this project as an excuse to try out the CAD software and the the CNC. yeah, I thought the first 3 words in your title gave it away. ;-) I'd have done the same thing... not because it was the most practical approach but because it was the most fun.
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Progress for today was that I went to the library and learned how to use the VCarve software that will be used to create the toolpath to cut the pieces out of the 2x4 boards. I can add text as well, so you know I will be doing that!
VCarve is pretty intuitive, took about 10 minutes to learn.
I also picked up a damaged 10' 2x4 at Home Depot that was 70% off because it was warped. They paint the end with purple to show that it's the 70% off. The cashier was unable to scan the bar code, so she just told me to take it. They had even cut it to 2' lengths for me.
I should be cutting soon.
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Did you consider using a sturdy foam or Styrofoam? - both easily cut with a snap-blade knife (cheap) fully extended...
That was my first thought too, Floyd, and I have done that in the past. I got 2 pieces of 1 inch thick styrofoam, traced my guitar onto one of them, cut it out, glued them together, glued them into the case and then glued down some very satin like padded cloth and used cut pieces of wood and bar clamps to hold it in place while the spray adhesive dried. Worked out pretty well. BUT, this kind of project Scott is doing is one of those "I get to learn while I hack something out" projects. And in my case I was modifying an existing case.
Last edited by eddie1261; 01/28/17 05:19 PM.
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Man ... that's cool.
I too have a guitar in a case that doesn't fit snug. This might be a cool project to work on at a later date. The guitar tends to move around in the case, so this would work.
I'd very likely just trace out what I need and use my jigsaw to cut it out or use some of the foam I have and use a sharp bladed implement of some sort to carve it. Wood looks nice when it's polished and stained and it's tougher than foam.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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well, thanks to this thread, Jim Fogle sent me some info on a maker space here in Winston Salem. I like this concept. Might get the old retired guy out of the house.
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This weekend I riffed on a design of a guitar stand made from a single piece of wood cut into two similarly shaped pieces. I will cut that out same time as the case mod pieces
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that looks like you're having great nerd fun there, Scott!
How do you plan to cover the wood so it doesn't scratch the bass?
Felt? Fur? Dollar bills? (enquiring minds, etc etc)
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I plan to use loop Velcro on the surfaces that touch the bass, and maybe bumper stickers on the horizontal surfaces.
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