I recently ordered a Longmill MK3 30x30 with a 80m 2.2kw spindle and plan on using it for my electric guitar builds. This should work for 99% of electric guitars. HOWEVER, because of the funky wave in my guitars, ideally I need to tilt the stock approx 5 degrees to machine the pickup and neck pockets. When I posed this scenario to AI it gyrated through a number of calculations and strongly recommended the z axis travel on the Altmill will solve my problem but the MK3 is too tight.
I believe I am looking at 4.6" vs 8.0" of project travel. I am not a professional (in fact I’m retired and a hobbyist) but I don’t want to make a mistake, especially if the difference is only around $1000.
Should I stick w the Longmill MK3 or move to the Altmill 2x4?
Welcome to the forum. I am no guitar maker, nor do I have many occasions that I need more z travel on my long mill. But, if the projection is that it will be tight, and you look at a thousand as being only… I think going for the altmill isn’t much of difficult choise.
I have come close to having to say no on a project because of the z-gantry almost touching the project. I got lucky by a milimeter or two. Sure, I could dig out a whole into my spoil board to have the project clear the machine but then.. well.. my spoil board would be.. spoiled. I did not not scratch it for 4 years to give up on it now. But.. if the project does not need the complete stock to be carved, you can design your machine to have a “lower deck” to encompass thicker stock.
There’s always a trick or two to get something done that might not be within the specs of a machine but why go the tinker route if you can get a machine that is faster and more spacey?
If a thousand is not a big deal, upgrade now and prevent the ailien saying “toldya!”
@SweatyFatUglyGuy Welcome to the group. You have described yourself as a hobbyist but , no offence intended, making and selling guitars is a business for you, correct. If I am mis-reading your website, please correct me. If not, there are forum rules on commercial selling. Your link is against those rules.
Sorry, it was intended to show the wave, not to sell anything. So I removed that reference. The reality is that it is a hobby with a long-term goal of covering costs to stop the bleeding… Good catch and thanks for pointing it out.
@SweatyFatUglyGuy Thanks for understanding. Your instruments are beautiful. FWIW coming from a LM owner, get the AltMill. For your intended use, it’s the best value for money.