Top CNC Routers For Guitar Building

When it comes to guitar making, every groove and curve matters if you want to produce a quality instrument —  with this, a CNC for guitar building becomes an indispensable tool for modern luthiers. 

As technology continues to intersect with traditional craftsmanship, selecting the right CNC router becomes crucial for those seeking to elevate their guitar-building endeavors. 

Whether you are a seasoned luthier or an aspiring guitar maker, we’ll explore the best CNC routers for making guitars in this article, delving into their features, capabilities, and how they contribute to the seamless fusion of artistry and technology in the creation of exceptional guitars. 

Why You Need a CNC Machine For Guitar Building

Traditionally, guitar bodies have been crafted from various wood types, including spruce, cedar, Indian rosewood, Honduras mahogany, African ebony, rosewood, Brazilian rosewood, high-density wood, and more. However, the art of handmade guitars, while customizable, poses challenges for mass production due to its inherent limitations. 

To address this, using a CNC for guitar building emerges as an innovative and efficient production solution. The shift from manual tools like hand saws, planes, chisels, and hammers to CNC router machines has significantly improved production efficiency, saving valuable manpower.

ShopSabre’s CNC routers for guitar building offer a versatile toolkit for crafting exceptional guitars, making it easy to:

• Perform single and multi-pass operations
• Execute rough cutting and finishing cutting with precision
• Drill precise holes for hardware and components
• Bore out spaces for internal components
• Create intricate pockets for design and functionality
• Craft detailed profiles, whether for body contours or neck shapes
• Carve intricate designs, adding artistic flair to your instruments
• Create grooves for inlays or decorative features
• Efficiently plane surfaces for smooth finishes
• Facilitate nesting, optimizing material usage, and reducing waste

Versatility For Other Instruments

Notably, the advantages of CNC router machines extend beyond acoustic guitars, encompassing a wide array of musical instruments such as pianos, mandolins, woodwind instruments, banjos, dulcimers, organs, guitar cases, turntables, and speakers. 

These versatile machines can precisely engrave intricate 3D surfaces and cut intricate designs, revolutionizing the manufacturing process. Whether you’re a hobbyist crafting personalized musical instruments or an industrial player aiming for commercial success, ShopSabre’s CNC routers offer tailored solutions to fit your budget and production needs. 

Let’s look at a couple of the best CNC machines for guitar making. 

The RC Series CNC Router 

The ShopSabre RC Series isn’t just an affordable entry-level CNC router; it’s a game-changer for guitar makers looking to fuse craftsmanship with precision engineering. Tailored to accommodate the unique needs of guitar building, the RC Series is a standout choice for several reasons.

• Precision and Accuracy: The upgraded rack and pinion X & Y Axis set the RC Series apart, offering a level of precision that is crucial in the intricate world of guitar crafting. Whether routing intricate designs on the body or carving the neck, this CNC router ensures accuracy, allowing you to bring your guitar designs to life with meticulous detail.
• Durability and Reliability: Crafting a quality guitar requires a machine that can withstand the demands of the workshop. The RC Series features the heaviest steel construction in its class, providing a solid foundation for consistent and reliable performance. 

Paired with Heavy Duty Industrial Closed Loop motors and direct drive planetary drives, this American-made machine is built to last, ensuring longevity and stability in your guitar-building projects.

• American-Made Quality at an Entry-Level Price: One of the most attractive aspects of the RC Series for guitar makers is the ability to invest in an American-made CNC router at a price point typically associated with imported equipment. 

This means you can enjoy the benefits of superior craftsmanship and quality without exceeding your budget — a significant advantage for luthiers seeking a cost-effective yet reliable solution.

• Versatility for Guitar Components: Beyond the general capabilities of CNC routers, the RC Series is well-suited for crafting various guitar components. Whether you’re shaping the body, carving intricate headstocks, or creating precise fretboard inlays, the versatility of this machine allows you to explore and push the boundaries of guitar design.

The ShopSabre RC Series is an excellent investment for guitar makers who prioritize precision, durability, and American-made quality. 

Industrial Series CNC Routers

The ShopSabre IS Series CNC router redefines excellence in precision, durability, and affordability for guitar makers seeking a top-tier solution. Crafted with an oversized structural Tube Steel one-piece welded frame and a massive structural steel tube gantry design, the IS Series is a pinnacle of CNC router engineering. 

• Crafting Precision Guitars at Scale: Engineered with FEA precision, Aerospace Milling, and Laser Calibration, this machine guarantees meticulous precision in every cut, making it the top choice for guitar manufacturers aiming to produce instruments with unwavering quality at a high volume. 

The Anti-Backlash Ball Screws with “Whip Free” Technology and Advanced AC Digital Servo Motors with Glass Encoder Technology ensure that each guitar crafted is a masterpiece, whether you’re creating a custom piece or scaling up production.

• Built to Resonate with Quality: Durability is a must in guitar crafting. The IS Series surpasses expectations with its Stack Steel Construction and the absence of rack and pinion drives, ensuring a machine that endures the rigors of high-output guitar manufacturing. 
• Versatility for Varied Guitar Designs: Craftsmanship meets versatility with the IS Series, purpose-built for guitar makers engaged in the art of producing guitars on a grand scale. With three size options (4’x8’, 5’x10’, and 6’x12’), it accommodates various production needs, from crafting classic models to bringing custom guitar designs to life. 

Offering precision, durability, and advanced features, the IS Series is the best router for making guitars — all at a price that aligns with your budget.

The Best CNC Router For Making Guitars Awaits

Embark on your next guitar-building venture with assurance and precision by choosing ShopSabre’s top-notch selection of CNC machines for guitar-building. 

Crafted with pride in the USA, our machines are the perfect launchpad for workshop novices and hobby enthusiasts alike. Enjoy unparalleled performance without breaking the bank, and for those seeking added convenience, we provide financing options tailored to fit any budget. 

Should you need guidance in selecting the ideal machine, don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or at 952-461-4570. Our in-house experts are eager to assist you in discovering the optimal CNC routers, ensuring your guitar-building journey is marked by success and satisfaction.