“Consistency is key when it comes to guitar building. We try to build our guitars as accurately as possible, and there is no way to rush through that. A CNC isn’t a replacement for all hand work, but it’s an important way to free up hands for more important steps in the build process. For example, a rosette in a guitar isn’t a necessary component for the mechanic of the guitar, but it sure makes a great selling point for a maker when their inlays are beyond the norm. Rather than spending hours cutting inlay pieces and even longer cutting pockets to accept your inlays, we have our Techno CNC router do it. While the machine is cutting, the builder can be getting brace kits ready to brace the top, bending, laminating sides, etc. When it comes to electric guitars, a CNC is a no brainer for obvious reasons. On top of the guitar production aspect of it, a CNC router is great for tool making. Many of the builders in our shop are capable of drawing cauls and jigs they need, in order to make their guitars easier to build. They give me a file, I CAM it and minutes later they have a highly accurate tool that’ll last them a lifetime. People are always looking for guitar parts, as well. Repairs for old acoustic guitars is a business in itself, and the CNC router allows for that kind of tool creation. So even if someone had a machine in their shop to make replacement parts for repairs it’s a valuable asset to them and their customers. I even use our Techno CNC router for tasks that would be difficult for one person to do with a saw. Like cutting up 4×8 into 2x4s. I also feel like it’s becoming more and more accepted in the guitar industry because CNC’s are much more affordable than they ever have been, and there is a whole lot more resources to learn how to do it. I even teach a course on it now.”