3D Solid Body Ukulele (Made Live @ Maker Faire Bay Area 2016)

Drew (Lead Engineer @ CNC Router Parts) designed this solid body ukulele that we made live at the Bay Area Maker Faire 2016 for our live production shop demonstration showing off our new & updated CNC Machines.

Make Blog: Milling Ukuleles with CNC Router Parts - https://youtu.be/oqGsuy65450
Maker Faire 2016 Day 1 - https://youtu.be/xKiDMnk-qPE
Maker Faire 2016 Day 2 - https://youtu.be/N86MT_pXk4I
Maker Faire 2016 Day 3 - https://youtu.be/ynrjOihzSn4

Note: this is an advanced project with 3D machining operations, and multi-side part requiring somewhat clever work holding to do well, we will be posting a simpler ukulele (2.5D) project that is all single side/2.5D operations for those looking for a quicker path to DIY wood ukulele greatness.

Read more about our Maker Faire demonstration here --> http://www.cncrouterparts.com/makerfaire2016

There are five major components to make (the strings and tuning machines are standard/purchased parts and some basic wood fasteners)
1) Main Body: This is machined from one side out of a solid block of wood, we choice maple though you might pick something lighter.
2) Neck: This is machined from both sides (so you'll want to make a indexed feature, we use the holes for the fret board to locate). On the front side we used a angled jig to give the head the angle it needs.
3) Fret Board: We made this from aluminum but you could try other materials as well!
4) Bridge: Another part we made from aluminum, this is simple except for the string holes which can be done by the machine (after rotating part 90 degrees) or on a drill press.
5) Sound Board: We demonstrated our Plasma Option Kit cutting these out from steel, you can of course CNC machine or laser cut these as well (DXF files for a few design variations included).

Let us know how you get on and (of course) feel free to modify (please share) and improve on our design!