SOFTWARE

As detailed, the software I am using is Solidworks, Mastercam X2, and Mach3. I know that Solidworks and Mastercam are NOT cheap. However, you can get educational discounts, and often, older versions are available on Ebay for a fraction of the cost. Bear in mind, that you do not need the latest and greatest versions, if you are only going to focus on building guitars. If you were designing the next space shuttle, then yes, you do, but not for guitars and basic parts.

Also, if you learn the process of CNC, there is nothing to stop you from going out and finding software which is free, or packages which are not as expensive. For example, Alibre has a very similar "solidworks product" for about 600 bucks or so. So there are choices other than those shown here. The videos will still help you, in that they will show the process of design and CNC. You can also find many more software product like these, on the cnc forums shown in the links section.

Mach3 on the other hand, can NOT be beat! For about 150 bucks, this is by far the BEST software for controlling a CNC router or mill from a PC or laptop.

Please visit these vendor's sites, and learn more about their products, as well as download information and trial software.