Affordable laser cutting services for pickguards?

[Gordon]

Hello y'all!

I was wondering if you knew an affordable service to cut plastics/vinyls, or even better, bakelite? I have a cutting file ready (.ai format, can do others)... Tried Ponoko, but if some materials are cheap, there's an extra charge of $14 that makes single orders impractical. I'd be looking for a thin (around 1.5 mm) single ply black material.

Thanks!

[Ret Samzzaj]

Laser cut or 3D printed materials are always "pricey" I believe. Please check if this is any good:

https://www.formulor.de/materials

[Gordon]

Thanks, I'll have a look.

[bodhi]

It might also be worthwhile to check if you have some sort of makerspace locally that has access to CNC or laser cutters...

I happen to live in a country where the public libraries can go a bit above and beyond normal, and some of these have eg. laser cutters you can use for free... This is probably not really to be expected, but actually using it turned out to be a fairly easy thing if you happen to have a rudimentary understanding of how to use graphical editing programs.

Some materials melt and some ruin lasers etc, so if you are somehow able to go down the DIY route it's probably best to be careful.

[repoman]

I don't think it's a good idea to try and cut vinyl, ABS or bakelite in a lasercutter. Vinyl and ABS release toxic fumes, and vinyl will release chlorine which can damage the laser. I've tried to cut Bakelite before and it is pretty impervious to cutting with a pretty powerful machine. The machine I use at a makerspace can cut 1/4 acryllic and MDF in a pass at 85% power and it barely scratches Bakelite at 100% with multiple passes.

[threewordname]

The cheapest route would probably be to get a Dremel and coping saw and cut it yourself. As a bonus, when you're all finished, you have a Dremel. You know how much you've always wanted one of those, right!?

[BTL]

www.sendcutsend.com

If they offer a material you can use, they're amazing.

[repoman]

www.sendcutsend.com

If they offer a material you can use, they're amazing.

Wow, that company is awesome in pricing. 1/3rd the cost of Ponoko which is already pretty affordable!

[BTL]

Yes, they're operating on a different level...hard to beat if they have what you need.

[ThePearDream]

I'll second the sendcutsend recommendation. The volume discounting is nice, they have lots of materials, and they are pretty quick as well. I got a small pile of pickguards cut from aluminum recently for a few bucks a piece.

[Fiddy]

I'll second the sendcutsend recommendation. The volume discounting is nice, they have lots of materials, and they are pretty quick as well. I got a small pile of pickguards cut from aluminum recently for a few bucks a piece.

What's the best material there for a pickguard?

[ThePearDream]

I'll second the sendcutsend recommendation. The volume discounting is nice, they have lots of materials, and they are pretty quick as well. I got a small pile of pickguards cut from aluminum recently for a few bucks a piece.

What's the best material there for a pickguard?

I use black acrylic a lot. The ACM material has potential. You could also use carbon fiber, copper, brass, etc.

[Gordon]

www.sendcutsend.com

If they offer a material you can use, they're amazing.

That looks good! As long as you live in the US or Canada.

[Gordon]

After looking at different services, I ended up shopping locally (living on an island in Asia takes a toll on shipping charges)... Downsides are the material is not "proper" (though works perfectly), and sides aren't bevelled (I could only get 2mm thickness, but the straight edges aren't as troublesome as I thought). Upsides are I got it for chump change, it fits perfectly, and it looks awesome. Pictures coming later.