New Plugin to cut fret slots for guitar fretboards

[EddyCurrent]

In response to this thread; https://cambamcnc.com/forum/index.php?topic=9258.msg72365#msg72365
I could not resist creating a new plugin as it's also going to help me.

Fret Slots plugin

Please download the attached "Fretslots_v1.zip" file, unzip it, unblock it, install it, restart CamBam
Once installed it appears in the "Plugins" Menu as "Fret Slots"

How to install a plugin; https://cambamcnc.com/forum/index.php?topic=5986.msg50892#msg50892

The form defaults to mm values on the first run but once changed and the "Ok" button pressed any new values are stored in Windows Registry.

1. populate the form to suit then press the "Ok" button.
2. The fret slots will be created in the Y axis, they will be Splines rotated through 90 degrees, aligned so the very top  = Z0, and spread out according to the scale length used.
The zero fret or nut position is at Y0.
All of the curves can be selected and rotated into Y if required and/or moved to a new location.
3.  "Slot over/under cut" this allows the slot to either extend beyond the sides of the fretboard (+ve value) or stop short of the sides (-ve value)
4. "Zero Fret ?" if the checkbox is checked it means, insert a  zero fret, the slot for this will be cut along with all the others.
    if the checkbox is unchecked it means, no zero fret, and a flat bottom slot will be cut using a Profile Mop to indicate the front position of the NUT.

*IMPORTANT, the Profile Mop is set to "Inside", in my tests this puts it to the headstock side of the fretboard which is correct but YOU MUST verify this before cutting by checking the created toolpaths !
5. Each time the "Ok" button is pressed a new Layer is created and a new Part, their names contain some of the parameter values for reference.
6. Under each Part a Engrave Mop is created for the fret slots, and if no zero fret is required, a Profile Mop for the nut position.
7. Number of frets can be 12 to 24

Please give it a try and feedback as necessary.

Edit: 07 December 2021

Version 2.0 attached

Added "Compound Radius" checkbox.
A compound radius is based upon a cone and uses various parameters with calculations to determine the radius at all fret positions.
If a compound radius fretboard is selected then CamBam will draw the fret slots accordingly and will also report the radius at each fret in the bottom message window for reference.

Works for inches or mm

Edit:
Version 3.0 attached

[dh42]

Hello

Thanks Eddy

++
David

[Rockaction]

Thank you Eddy, it is really nice!!!
have a beautiful day.. well week! ;-)
Roger.

[EddyCurrent]

It would also be a good idea to use, Tools->Measure, just to verify the frets are in their correct positions along the fretboard. They should be because I used the correct formula and all the examples I made were correct.  https://www.liutaiomottola.com/formulae/fret.htm

Another important thing I forgot to mention;

The plugin sets a value for one parameter only in the Engrave and Profile MOps and that is "Target Depth", YOU MUST adjust all other parameters to your own requirements.

[EddyCurrent]

Version 2.0 attached to first post.

Now includes option to produce compound radius fretboards.

Please check the numbers to confirm they are what you expect before cutting the slots !

[EddyCurrent]

Version 3.0 attached to first post in this thread.

1. New user interface Form layout
2. Added a surface to allow 3D surfacing of the board's upper surface
3. Added associated parameters for the surface
4. Added a small user guide pdf document

[ewidance]

Thanks Eddy, very nice Job, and very accurate !

Do you consider sharing code of the plugin, i'd love to study it...

Sincerely
JPC

[EddyCurrent]

Thanks, I shall sort it out and attached later today.

Edit:
Visual Studio source project attached.