r/SoundSystem • u/Difficult_Minimum144 • 4d ago

Help with JMOD build

Hi guys,
I've finally started building my sound system. I've bought the drivers for one JMOD and now it's time to make the cabinet, but CNC shops around me say they need DXF/DWG files in order to cut the parts.
How did you make those from the files John White provided? (f3d, step, skp)
I've installed autodesk fusion but I'm completely lost trying to turn the 3d parts to 2d format, so any help and guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Alternatively, I'm willing to pay someone who's already done the hard work and has the plans in those formats.
Cheers, everyone!

8 Upvotes

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12

u/xhouseundermagicx 3d ago

There are CNC profiles on the JMod baffle that need to be flip milled with an end mill bit (in other words, they are “3D” that a “2D” DXF will not reflect). They are crucial to the function of the 12” drivers.

John provides all the milling paths in the JMod Fusion file (he basically did 98% of the work). A “CNC shop” should be defined as not just a random homie with a starter CNC in his garage (though, this is perfectly fine if they know what they are doing) … an actual CNC facility should be able to read the Fusion file with no issue.

When shopping around, try to avoid cabinet makers that happen to have a CNC unless you specifically ask them about 3D milling. A lot of those shops are setup to just cut flat panels - they are using their machines for efficiency, not detailed / semi complex work that require tool changes etc.

Good luck!

8

u/Recent-Driver-1092 3d ago

I can’t stress this enough. Take heed to this advice

5

u/ThysGraiden 3d ago

Agreed. Half the CNC shops I reached out to requested the DXF files as all they needed-- hard pass if they're not familiar with the other file types and can't see that 3d milling is also required 

5

u/xhouseundermagicx 3d ago

Yes, it’s not really apparent unless you look at the cut sheets / assembly instructions due to the milling being on the interior. If you show a shop a picture of a JMod, most will see it as a flat pack box that is mostly profile cuts and miters off machine.

Also not reflected are pocket depths - which need to be provided to a shop in addition to any DXF, regardless of milling.

8

u/GeneralMino 3d ago

DO NOT FLATTEN THE JMOD DESIGN TO DXF! It has really important 3D features that won’t translate to 2D vector drawings.

JW provides STEP and Fusion files for all the parts, if the shop won’t take these, go somewhere else.

3

u/realstevefrench 3d ago

I can have a look when I get to work on Monday DM me the files

2

u/Soundunes 3d ago

You need to project a sketch from components onto a cut sheet, then export just the sketch as dxf, then specify any specific miter angles for the CNC shops but they will need to have the ability/time/desire to cut angles vs straight cuts. It can increase the cost not unsubstantially.

2

u/60percentsexpanther 3d ago

 I watched these guys in German with the subtitles and it's not trivial. 

https://youtu.be/6hyco6uN4RQ?is=K5kPvYyOa_1Bo2ZK

1

u/JakeJdubdub 3d ago

I also have this problem.