Laser Cutter Guitar Picks
Intro: Laser Cutter Guitar Picks
1. Using Adobe Illustrator (or other vector based design software) design a template for your guitar picks. (my design is attached)
a. The width and length of a standard guitar pick was measured as a basis for this template.
b. For this design, a vertical guide line was used as a reference to ensure symmetry. Using the arc tool, the right side of the design
was created, then copied and reflected vertically to compete the shape. These lines will be cut on the laser cutter
(RGB R255 G0 B0/ pt.001)
c. Lay out a grid over your design to measure bevel in the final sanding process. These lines will be burned into your material, NOT
cut (RGB R0 G0 B0/ pt.01)
2. Print/ cut your design as many times as desired, into laser cutter appropriate material. Wood was used in this example
3. Use sandpaper to bevel picks to your personal preference. Use the grid designed in step 1c as a measurement tool to replicate bevel edges.
4. Try experimenting with different coats, materials, and thicknesses for different tonal properties.
I made it at Techshop!!
This project was made in the amazing facilities of TechShop Pittsburgh. It is a unique and valuable resource that is not available everywhere. If you have a TechShop that you are able to visit, I highly suggest stopping in for a free tour and joining. Find Techshop locations using the link below, and be sure to keep an eye out for new locations near you.
You can visit their webiste here, or at www.techshop.ws
a. The width and length of a standard guitar pick was measured as a basis for this template.
b. For this design, a vertical guide line was used as a reference to ensure symmetry. Using the arc tool, the right side of the design
was created, then copied and reflected vertically to compete the shape. These lines will be cut on the laser cutter
(RGB R255 G0 B0/ pt.001)
c. Lay out a grid over your design to measure bevel in the final sanding process. These lines will be burned into your material, NOT
cut (RGB R0 G0 B0/ pt.01)
2. Print/ cut your design as many times as desired, into laser cutter appropriate material. Wood was used in this example
3. Use sandpaper to bevel picks to your personal preference. Use the grid designed in step 1c as a measurement tool to replicate bevel edges.
4. Try experimenting with different coats, materials, and thicknesses for different tonal properties.
I made it at Techshop!!
This project was made in the amazing facilities of TechShop Pittsburgh. It is a unique and valuable resource that is not available everywhere. If you have a TechShop that you are able to visit, I highly suggest stopping in for a free tour and joining. Find Techshop locations using the link below, and be sure to keep an eye out for new locations near you.
You can visit their webiste here, or at www.techshop.ws
3 Comments
MarioB5 6 years ago
what materials are good for this picks? I heard about thin acrylic, but don't know where to get it.
PeterT47 8 years ago
I just started using the laser cutters at TechShop Pittsburgh too and was hoping to make some guitar picks. Not that I don't have 10,000 or so around the house but I thought it would be very cool to make some myself. Thanks for this!
Penolopy Bulnick 10 years ago
They look great! Looks like a pick off a pick as you need it thing :)