Routing Question?

[Raz]

OK so I am about to embark on mod for one of my Subs, I have the pickguard with the H-S-S pups instaled, thanks beej, now I just have to make a new cavity...I managed to find a router, however I need advice. If someone has experience please share your knowledge. Like what kind of bit, or perhaps a better tool...thanks!

 

[jazzbo jim]

Raz, have you ever operated a router before?
If not, I wouldn't make my EB my first attempt. Those things can hop and jump and pull REAL bad.
The best way to do it is to have a jig cut and to clamp the jig onto the body and the body onto a workbence securely enough that it won't move but carefully enough to not mar the finish.
It's actually worth paying a tech to do it. They have the tools, jigs and experience. You could prolly get it done for under $50 CDN.
ASk around-good luck

 

[koogie2k]

Raz, I am only basing this on the idea you never used a router before...so don't be offended.

They can be very dangerous. Now, as stated, I would not make any EBMM my first test piece. Learn the tool and find someone who has used one to help you. Jazzbo Jim gave some good advice....I'd hate to see you hurt yourself or your guitar.

 

[Raz]

Raz, have you ever operated a router before?
If not, I wouldn't make my EB my first attempt. Those things can hop and jump and pull REAL bad.
The best way to do it is to have a jig cut and to clamp the jig onto the body and the body onto a workbence securely enough that it won't move but carefully enough to not mar the finish.
It's actually worth paying a tech to do it. They have the tools, jigs and experience. You could prolly get it done for under $50 CDN.
ASk around-good luck

You know I was thinking the same thing, I emailed a couple places, I will follow up with a phone call tommorrow, thanks!

 

[Raz]

Raz, I am only basing this on the idea you never used a router before...so don't be offended.

They can be very dangerous. Now, as stated, I would not make any EBMM my first test piece. Learn the tool and find someone who has used one to help you. Jazzbo Jim gave some good advice....I'd hate to see you hurt yourself or your guitar.

But sometimes being a TOOL helps

 

[tommyindelaware]

let me paraphrase.

don't do this w/out experience.

routers are wild creatures !!!! very full of suprises to the inexperienced !!!!
and very dangerous....

 

[fogman]

Raz,

Have you ever used a jackhammer before!!!

You know when you were a kid and you'd spin a bicycle wheel or something really fast then throw a rock into it!!! Where did the rock go? Your guitar is the rock.

I know how to use one. I have experience using one. I hate using one!
Get somebody else, then at least you can blame them!

 

[jongitarz]

Raz, I am only basing this on the idea you never used a router before...so don't be offended.

They can be very dangerous. Now, as stated, I would not make any EBMM my first test piece. Learn the tool and find someone who has used one to help you. Jazzbo Jim gave some good advice....I'd hate to see you hurt yourself or your guitar.

+1 Don't try this at home

 

[Raz]

Man you guys have no confidence in me whatsoever, thanks...

 

[koogie2k]

Just looking out for you my brother! Hate to see you try something that can hurt you which would make you sell that JP-7 to me at a substantially low cost...

 

[Spudmurphy]

I agree with all the guys comments but disagree that you should'nt try it yourself.

Get yourself a load of off cuts of timber same thickness as your guitar body would be perfect.

Make sure that your router bit is SHARP and not blunt or has chunks missing.

First cut out a jig using a fret saw and make a letter box shape out of a 1/4 - 1/2 inch piece of ply wood. Imagine this letter box shape as similar to the cavity you want to rout out - clamp the jig to your practice piece of wood.


The router works on a plunging principle and the best advice is plunge the router a small amount at any given time through your jig into your scrap timber. - Don't try and rout out the whole depth of your cavity in one go!(remember a little at a time).

Don't wear gloves and make sure that you have somebody with you when you first use it.

It's not difficult to get profficient at using it with practice.

The DIY shops here in the UK sometimes have classes and will demo their routers for you.

Cheap routers will have some "play" in their bearings and will not be suitable for really detailed work.

Get a mid priced router - have a go.
Treat it with respect otherwise your "pinky" may have a nice moulding made into it - or ya could lose it!!

 

[Raz]

I was just kidding, ok here's the scoop so far, I found a woodworking company that'll do it for 30.00 , however he wants to chisel it, he says he is fearful of the guitarand using a router on it...so what's the thought on chisels...thanks!

 

[tommyindelaware]

I was just kidding, ok here's the scoop so far, I found a woodworking company that'll do it for 30.00 , however he wants to chisel it, he says he is fearful of the guitarand using a router on it...so what's the thought on chisels...thanks!

a professional woodworker thats afraid of a router ??????
is he amish ??????

 

[Raz]

a professional woodworker thats afraid of a router ??????
is he amish ??????

Hahahaha, possibly, no I guess he doesn't want to ruin the finish!

 

[beej]

Hey Raz- another option is using a dremel (little hand-held rotary tool) with a router bit. It's pretty easy to carve out the sections you'll need for the new pickup with it. Just go slow. I would definitely practice on a block of wood first to get the idea, if you're going to do this.

Upside- your work will be hidden under a pickguard, so even if it's a little sloppy nobody will know

Downside- you could potential make some mistakes. Also, you'll have to shell out $200 for the Dremel and bits. If you don't intend to use it again, you could have spent less at a guitar shop to have the routing done for you.

 

[jazzbo jim]

+1 for beej,
A dremmel very useful (but SLOW!!)
I used it on countless guitars-even widened a dobro's resonator hole to accept a Quarterman.
Good for fret polishing too (but go easy!)
Raz, have you asked Steve's about prices or advice?

 

[Raz]

+1 for beej,
A dremmel very useful (but SLOW!!)
I used it on countless guitars-even widened a dobro's resonator hole to accept a Quarterman.
Good for fret polishing too (but go easy!)
Raz, have you asked Steve's about prices or advice?

Hey Jazz, I actually found a shop that has done guitars in the past, he knew exactly what I wanted and for 30 to 40 smacks. The thing with Steve's is the repair guy there is really busy...thanks Y'all! Pics coming

 

[fogman]

so how long until we get to see the Razcaster?

 

[Raz]

so how long until we get to see the Razcaster?

I'm gettimg the route done either tommorrow or early next week, then hopefully this weekend, I'll get a soldering gun, complete the electronics, sheild the necessary areas and that's it...maybe next weekend...

 

[beej]

Go Raz! Can't wait to see that baby in action, bro.