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If you want a router for you table, you might want to get a fixed base router instead of a plunge router. It is not as difficult to adjust the bit's height because there is no spring compression to mess with. Just screw the router up or down to the desired height.

That being said, I use a plunge router on my small portable table. I have a cheap set up but I can do anything for a guitar that I want on it. It is smallish so can flip it over to do the adjustments. It usually takes the most time to get it set exact. It has a safety cap to stop the bit if it breaks.



Get the height set with these controls first. It is easy with the small table because I can push it down and measure on my lap.



Once it is to the correct setting, lock everything in place with these bolts. Routers are notorious for vibrating loose with the plunge stop only.



Also, set the bit in the collet as deep possible to start. Then it can't move on you either. For what you are doing, and with your setup, you want a good bit. Like this:
A narrow bit will cut faster. These bits are not very expensive and last a good long time. Use like this:

for the truss rod.

I've never seen a fixed base router available in the UK (I have looked). Routers are generally expensive bits of kit over here too!
My table router has been modified a little bit too. I removed the plunge spring, removed the plastic spindle lock so I use a spanner, and swapped the plunge-lock lever out for a bolt.
It's proved a pretty solid, reliable setup and I'll be doing the same mods to any replacement router.

Wow, I looked and you really can't get a fixed base router and all of the ones you can get are expensive. Do you have a way to run 120V 8.5amp tools? Hell, next time I see one for cheap at a garage sale or pawn shop I will send it to you.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm just gonna wait a few weeks and get a router from the UK.
I had a quick scan of the internet and voltage adapters seem either really flimsy or nearly as much as a router.

BTW, is the mains electricity 110v and 8.5amps?
Uk mains is 220v 13amps for domestic. 415v for 3 phase.

I've really been putting off this, but I got stuck in and made rather a good job of of it, even if I say so myself.

I have a drill press but it doesn't have a 'deep throat' so made this little jig.


The outcome from above;


The exit wound;


I slapped the jig on the back and drilled for the ferrules, not perfect but good enough for me.
BTW, the ferrule jig can pretty much cut out any misalignment in the string holes.


On to finishing the thing!
Pics soon!

Clamping wood to the back of whatever your drilling out can help reduce the chips/tear out when the bit breaks thru.

Do some ferrules neck screws, instead of a neck plate.

I did my burst today. Never done anything like this before.



It's not perfect, but close enough for me.

I think a burst is the kind of thing that, if it's not right then it's just tough shit!
Keep throwing paint at it, it'll only get worse!

Might look different again under lacquer. Good work adam

Looking good matey! Stick at it and you'll get it right!
Check this link out on manchesters site for a sunburst finish...might be useful info for you!

http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/sunburst.html

@Johnny, I've seen that page and took it onboard. I'll just lacquer the beast now. I could sand it all off and start over. But I'm pretty happy with the results. I might even do my Musicmaster the same?

Yeh cool! Looks pretty bloody good to me, so whack laquer on it and get polishing!!
Great results...

Looking great. Drilling the ferrule holes can be tough. Can't wait to see it all glossy.

On the neck building thing, I saw this thread on offset

I'm still mentally prepaing to build necks, I'll build some cool-ass jigs like these first.


I'm still working away on finishing the telecaster, More lacquer, and a good polish and it'll be done.

Digging up the rotting corpse of an old thread
But not really worth making a new one.

After what seems like forever, I have actually got a better router.
It's still cheap (relitively speaking) but takes 1/2" tools and has double the power of the old one.


Double the length and girth of your tool for less than £50


For best results; drill and screw under an old coffee table...



I've got shiny new blades for the jointer and the thicknesser too.