ShortScale.org

I'm about attempt routing a neck pocket.
I figure it'll be a trial and error sort of thing so I thought I'd ask here for any tips before I start.
I'm going to try and make a jig and get it down to a science but I'd love to hear what you guys have to say on the subject.

Thanks!

brandon. wrote:I'm about attempt routing a neck pocket.
I figure it'll be a trial and error sort of thing so I thought I'd ask here for any tips before I start.
I'm going to try and make a jig and get it down to a science but I'd love to hear what you guys have to say on the subject.

Thanks!

It's already a science...the equation is:

Router + exact template to match neck = WIN

Black Cat Bone wrote:

brandon. wrote:I'm about attempt routing a neck pocket.
I figure it'll be a trial and error sort of thing so I thought I'd ask here for any tips before I start.
I'm going to try and make a jig and get it down to a science but I'd love to hear what you guys have to say on the subject.

Thanks!

It's already a science...the equation is:

Router + exact template to match neck = WIN

that + make sure you have a sharp router bit.

and your bearing is well lubed.
and that if its before or after you have a good support system for the router, i.e. no dibs/drops in the template/body.

Use a thick template like 1/2". Assuming your using a short stubby 1/2" tall cutting surfaced router bit. 1/4" Templates are ok, but kinda force you to make your first cut deep, can cause tear out if it's really hard wood or make for a rough finish cut. You can add spacers between your template/guitar to shim it up higher.

Since your routing on the edge of the guitar, you have no support at all. You can lay a peice of "U" or "O" shaped plywood on top of the guitar to give you a surface to work off of. Or remove the plastic ring on the bottom of your router and bolt a flat peice of wood to that.

Make light passes, 1/16" at a time... really depends on your router motor & blade quality. I like to remove all excess wood before I start with a large drill bit ($20 Porter Cable). I set the drill depth lock on my drill press ($100 new). I usually set the depth a 1/8" shy of my final depth, so you don't see those pin holes from the drill bit... give you a nice finish look.





Hardest part is making a template. If you got a guitar with the neck pocket that you need. Check for fit, if it's a bit loose, you can build the pocket walls up with masking tape. Or for a few bucks, buy offset bearings... they are used for router bits that have been resharpened a few times and have lost their orginal size. Then use a bottom bearing router bit to trace the pocket onto the template.

If you got a neck, trace it onto a suitable template material... 1/4" acrylic, MDF.... and cut to finish. I've never tried it, but have always wanted to make a template outta like 1/8" or 1/16".... believe they call it "masonite", looks like cardboard but a bit harder, it's dark brown in color. Looks like you could cut your template out with a set of Exacto Knives, and shape really easily... then transfter the final product to a thicker material. It'd save you time in making the template, dunno how it'd hold up though, never tried it yet.

Or buy one of these floating X Y router table for support... only $1200. Can build em yourself for $300 - $400 from a CNC router supplier. I'm working on a X Y Z router table.

damn, that's bad ass.

Damn right. I'm going to build some Mustang avriants and 'original' designs in the new year so this kind of detail is well apreciated.

If you know the kind of guitar you're building and its a 'satndard' model there are oftem teplates and plans available either through members of some forums, online, or from some sellers. I've sourced '65 Mustang templates from a member of O**setguitars for a reasonable cost.

Also take a look at Frans Mosrite thread on this forum as he traced and built his own template and the end result was ace.

Yeh, I'm working on a couple Mustangs myself. I made a template 7 or 8 years ago, just now using it for the first time. I really wanna move on to carve tops and necks by the end of next year... would love to try binding & block inlay, but fuck! tools are expensive! You'll learn to make friends with cabinet makers... a six pack of beer usually lets you in their shop for a few hours.

^

that's awesome.