Adding forearm contour to tele

I am not talking about the forearm contour itself.
Just the edge routing, which the the OP wants be be bigger at the forearm cut (strat 1/2" size) as opposed to the rest of the body (tele 1/8" size).
how would you even guide the 1/2" router bit at the forearm contour edge? (without a cnc)

Edit: rereading the OP again this is not what he wants, so forget about it.
 
Last edited:
Chistopher said:
Has anyone done something of this nature to a Tele before? I'm debating taking my tele body, rounding the edges to 1/8" (traditional tele edges) except a Strat style 1/2" roundover for the forearm. Does this type of thing have a name?

Images would help if you have any.
Click to expand...

As ICTGoober​ already explained:
if you only want the 1/2" big strat radius at the forearm position without doing an actual forearm contour, the transition of the 2 radii will be the problem.
I still think it's more safe (and therefore easier) done by hand. Only talking about the transition!
 
Last edited:
Clamp it to a table
and get to work

No matter what method you choose

Success or failure is determined at the END of the project

Let's get started gentlemen

Fortune favors the brave
 
ToneFiddler said:
As ICTGoober​ already explained:
if you only want the 1/2" big strat radius at the forearm position without doing an actual forearm contour, the transition of the 2 radii will be the problem.
I still think it's more safe (and therefore easier) done by hand. Only talking about the transition!
Click to expand...

Yeah I am waiting to test it out on some scrap wood first. It wouldn't have to be perfect, but I don't want to mess up a perfectly good piece of wood for no reason either
 
Using power tools (belt sander) will end up giving you a more even contour. Of course you still have to finish it by hand with sandpaper. If you only use rasps and sanding, it will be very difficult to get a nice even contour.
 
GuitarDoc said:
Using power tools (belt sander) will end up giving you a more even contour. Of course you still have to finish it by hand with sandpaper. If you only use rasps and sanding, it will be very difficult to get a nice even contour.
Click to expand...

Only if you don't know what you're doing.
simply using a rasp doesn't make you a carpenter or luthier.
 
Last edited:
GuitarDoc said:
Using power tools (belt sander) will end up giving you a more even contour. Of course you still have to finish it by hand with sandpaper. If you only use rasps and sanding, it will be very difficult to get a nice even contour.
Click to expand...

he doesn't want a contour
 
Chistopher said:
Yeah I am waiting to test it out on some scrap wood first. It wouldn't have to be perfect, but I don't want to mess up a perfectly good piece of wood for no reason either
Click to expand...

You said it was pine. No good wood will be ruined in this venture.
 
My project pine tele body that Jerry gave me has been waiting almost 6 years for the forearm and tummy cut

I feel your hesitation

Rip that bandaid off

Doeit
 
ToneFiddler said:
he doesn't want a contour
Click to expand...

That's the big problem we've been talking about.
(You haven't been reading the thread, right?)! We have been discussing whether to do just a roundover or a full contour. And if you do a contour (which is not much more difficult than just a roundover) what is the best way to get a good result.
 
GuitarDoc said:
That's the big problem we've been talking about.
(You haven't been reading the thread, right?)! We have been discussing whether to do just a roundover or a full contour. And if you do a contour (which is not much more difficult than just a roundover) what is the best way to get a good result.
Click to expand...

Yes you and others discussed it, but Christopher, the guy from the OP never did…
 
solspirit said:
Not if you know how to use a rasp.
Click to expand...

Well, I use rasps a LOT, especially for all the shaping on a neck. I AM expert at using a rasp (I've actually been using them for over 60 years). I've been making forearm contours on guitars (over 50 custom guitars) for 15-20 years and would not even consider using one for a forearm contour because it can gouge the surface and/or leave it uneven. I ONLY use a belt sander then sandpaper in a block.
 
ToneFiddler said:
Yes you and others discussed it, but Christopher, the guy from the OP never did…
Click to expand...

Well, yes! And we're STILL talking about it. Do you have a problem with us trying to give advice to the OP who may not have considered how easy it is to do a contour?
 
IMG_20240403_192851.jpg IMG_20240403_192822.jpg this is my 95 MIJ fender telecaster.
It was once black, then natural, then red, then blu, then green (for an error) then natural again.
At this point I decided to make the forearm and tummy cut, I made it with a file and many sandpaper sheets.
Then I put the filler and sprayed in this electric blue I don't like that much (I'm partial to Lake placid blue)
So, the answer is 'you can do it if you have some tools, some skill and a lot of patience' but the result is very comfortable, like a strat.
 
marcello252 said:

I made it with a file and many sandpaper sheets.
Click to expand...

And that's one of the problems with using a file or rasp...to get a good even finish you have to do a LOT of work and go through a lot of sandpaper.


marcello252 said:
So, the answer is 'you can do it if you have some tools, some skill and a lot of patience' but the result is very comfortable, like a strat.
Click to expand...

Not only "a lot of patience", but a lot of work/sanding if you're not using the best/right tools (like a belt sander). But, yes, the result is WELL worth it.
 
Ok finally did mine Saturday
forearm and tummy cut

The angle grinder with the flap disc was dramatically fast

It also was way too fast at times
I spent the majority of my time just removing the gouges I made if I slowed down
And the chatter marks when I went to fast

Big rasp probably would have worked better

I have one but thought the power tool would be better

It's OK

Just some fine sanding next weekend and another coat of tung oil
 
ANGLE GRINDER??!!! You're asking for problems with gouging. Yes, a rasp would definitely work better, at least to get the big gouges out after the disc grinder. But belt would work best/easiest.

I suppose that it's possible to do a fine job with the angle grinder, but it would take a lot of practice to develop the skill. I'm certainly not willing to even start learning that dubious skill.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top