Introduction to routing/routers

DazH

DazH

New member
I need to route out for a humbucker for my telecaster, in order to do this i've either got to book it in with a tech (who lives quite a way away) and pay about £15/20 to have it done, on top of leaving it with him for a week or so & then taking it back again.

Or alternatively attempt it myself, which is kind of appealing but i've never even touched a router before.

Could anyone hit me up with what I would be likely to need to do the job? on the premise it's a good idea I do it myself in the 1st place.

as far as I understand it, I need a plunge router - but obviously I have no idea of what specs I need, nor do I have any idea what attachments/bits I may also.

there are quite a few "plunge router"s on ebay for 99p auctions etc I guess I just need to know what I should be looking for.

Cheers guys.
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

if you do it, i would practice on some scrap wood alot before hand. it would be a shame to mess up your guitar
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

+1 to jeremy.

if the goal is to route ur guitar in a timely manner then take it to the tech. It would probably take you more than a week to get everything you need and practice enough to be comfortable doing it on your own guitar. If its something you are interested in learning, then i would suggest taking your guitar to the tech and then doing your own thing with some scrap wood anyways.
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

I'm in the same situation. I've got to rout out the neck single coil to hb in my parts-o-caster (MiM body). I won't get to it until I visit my parents in July - my dad has tons of tools.

Share you experience with us.
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

Routing is not hard if you pay attention to the details.

If you're only going to do one, it's probably not worth it.

I use a Black and Decker plunge router. Simply because it was the only one I could find that had it's on/off switch on the handle. I do most of my wood-work alone, so it was a safety thing for me.

I don't plunge tho, When necessary, I drill a pilot hole first, put the bit into the hole, pull the trigger and go for it.

Stewmac have good pickup routing templates and the router bits with bearings to follow them. It's a good place to start, but since I have found less expensive (Although high quality) bits elsewhere, but for most tool houses, I've found it hard to get some things that are maybe a little more guitar specific.

if you're up for it, grab yourself a plank of Poplar or somethig like that and fill it with humbucker cavities. It's fun and educational!

StewMac's website has some good information about routing, and the router bits come with pretty good instructions too.

Good luck!
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

Routers are pretty easy tools to use and pretty easy tools to mess something up with. If you've never used one -- practice on scrap and make sure you are routing the correct direction -- counter-clockwise for an outside cut and clockwise for an inside cut. Otherwise, you will be "climb cutting" (which can be useful, if done correctly and under control) meaning the bit will pull itself into the wood making quite the wreck of your routing job. There's a number of variables you need to be familiar with such as types of bits, bit depth, bit speed and feed rate. I'd suggest familiarizing yourself with the basics of router operation. Here's a link to an excellent site devoted to the router:

http://www.patwarner.com/
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

i use a few different Porter Cable routers.... i have a D Handle one i love for the grip and over all better controll... one with the 2 knobs and a plung router

Routers are the most dangerous hand tool.... make sure you have someone train you in the safe way of using one..

I use the Stewmac templates and a mix of their router bits and some Freud and Sears ones... I like the template router bits stew mac sells because they are shorter...
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

Routers are definitely a unique tool. Like pzaxtl (what a name) said, they are very easy to mess something up with. I speak from experience. I am building a new computer desk for myself, and just today, I screwed up the shelf because the jig (block of wood) slipped and the router ate a quarter inch into the wood I wanted to leave. Ruined it. Most cutting tools are directional, which are easy to anticipate. You cant anticipate a router. I strongly advise some serious practice before serious use.

Also, the weight of the router will be a big influence. The one I am using is quite heavy, say 7 pounds, so it is much easier to control. Lighter and smaller routers can really give you a hard time.
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

For this job, always use a template, a flush trim bit, and use carpet tape to stick down the template. When buying a router, get one that feels good in your hands. Other than that, I highly recomend Porter Cable. They are the industry standard and parts and accesories are availble ANYWHERE and everything accessory wise is made for one. You do not need a plunge router BTW. You can drill a hole first to start the router bit in,
 
Re: Introduction to routing/routers

theodie said:
For this job, always use a template, a flush trim bit, and use carpet tape to stick down the template. When buying a router, get one that feels good in your hands. Other than that, I highly recomend Porter Cable. They are the industry standard and parts and accesories are availble ANYWHERE and everything accessory wise is made for one. You do not need a plunge router BTW. You can drill a hole first to start the router bit in,
Click to expand...

ya i almost never use my Plunge base router and go with a drilled hole to start... i really love the D Handle base for my Porter Cables!!!! it offers so much more controll
 
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