routing a stratocaster for HH

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prophetofthor

New member
i've got a MIM stratocaster that is already routed SSH. i want to route a bit more for a HH (fat strat). i've googled a bit and it seems dremel is the way to go. can anyone echo this or share experiences/advice about this? i'm also tempted to just drill and then dremel for detail. i dont think i'll need a template because it should all be under the pickguard when done.

thanx
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

A forum bro was kind enough to route my strat's body for a neck humbucker (for payment, of course). If anyone is still up for doing that I'd think they would pipe up or send you a PM.
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

Come on now...don't be sloppy, get a cheap template from Stewmac.
 
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Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

some templates from Stewmac, a router with the right template router bits and a new pickguard are the right way to do this job... plus if you never used a router you will need some safety lessons as it really can be a dangerous tool..
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

I just got a router because I didn't want to screw things up anymore.

Be warned, however, that there is very little available used. I got mine new from Amazon. And of course the accessories kill you some extra.

And a Dremel is generally too small for pickup routes, although it's doable.
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

uOpt said:
And a Dremel is generally too small for pickup routes, although it's doable.
Click to expand...

+1.

A router is the way to go unless, you will not use a router for anything else in the future. If this is the case, take it to a shop.
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

Since all the router dudes hang out here, I got a question:

The Stewmac templates, are they the exact size of the cavities to use with he ball-bearing bits, or are they oversized to use with brass template guides?
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

uOpt said:
Since all the router dudes hang out here, I got a question:

The Stewmac templates, are they the exact size of the cavities to use with he ball-bearing bits, or are they oversized to use with brass template guides?
Click to expand...

All will be the exact size except the neck pocket templates. With those, you have to wrap the bearing of your flush trim bit with tape to get it where you want it. Before doing a neck pocket with one, experiment with scrap wood first to make sure the pocket will be tight for the neck you are using.
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

uOpt,

Oh, those brass template inserts for your router, you will not use those for usual guitar template work. Forget about em til you get really experienced on a router. By that time, you will figure them out and what to do with em.
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

Thanks.

I'm routing all week already. Didn't kill myself yet and results look promising :)
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

I did this free handed with my Dremel:






The Floyd recess was also done free hand with no templates. The neck pup cavity was regular, but i'm in the process of making it angled forward, so it looks kinda rough right now, but it's coming along...
This is a Lefty Kramer Focus 1000 project that I'm doing right now.

So a dremel is doable, but a router would be alot faster thats for sure!
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

WhoFan said:
some templates from Stewmac, a router with the right template router bits and a new pickguard are the right way to do this job... plus if you never used a router you will need some safety lessons as it really can be a dangerous tool..
Click to expand...


I agree 100%.
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

I routed my Japanese HSS Strat for a neck humbucker using a Dremel and it turned out fine.

Admittedly, it took a while :D But I didn't have another option and am very happy with how it turned out

DSC02672.jpg
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

I just use forstner bits and chisel the rest for the strait sides of the pickup, especially when it is covered with a pickguard;) VERY fast!
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

metalchurch79 said:
I did this free handed with my Dremel:

[...]
The Floyd recess was also done free hand with no templates. The neck pup cavity was regular, but i'm in the process of making it angled forward, so it looks kinda rough right now, but it's coming along...
This is a Lefty Kramer Focus 1000 project that I'm doing right now.

So a dremel is doable, but a router would be alot faster thats for sure!
Click to expand...

Yeah, but you are obviously talented, so that's cheating :)

How did you get the lines so straight when it's free hand? I couldn't even do it with an ink pen.

The Dremel is doable, it's just taking longer and you can't mount the cool bits that Stewmac sells. Plus as a base price the Dremel is more expensive since you need the base Dremel, the Stewmac router base and new bits.

For the Bosch Colt you need the base Colt, which includes the base and some bits. But the 1/4" bits for the Colt are more readily available on ebay than larger bits for the 1/8" Dremel. Of course in practice most people but the Colt set with a gazillion of different bases :)
 
Re: routing a stratocaster for HH

I got the lines straight by masking the body, then tracing the Floyd and neck plate shape with a pen.
I then cut the center out of the masking tape, leaving the edges to use as a guide. It takes a very steady hand and a few vicodin, but it's able to be done.

For the first time dremel user this is probably not the way to go cause if youre not extremely careful you'll end up chewing **** up real fast.
Thanks for the compliment bro, that means alot. I have to do things the hard way and I guess it has paid off somewhat.

But since he's using a pickguard he wont have to be as careful as a rear loaded body.

prophetofthor,
I'll do the routing for free, if you pay the shipping both ways.
I'll have it done and in the mail the same day or the very next day at the lastest. So if needed I'll do it for you, let me know.
-Joe
 
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