Another router bit. - Guitar Building Tricks and Tips

RE: Another router bit.

swepri — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:34:59 +0000

I'm a bit scared of big router bits too. My way of handling things with sharp edge tools is to take a series of small cuts rather than being too agressive. And try to remember to watch the grain directions. I have no idea if a climb cut is even possible with a big bit like that.

Oh - and those big bits require slower rpm of course.

Edit: I also clean the bits after every use. That seems to help keeping them sharp.

RE: Another router bit.

tv1 — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:31:57 +0000

I've got one of those (1/2") surfacing bits too. Hugely useful piece of kit. Not the sort of thing that you need to use every day, but when you need it, you *need* it!!

I've used mine to take old tops off a couple of guitars (for one reason or another) and given them a new lease of life. I guess I could have veneered over the top of the existing tops, but removing and starting again felt like a more "proper" fix.

RE: Another router bit.

Rathius — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 03:42:07 +0000

9478

Wow.

That is a BIG router bit.

I know right! Actually kinda scares me it’s so big.

I have a 4 wing surfacing bit that’s almost as big around as this one. Yes, it’s a 1/2” bit too. It came with a spacer to insert in the router to keep the bit setting below your router base. I’ve used it on a body blank (the one I’m working in now) and it took me a bit before I was even halfway comfortable with it. Still scares me.

RE: Another router bit.

tv1 — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 21:47:38 +0000

Wow.

That is a BIG router bit.

I guess it’s handy for removing the bulk of the blank, so you can focus on the final shaping.

But can you beat the feeling of a neck taking shape in your hand as you carve it??

I must try to design one for the CNC

;)

RE: Another router bit.

Rathius — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:03:07 +0000

@koendb I was thinking of using it to do the majority of the carving on the back of the neck with it but still leaving a bit of wood for final filing, shaping, and sanding. Just trying to make things a little easier with some time savings built in.

I do understand your concern though and I do appreciate it. I have some pieces I’ll be testing it on first before tackling the actual neck. Better to ruin scrap than the actual product, right? 😁

RE: Another router bit.

Koendb — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 02:26:08 +0000

I don't think a router is the best way to shape a neck. It is not a uniform shape.
I would use a rasp and/or spokeshave.

Another router bit.

Rathius — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:57:38 +0000

9476 9477

I bought this bit earlier in the year but have not used it yet. I plan to change that today. 😁 As I said in another thread I’m kinda scared of large router bits and this one is the biggest one I have. Any tips on using this for the neck profile would be greatly appreciated. Hmm, just realized I need to make a new fretboard caul too. 🤦🏼‍♂️ My first one didn’t come out too well but my neck width profile pattern is now very nice and straight on the edges (finally realized I could use my router table to fix the crooked edge 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️).

Anyway the bit is a PRS neck profile bit. Another Amazon find. 😁