Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 im looking to make a replacement body for my shifty PRS copy. But will i need a router? Or would using a chisel be easyer? This will be my first ever build so im a complete noob to both ways. Thanks Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Personally I would use a router. Practice on some off cuts first. Using in chisel (IMHO) takes years of practice! The router will be quicker, just take care as they bite if mis-handled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Blademan_98' post='1291032' date='Jul 3 2011, 02:36 PM']Personally I would use a router. Practice on some off cuts first. Using in chisel (IMHO) takes years of practice! The router will be quicker, just take care as they bite if mis-handled [/quote] +1 to practicing first.. make sure any work pieces are clamped down - you'd be surprised how far a router can try to throw either the wood or itself if things move unexpectedly. No sudden moves, and use eye and ear protection! After all the warnings, a router is a brilliant tool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've yet to find a cheapie one that doesn't get really bad write-ups. Screw-fix is your friend for a good cheap one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 I'd use a router. Two things to remember though: 1) Don't try cutting the depth all in one go - you're far better off taking it a little bit at a time and staying in control of how much wood you're shifting. 2) Speaking as a man who has a finger with a decorative scroll edge, the safety guards are there for a reason... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='icastle' post='1291063' date='Jul 3 2011, 03:18 PM']I'd use a router. Two things to remember though: 1) Don't try cutting the depth all in one go - you're far better off taking it a little bit at a time and staying in control of how much wood you're shifting. 2) Speaking as a man who has a finger with a decorative scroll edge, the safety guards are there for a reason... [/quote] +1 for both comments Take it easy and let the router do the work (forcing it will only burn the wood and more chance of an accident). Safety guards are very useful if you like to keep the full complement of fingers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 Thanks for the help guys, router it is then. And ill be very carefull, i rather like my fingers Oh and im sorry if i post loads of questions here, but im doing my first build and i have a severe lack of knowlage about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batfastard Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Just got one of these and its fairly decent:[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-NUTOOL-ROUTER-TABLE-c-w-ROUTER-240v-/220807842870?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item33692c4c36"]Nutool router table[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Mikeg' post='1291110' date='Jul 3 2011, 04:01 PM']Thanks for the help guys, router it is then. And ill be very carefull, i rather like my fingers Oh and im sorry if i post loads of questions here, but im doing my first build and i have a severe lack of knowlage about it [/quote] I have never built a guitar but I used to do a lot of woodwork (for fun). I recently sold my router and table (not as nice as the one posted above) or you could have had it Those NuTool ones look like really good value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Your ISP should have provided one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1291118' date='Jul 3 2011, 04:07 PM']Your ISP should have provided one.[/quote] LMAO That made me chuckle........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 That table looks good Expect a new build diary starting in a few weeks, im going simple and making a single humbucker body, in the musicman posision. With emg electronics because i cant solder to save me life. im stealing the neck of my Lindo PRS copy Thanks alot for the help guys Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Wasn't there a similar thread to this lately where the general consensus of replies was to go chisel but the OP decided to go router (probably decided before posting the thread) and made a total dog's cock of it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1291284' date='Jul 3 2011, 06:35 PM']Wasn't there a similar thread to this lately where the general consensus of replies was to go chisel but the OP decided to go router (probably decided before posting the thread) and made a total dog's cock of it?[/quote] Sadly im completely useless with a chisel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Mikeg' post='1291336' date='Jul 3 2011, 07:25 PM']Sadly im completely useless with a chisel [/quote] How good are you with a router? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1291353' date='Jul 3 2011, 07:39 PM']How good are you with a router?[/quote] Never tried But I dont think I will manage with a chisel. I supose I could try on some spare wood, But I dont think I could get the depth right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepurpleblob Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Hmmmm...... a router is about the most dangerous power tool there is, so make sure you find out how to use one properly. You need a decent one (1/4inch ones are almost useless - get a half inch) and buy decent bits. Even then, you still need to make or buy templates. You can buy some very nice chisels and waste a bit of wood practicing. I'm no wood working expert but if you aren't in a rush you can get excellent results with hand tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='thepurpleblob' post='1291404' date='Jul 3 2011, 08:22 PM']Hmmmm...... a router is about the most dangerous power tool there is, so make sure you find out how to use one properly. You need a decent one (1/4inch ones are almost useless - get a half inch) and buy decent bits. Even then, you still need to make or buy templates. You can buy some very nice chisels and waste a bit of wood practicing. I'm no wood working expert but if you aren't in a rush you can get excellent results with hand tools.[/quote] I supose I could give it a try, How much would a nice set of chisels set me back? I have to mention that my budget is rather puny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='thepurpleblob' post='1291404' date='Jul 3 2011, 08:22 PM']Hmmmm...... a router is about the most dangerous power tool there is, so make sure you find out how to use one properly. You need a decent one (1/4inch ones are almost useless - get a half inch) and buy decent bits. Even then, you still need to make or buy templates. You can buy some very nice chisels and waste a bit of wood practicing. I'm no wood working expert but if you aren't in a rush you can get excellent results with hand tools.[/quote] Very sound advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Both routers and chisels are nice. Try out what you want to do on scrap wood of the same type as body (guitar) with both methods. Try several times. Then make your decision and go for it. Practice four times, measure twice, cut once (in an ideal world). Router is a great tool but I am so very aware of the damage one can do, think clamps, bit snatching and SAFETY at all times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Mikeg' post='1291418' date='Jul 3 2011, 08:36 PM']I supose I could give it a try, How much would a nice set of chisels set me back? I have to mention that my budget is rather puny[/quote] You might not need a whole set. I've done most of my guitar related chisel work with a singe 6mm chisel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 Thanks for all the help guys. I think Ill go for chisel first and if I cant do it ill go for a router. Ill get the body sawn into shape and use the exess to practise on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 I can't imagine how to get radiussed inside corners with a chisel. I'm planning something similar and will go down the router route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='1291436' date='Jul 3 2011, 08:49 PM']I can't imagine how to get radiussed inside corners with a chisel. I'm planning something similar and will go down the router route.[/quote] Use a dremel or home made "dowel" sanding blocks. For a little inspiration, here's one I made earlier - [b]all hand tools[/b]. This... ... to this... ... to this... ... to this... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepurpleblob Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 (edited) I don't know if you've heard of forstner bits? These are fancy drill bits that make a hole with a flat base. You can use these to get the most of the wood out and do the corners. If you have a drill press you are laughing. You will have the basic cavity all at the right depth. It's only left to chisel out the remainder and clean it up. Edited July 3, 2011 by thepurpleblob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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