Dubs Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 The saga continues… After 2 months of trying to organise getting my Jazz body routed, I’ve pretty much decided to do it myself, but I’ve got a few questions aimed at those who either do this for a living, have done it in the past, or like me – an amateur DIYer that gave it a go…how hard is it and what’s the best way of going about it? I’ve read a few online guides, such as this - [url="http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/body.htm"]http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/body.htm[/url] - but I feel I still need some advice before I go for it. My main questions at the moment revolve around what tools to use – what router should I buy? Obviously I’m trying to keep my costs down but I don’t want to buy some cheap tat if it’s going to ruin my project, but in the same breath I don't want to buy a top of the range router if a really cheap one would do the same job – I don’t need it to last for 10 years being used everyday. Once I’ve bought my router I can practice on scrap wood and then ask some more questions when I realise that I’m in over my head… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YouMa Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Dead easy buy the best router you can afford.You tend to get what you pay for with tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 [quote name='benwhiteuk' post='400808' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:14 AM']Once I’ve bought my router I can practice on scrap wood and then ask some more questions when I realise that I’m in over my head…[/quote] You see I wouldn't have thought of that, I would buy a router and 5 minutes later I would be selling sawdust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubs Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 [quote name='YouMa' post='400812' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:16 AM']Dead easy buy the best router you can afford.You tend to get what you pay for with tools.[/quote] I hear what you’re saying, but should I use this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806514&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832863652&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9376546&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832925223&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806487&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832945643&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or do I need something like this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806965&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832963568&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] ? In all honesty, the one for £25 looks like it’ll do the job, but then to me it looks pretty damn similar to the one that’s £200. I literally do not have a clue what it is that I need to look for when buying a router for this kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnylager Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Get a Dremel and stay off the sauce the night before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YouMa Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 [quote name='benwhiteuk' post='400821' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:24 AM']I hear what you’re saying, but should I use this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806514&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832863652&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9376546&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832925223&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806487&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832945643&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or do I need something like this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806965&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832963568&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] ? In all honesty, the one for £25 looks like it’ll do the job, but then to me it looks pretty damn similar to the one that’s £200. I literally do not have a clue what it is that I need to look for when buying a router for this kind of thing. Dewalt are very good quality tools,but are very expensive,i would go for a mid priced well known brand,just make sure you buy a decent bit for it,you are going to need a tungsten morticing bit.[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YouMa Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 (edited) Sorry me again, make sure the body is well clamped before you start.I dont think you will have any problems. Edited February 5, 2009 by YouMa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prosebass Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 (edited) [quote name='benwhiteuk' post='400821' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:24 AM']I hear what you’re saying, but should I use this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806514&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832863652&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9376546&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832925223&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806487&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832945643&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or do I need something like this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806965&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832963568&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] ? In all honesty, the one for £25 looks like it’ll do the job, but then to me it looks pretty damn similar to the one that’s £200. I literally do not have a clue what it is that I need to look for when buying a router for this kind of thing.[/quote] You certainly don't need the one at £199.00 unless you are using it every day. Don't buy the B&Q or any other budget one They are poorly made and you will struggle to get good results with them. The only budget tools I use are belt sanders from B&Q at £9.99 each use them for a few months and then get another. I use a [url="http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-45-4898-79755-bosch-pof-1200-ae-powerful-1200w-router-%20240v.asp"]Bosch POF 1200[/url] This is well made and stays locked at the plunge depth. It is a joy to use and mine has now routed out over 20 basses. Another thing to take into consideration is the bits. For roughing out I use sets of bits from Aldi and bought 3 sets of 20 bits for £15.00 !!! Once these are blunt I throw them away. For finishing I use quality Bosch bits that are £15.00 - £20.00 each I could write an whole essay on this but its easier for you to search the web for technique and tips. Paul. Last point.....Health and Safety. Be careful and practice a lot on scrap wood until you are proficient and confident. We don't want you to end up in hospital as routers can be dangerous if used incorrectly... Some good hints and tips [url="http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/router-t7441-30.html"]Here[/url] Edited February 5, 2009 by Prosebass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubs Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 [quote name='Prosebass' post='400875' date='Feb 5 2009, 12:01 PM']You certainly don't need the one at £199.00 unless you are using it every day. Don't buy the B&Q or any other budget one They are poorly made and you will struggle to get good results with them. The only budget tools I use are belt sanders from B&Q at £9.99 each use them for a few months and then get another. I use a [url="http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-45-4898-79755-bosch-pof-1200-ae-powerful-1200w-router-%20240v.asp"]Bosch POF 1200[/url] This is well made and stays locked at the plunge depth. It is a joy to use and mine has now routed out over 20 basses. Another thing to take into consideration is the bits. For roughing out I use sets of bits from Aldi and bought 3 sets of 20 bits for £15.00 !!! Once these are blunt I throw them away. For finishing I use quality Bosch bits that are £15.00 - £20.00 each I could write an whole essay on this but its easier for you to search the web for technique and tips. Paul. Last point.....Health and Safety. Be careful and practice a lot on scrap wood until you are proficient and confident. We don't want you to end up in hospital as routers can be dangerous if used incorrectly... [/quote] Cheers for the tool tips mate. I'll probably end up in B&Q this evening... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockpig Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 my first tip would be don't use a dremel for pick up route. it will not be able to cut deep enough. next be very careful a router will completely shred a finger if it so much as touches it. always unplug the thing when changing bits. after that bit of gruesome seriousness do some practice on bits of crap first and learn how the router kicks. as far as buying goes bosch makita or dewalt. relatively cheap but effective I would say a bosch laminate trimmer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Heeley Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I've seen a woodworking book called something like "Projects for Routers" in Boddy's timber shop, maybe available at yr library - well nerdy but well worth a couple of hours skim thru before setting off, it will give you loads of insight into what can and can't be done with a router, as well as some basic technique hints and ways of preventing slicing all your fingers off which can be useful if you want to play the instrument after you have made it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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