Making of Two Tele Bodies...

Hey guys,

I was making a couple of Tele bodies the other day and I thought I'd take some shots for the forum :)

I only had my phone on me and I had to use flash, so the pics aren't great. But they will hopefully show how I do things.

So to kick off, here's my templates. Made from a '55 (or it may have been a '56) Perspex master templates on the right, and my MDF working templates to the left.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_01.jpg

Here's my blanks. I made these about a year ago so that part isn't documented unfortunately.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_02.jpg

First, I find a good spot for the template and tape it down with double sided tape.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_03.jpg

Then it's off over to the milling machine. this thing makes one heck of a drill, and much more. I'm lucky to have this.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_04.jpg

We drill all the 1/8" holes on the body 1" deep.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_05.jpg

Then take off the master, and firmly screw down our MDF template. Note here I use the two outer bridge holes, and another where the wiring chanel will eventually be.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_06.jpg

Draw around it:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_07.jpg

And take it to the Bandsaw!..

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_08.jpg

Both bodies sawn about 1mm from the line:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_09.jpg

Screw the template back on nice and tight:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_10.jpg

And trim the whole one-and-three-quaters of an inch in one go using our 1/2" bit. I do NOT follow the whole 'route downhill' thing; I think anyone who advises it wants you dead! I route the whole body going clockwise. MUCH safer.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_11.jpg

Makes a bit of dust:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_12.jpg

Both bodies trimmed flush:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_13.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_14.jpg

Next we tackle the body cavities. I draw those on using my master template (sorry, no pic) and go back to the miller to rough out most of the unwanted material.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_15.jpg

Then it's on with the MDF template, and out with my other router. For this we use a 1" x 1/2" trim bit.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_16.jpg

Lovey ultra-smooth routes!

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_17.jpg

I use the miller to do the wiring route. It's just a simple case of back and forth while going a little deeper each time until we reach the final depth. I use the 1/2" bit here again. Note that this is also the point we say seeya to the third template securing screw! It is no longer needed at this point.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_18.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_19.jpg

Routes done.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_20.jpg

Now for the string through body holes. For this, I use the pin method as beautifully pointed out by Jack Wells here on this forum. This method ensures nice straight holes with no drill bit wondering out the back all wonky and unsightly.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_21.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_22.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_23.jpg

Then when the holes are done, we need to drill for our ferrules.

Step one:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_24.jpg

And step two!

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_25.jpg

Ok. On to the output (not input!) jack now...

I mark up the centre, thus:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_26.jpg

And on to the miller! Where would I be without it?

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_27.jpg

And drill away with our 7/8" bit.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_28.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_29.jpg

Almost done now, just the roundovers:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_30.jpg

And two almost complete bodies:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_31.jpg

Just those wiring holes to drill now!

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_32.jpg

Just sanding needed now... I'll post some better shots of the finished bodies tomorrow.

I'm also making pickguards for these two bodies. I haven't taken many pics of this process, but here's the shots I did get when I thought on (D'oh!).

Rough cut off-white ABS sheets (the blue is the protective film!):

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_33.jpg

Double sided tape:

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_34.jpg

And it's on to the router table to be trimmed.

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_35.jpg

Then of course the holes and countersinks were drilled, which I didn't get a pic of.

Until later...

Good job on those two babies!

I really need a workshop too!

Cool build ReVin. You have a milling machine?!? How cool is that.
Where are all you guys getting those bottom bearing router bits like you shaped the body with?

Finished, some non-flash photos...

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_36.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_37.jpg

This is as far as these get with me. They'll go on to make (hopefully) great Guitars with someone else. This is where I say byeeeeee... :(

Where are all you guys getting those bottom bearing router bits like you shaped the body with?

I get them from here (UK) http://www.infinitytools.co.uk/cgi-bin/trolleyed_public.cgi?action=showprod_06630

Flush Trim is what you need to search for.

Excelent work!!! Congratulations!!!

That´s pine?

You master you ! I'll be dreaming of your workshop tonight instead of stockings and suspenders and golf ! :wink:

Very nicely done! :smile:

Nice clean work...

Some nice clean work there, looking good.

Excelent work!!! Congratulations!!!

That´s pine?

Thanks! It's Ash actually, should have mentioned that!

:razz:

More pics...

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_38.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_39.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_40.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_41.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_42.jpg

http://www.revintage.co.uk/images/build/build_43.jpg

Cheers everyone. :)

Thanks for the build thread! very informative!
That body look great, everything is perfect on it!!

Cheers irishtele, you're very welcome indeed.

:P