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Teleblaster_1 · November 3rd, 2009, 10:48 AM

Kinda newbie, this is my second build.
I have an ash body with no control cavity. The pickguard is custom. The placement and layout of the controls are custom as well, this is why we went with no cavity.
I'm routing the cavity myself, please let me know if this sounds correct:

1) Locate the pickguard on the body. Trace pickguard, mark pots and switches.
2) Draw the shape of the cavity in Illustrator. Print the path on paper and cut it out. Then ensure the cavity shape looks right and fits appropriately on the body, within the trace of the pickguard.
3) Export the path to my CNC router. Cut template from 9mm acrylic.
4) Screw, tape, spray glue, clamp or use some other means to affix the template to the body. Use a trim bit to follow the template.

Questions:
What dia. of trim bit would you recommend? I have a 1/4" router.
How deep of a bit should I use? After following the 9mm template, what should be my depth of cut on the subsequent passes?
Please recommend an industrial quality brand of tool.

I'm not cutting the body on the CNC because I've not yet developed my skills enough on this machine. Learning as I go, I can do cutouts and multiple layer work right now, but do not have the confidence to throw a body up on the table yet.

Thanks!!

Casual_Reader · November 3rd, 2009, 11:05 AM

my only suggestion would be to either cut the template on 3/4 mdf or use the acrylic on mdf to get a deeper template edge to ride the bearing on when routing the body.

shallower cuts are better... and you'll want at least a 1" long bit

other than that, all sounds reasonable.

Teleblaster_1 · November 3rd, 2009, 11:16 AM

Ahhhh... I see.
I could make three of them with alignment dowels an unstack 'em as I go.

Casual_Reader · November 3rd, 2009, 11:23 AM

...if you think they'll be secure enough.

you mentioned "switches"... going with toggles instead of a 3 or 4 way slide?

if so, how deep do you figure you have to go?

Teleblaster_1 · November 3rd, 2009, 01:20 PM

Strat switch and push/pull tone pot for coil tapping. Possibly an on/on mini toggle for phase. Vol pot of course. The push/pull will need the most clearance.

Teleblaster_1 · November 4th, 2009, 03:44 PM

Any favorite brands of tooling?
Need a shank bearing flush trim bit, what diameter?

November 3rd, 2009, 10:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
Teleblaster_1 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 86	Control Cavity Help Needed Kinda newbie, this is my second build. I have an ash body with no control cavity. The pickguard is custom. The placement and layout of the controls are custom as well, this is why we went with no cavity. I'm routing the cavity myself, please let me know if this sounds correct: 1) Locate the pickguard on the body. Trace pickguard, mark pots and switches. 2) Draw the shape of the cavity in Illustrator. Print the path on paper and cut it out. Then ensure the cavity shape looks right and fits appropriately on the body, within the trace of the pickguard. 3) Export the path to my CNC router. Cut template from 9mm acrylic. 4) Screw, tape, spray glue, clamp or use some other means to affix the template to the body. Use a trim bit to follow the template. Questions: What dia. of trim bit would you recommend? I have a 1/4" router. How deep of a bit should I use? After following the 9mm template, what should be my depth of cut on the subsequent passes? Please recommend an industrial quality brand of tool. I'm not cutting the body on the CNC because I've not yet developed my skills enough on this machine. Learning as I go, I can do cutouts and multiple layer work right now, but do not have the confidence to throw a body up on the table yet. Thanks!!

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November 3rd, 2009, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Casual_Reader Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ohio Age: 50 Posts: 386	my only suggestion would be to either cut the template on 3/4 mdf or use the acrylic on mdf to get a deeper template edge to ride the bearing on when routing the body. shallower cuts are better... and you'll want at least a 1" long bit other than that, all sounds reasonable.

November 3rd, 2009, 11:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
Teleblaster_1 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 86	Ahhhh... I see. I could make three of them with alignment dowels an unstack 'em as I go.

November 3rd, 2009, 11:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Casual_Reader Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ohio Age: 50 Posts: 386	...if you think they'll be secure enough. you mentioned "switches"... going with toggles instead of a 3 or 4 way slide? if so, how deep do you figure you have to go?

November 3rd, 2009, 01:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Teleblaster_1 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 86	Strat switch and push/pull tone pot for coil tapping. Possibly an on/on mini toggle for phase. Vol pot of course. The push/pull will need the most clearance.

November 4th, 2009, 03:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
Teleblaster_1 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 86	Any favorite brands of tooling? Need a shank bearing flush trim bit, what diameter?

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