Making of Two Tele Bodies...

[ReVintage]

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.



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



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



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.

[ReVintage]

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



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.



Draw around it:



And take it to the Bandsaw!..

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Both bodies sawn about 1mm from the line:



Screw the template back on nice and tight:



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.



Makes a bit of dust:

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Both bodies trimmed flush:





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.



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.

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Lovey ultra-smooth routes!



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.





Routes done.

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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.







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

Step one:

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And step two!



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

I mark up the centre, thus:



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



And drill away with our 7/8" bit.

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Almost done now, just the roundovers:



And two almost complete bodies:

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Just those wiring holes to drill now!



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!):



Double sided tape:



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



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

Until later...

[HarpJim]

Good job on those two babies!

I really need a workshop too!

[RodeoTex]

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?

[ReVintage]

Finished, some non-flash photos...





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... :(

[ReVintage]

Originally Posted by RodeoTex

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-b...showprod_06630

Flush Trim is what you need to search for.

[penja69]

Excelent work!!! Congratulations!!!

That´s pine?

[tweeet]

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

[Ron Garson]

Very nicely done!

[Lostheart]

Nice clean work...

[jay1970]

Some nice clean work there, looking good.

[ReVintage]

Originally Posted by penja69

Excelent work!!! Congratulations!!!

That´s pine?

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

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More pics...

[ReVintage]

Cheers everyone. :)

[irishtele]

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

[ReVintage]

Cheers irishtele, you're very welcome indeed.

:P