Advice for cutting vinyl? (for pickguard)

[puttelutte]

Hello.
I'm currently in the process of flipping a Harley Benton TE-52 from lefty to righty (hendrix style in other words). I'm planning to make my own pickguard out of an old vinyl record since I can't use the old one when I've flipped it. I've managed to make some templates in paper but when it's actually time to cut it I'm not sure how to do it best. I'm not too fond of trying to heat it since i don't want to warp the record. Any tips?

 

[MTPoteet]

You could possibly try sandwiching and clamping it between some wood to keep it rigid, then cutting the entire sandwich with a fine tooth blade in a saber saw (jig saw) ,scroll saw or band saw.
I would try that. Good luck.

 

[ChicknPickn]

You could possibly try sandwiching and clamping it between some wood to keep it rigid, then cutting the entire sandwich with a fine tooth blade in a saber saw (jig saw) ,scroll saw or band saw.
I would try that. Good luck.

I reckon my next question would be, how do I put a nice, even bevel on it?

 

[Reedo]

I reckon my next question would be, how do I put a nice, even bevel on it?

Must be a video on YouTube I suppose. I've always wanted to do this with an old tin advertising sign.

 

[kuch]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't understand what you're asking. when you flip the guitar L/R, the pickguard will still fit the body, only upside down, with the control plate/switch at the "top". is this correct?

If you just want to make a pickguard out of the record, couldn't you use the original one as a template on a router table?

 

[RodeoTex]

I wouldn't even worry about an edge bevel. A record will be too thin to notice it anyway.

 

[Peegoo]

Use a scrollsaw and finish with files and sandpaper.

Apply tape to the face to protect it. Do not apply tape to the paper label if you wish to preserve it. Instead, cut a round piece of paper to cover the label and tape it down over it.

 

[puttelutte]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't understand what you're asking. when you flip the guitar L/R, the pickguard will still fit the body, only upside down, with the control plate/switch at the "top". is this correct?

If you just want to make a pickguard out of the record, couldn't you use the original one as a template on a router table?

Thanks

No I can't. The pickguard I'm trying to make is intended to protect the formerly unprotected part of the body so I can't use the old one as a template. I've managed to make some decent templates out of paper and cardboard so now I just want to transfer those onto the vinyl.

 

[Steve Holt]

I would transfer from paper to mdf. Shape the mdf how you want it, get it exact. Then use the mdf as a template for your vinyl.

 

[MTPoteet]

I wouldn't even worry about an edge bevel. A record will be too thin to notice it anyway.

Exactly!