Knot In Body Blank

[Supernova9]

I've searched the forum, and I can find a thread that tells me knots in necks are bad, but what about body blanks? I have this one knot in the piece of ash I have that's pretty much right in the centre. If it is an issue/problem, what's the best way to solve it, drill it out and fill the hole with a dowel/epoxy & dust?

[GregP]

If it's not in a key structural spot, then it's completely harmless. Indeed, it might even look sharp.

If, however, it's at an important spot like where you plan to put the neck joint, then you need to re-plan.

When you say "right in the centre", do you mean where a pickup would be, where the bridge will go, or where exactly? Also, even in the case of the bridge it won't matter that much depending on the kind of bridge that's going in.

Greg

[Supernova9]

If it's not in a key structural spot, then it's completely harmless.  Indeed, it might even look sharp.

If, however, it's at an important spot like where you plan to put the neck joint, then you need to re-plan.

When you say "right in the centre", do you mean where a pickup would be, where the bridge will go, or where exactly?  Also, even in the case of the bridge it won't matter that much depending on the kind of bridge that's going in.

Greg

←

That's cool. Actually, I was just looking at the wood with my template, and if I make it one way round then it falls on a pick-up spot, and it'll be routed out.

Much obliged.

[ToneMonkey]

When routing over a knot, be carefull that it doesn't get spat out and hit you somewhere painful (or indeed give you a funny shape pup route)

[GregP]

What he said. Now your mind is clear about the structural integrity, but it'll be tough as hell to route through a knot without some major discomfort. I'd personally try to come up with an alternative method to normal routing. Perhaps someone on the forum has an idea, because I don't.

Greg

[selmac]

just slowly rout the knot out using a plunge router. just take your time and don't go very deep on each pass

[javacody]

If you drill out your cavities before routing (like many tutorials recommend), then I wouldn't think it would be too big of an issue.

[Doc]

I'd drill that sucker out with a Forstner bit first. I've had knots cause pieces of carbide to go zinging about my shop too many times. There is enough of a hardness difference that it can cause disasters.