DaveK Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 I know this subject was raised once before... I just finished a KILLER guitar body (I will post soon!) I want to create a routing template on Medium Density Fiberboard (or plexiglass) so I can duplicate it Is there a way to use a bearing router bit to follow the body shape & route the template out on the Medium Density Fiberboard? Also, will I be able to use a bearing bit on Plexiglass? I know there is the risk of scratching the finish on the original, but I think it would be MUCH more accurate that tracing the body on the Fiberboard, Cutting with a jigsaw, sanding and then using that template. Can anyone help? Dave K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 on a finished body? Maybe (just speculating here) if you wrapped around it with a layer or two of tape but even that could end up getting burnt into the finish. The finishing trim bit (one with bearing on end) works well but every time I have used one I ended up having to smooth out a minor groove in area's around the outside where it touched to long or hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazyderek Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 the flush trim bit with the bearing at the end is going to be the most accurate way to copy the guitar, but like brian said you're sure to leave a line on the edge of the guitar where the bearing was pressing against the side of the guitar, that's why i always make my templates before i start painting just in case it turns out good and i want to make another one just like it, and yes, plexiglass is great for templates cause the see thru thing makes it easy to line everything up if you need to work with a small peice of wood.... or see the center line.... or what have you, the only thing i would say bad about it is that it's not to thick, so your first pass for cutting out the body with the template router bit is going to have to be pretty deep unless you have a really short cutting depth template bit..... i would recommend 1/2 inch plywood for the cheapest, yet best results, but that's just me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted July 3, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 What type of flush bearing bit should I use? Is there one with a long enough shaft to trace around the body & still cut into the Plexiglas? If so, what brand & where would I order one??? Thanks Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazyderek Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 the one i have has a 3/8 cutting diameter, and it's total length is 1 inch (cutting length + bearing), but i often i wish i had a longer one so i would recomend 1 and 1/4 or 1 and 1/2 bit length bit, brand doesn't really matter, price is pretty much you're main concern, one thing i have learned to look out for though, is make sure the cutter is as close to the bearing as bossible, if there's a gap it's going ot leave wood that will press against the shank and cause problems.... anyone know what i'm talkin about ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 Is there one with a long enough shaft to trace around the body & still cut into the Plexiglas? If so, what brand & where would I order one??? I use a 2 inch flush trim bit but it does take a 1/2" collet router to do the job......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted July 3, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 Brian: It looks like the one you recomend it for a router table (the bearing is on the botom) I am using a hand-held plunge router The good news is that it will accept a 1/2 inch bit (as well as 1/4 inch) With that in mind, what would you recommend? Thanks Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazyderek Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 1/2, more surface area on the shank to grip and power the bit, plus the 2" length's only come in 1/2 inch shanks cause they need more torque woopse, didn't mean to reply for you there brian lol, just really bored tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 1-1/2'' Height version with bearing on other end, but am I the only one that can cut templates and bodys using either style bit? I just flip the work over so the template material is on the other side of the body Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryeisnotcool2 Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 i use top and bottom mounted bearings also. sometimes i use my shaper table and run the bodies on that. but its a little more dangerous but its a little quicker. if i were you i'd just trace the body on to the template. if you screw up the finish your gonna be really pissed off! and is it worth doing that? i dont think so. besides if you trace it correctly you should have an exact duplicate anyway. trust me its not worth srewin up the finish! just trace it! you will be glad you did. i could garanty you will scratch the finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 I'm 100% with Rye here - trace it, then cut and sand to the line. You can be plenty accurate with a well set up jigsaw and some carefull sanding, and even if you do end up taking away an extra .01 somewhere, you'll never notice it. Routers and template follower bits etc are great, but they are not the answer to everything - I was very over reliant on mine when I first got it, but it's no substitute for learning to do things the slow, correct way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 you could use a pin router if you have access to one but the template will be a mirror image of the body ie left handed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 Um... Scott - What exactly does a left handed template look like? Does it look anything like an upside down rightie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 i always set the body on a piece of posterboard and trace it.no damage that way.then you can cut out the shape with scissors and transfer it onto your template material. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 ha ha my first double post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 Um... Scott - What exactly does a left handed template look like? Does it look anything like an upside down rightie? Take your guitar and stand in front of a mirror Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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