Routing Techniques And Methods

[DrummerDude]

Guys, what is better when routing cavities: starting from the edges and contouring the shape with a small diameter bit first OR roughly removing the wood in the middle first and after that contouring the edges of the cavity?

Pics:

OR

Thanks!

[Southpa]

2nd one is much safer. Leaving an "island" of wood in the center is asking for flying chunks and internal tearout. The bottom face of the rout will have a hole in the center.

[mdw3332]

I think number 2 would be much better, especially if you do it with a forstner bit. Very clean and low risk.

[Mickguard]

The thing I don't get with the forstner bit is that it leaves all those holes at the bottom of the route --do you use the bit for the full depth of the route, or do you just start the depth with the forstner bit?

[DrummerDude]

Hey, I don't want my guitar's pickup and neck cavities to have any holes at the bottom!

Edited September 30, 2005 by DrummerDude

[Mattia]

Option 2, definitely.

The thing I don't get with the forstner bit is that it leaves all those holes at the bottom of the route --do you use the bit for the full depth of the route, or do you just start the depth with the forstner bit?

←

Drill a touch shallow with the forstner, and clean up the bottom and the edges, still taking small bites. Works beautifully.

[DrummerDude]

Option 2, definitely.

Drill a touch shallow with the forstner, and clean up the bottom and the edges, still taking small bites. Works beautifully.

←

OK, what I get is (see my signature): Use a forstner bit and route the cavity a little shallower. Then use another kind of routing bit to remove the holes left from the frostner bit and to reach the desired depth. Did I get it right?

My question is: what are the advantages of forstner bits? Why not start routing directly with the other kind of bit (the one that doesn't leave any holes at all)?

When using forstner bits is it possible to move the router in all desired directions or does the tip of the forstner bit stick it to one fixed position only?

Edited September 30, 2005 by DrummerDude

[Devon Headen]

A forstner bit isn't a router bit, it's a drill bit. You use it first so your router bits don't have to remove so much wood. This lengthens the life of router bits.

[DrummerDude]

A forstner bit isn't a router bit, it's a drill bit. You use it first so your router bits don't have to remove so much wood. This lengthens the life of router bits.

←

Thank you, Devon Headen, now I know exactly what a forstner bit is.

We call it "frezenk" here.

They are really cheap where I live.

[guitarded]

i always use the forstner bit first. the one and only time i didn't, the router caught the edge of the "island" in the middle and proceeded to chatter and rip up my template and, fortunately, the PRACTICE wood that i was using. another upside as was previously mentioned is that it will save wear and tear on your router bits. in this hobby, it is really important to use sharp cutting tools to avoid rips and tear outs.

btw, the best advice i got from this forum is go slow and don't cut corners (especially if your a beginner... like me). everything has been going great with my build with the exception of the one time i decided to cut corners (as stated above).