Do I Really Need The Stewmac Router Bits?

[TimS]

I think I already know the answer to this, but do I really need to get the stew-mac router bits for the truss rod and CF rods, or can I get away with a 1/4" bit for the truss rod and something close for the CF?

Also, does the lmii double-action rod need a curved channel, or do all dual action rods lay in a straight channel?

[thegarehanman]

You can get away with a normal 1/4" router bit for most double action rods, including the hot rod. I use a 1/4" round nose bit and use a chisel to flatten out the areas where the end blocks sit. The lmii and alliedlutherie rods both require straight channels like the hotrod, but both use a flat upper member and require a shallower route as a result.

peace,

russ

[Mattia]

I use a regular 1/8" router bit for SM's 1/8" CF rods. I do have one of their 'special' router bits, since it's not that much more than a good quality regular one.

[westhemann]

the cf rods need to be ass tight.unless you want to fill the extra space with epoxy..

the hot rod is different..this is what i do...i rout a 1/4" channel,then wrap a thin layer of cling wrap aroud the entire truss rod,then install the rod with a bit of epoxy at both of the brass nuts and glue on the fretboard.

this keeps the glue from fouling the rod at all.wierd i know...but that is what i have done on every guitar except my first,and it seems to work well.i started doing it because i was afraid of rod vibration in a loose rout...but i found the glue benifit to be a good reason as well.

ever play a guitar that has a strange vibration,especially on the "a" string?i THINK that may be caused by a slightly loose rod...though i have no proof.only that if you put your ear against the back of the neck that is where it seems to come from

something to think about,iguess..i have a feeling that overall loose tolerances inthings like truss routs and tuning keys may very well cause alot of the wierd vibrations you here through your guitar.

[thegarehanman]

For what it's worth, I've always gotten plenty tight routs for truss rods with a 1/4" round nose bit and a chisel. I use cling wrap, like wes, to keep glue off of the truss rod, and I use non-silicone caulk to prevent any possible rattling(although between the tight fit and the cling wrap, this is probably overkill). I can't say, off the top of my head, what I use for cf rods though. I think lately I've been using cf tubes with a 1/4" diameter, so I could use the same bit. I may switch back to square rods or go to square tubes to save myself the trouble of making a filler strip to go over the round tubes though.

peace,

russ

[Desopolis]

I use the special bit and I like it. I still use a bit of painters tape around the edges for a snug fit, allthough it doesnt take much.

[Mattia]

I use a few layers of scotch tape (clear stuff) for snugification purposes.

[Desopolis]

lol @ snugification