How Do I Cut The Slot For A Tele Style Switch Without A Control Plate?

[bscur]

I'm building a tele and I don't want a pickguard. I've back routed the guitar, but am not sure how to get a good thin slot cut in the wood for the three-way switch. Any ideas?

[GuitarGuy]

I'm building a tele and I don't want a pickguard. I've back routed the guitar, but am not sure how to get a good thin slot cut in the wood for the three-way switch. Any ideas?

A small drill, coping saw, files and patience.

[Primal]

If you are very careful, you could use a dremel tool with a router base (and straight board for a guide). How wide does the slot have you be? You could use a coping saw to cut the slot and then use a small dremel bit of the 1/8" router bits for dremels are too wide.

[spazzyone]

i have a 5 way switch that i tore apart and cut the tower off of

when i have the switch where i want i take the modified switch plate

and put it on my layout then mark the screw hole's then drill them and mount the

the plate and use that as a guide for my dremmel

[GregP]

+1 dremel tool. I didn't use a router base, though, just the "circle cutting" attachment. Worked a charm.

[brewu22]

I used a dremel with a cutter disk, you have to be really careful. Get it as close as you can, then use a small file to finish the final shape. The pic makes it look out of shape, but it is nice and square.

[erikbojerik]

Dremel with cutter disk, the largest one I can find. Cut the slot first, then drill any holes you need...otherwise, it will be slightly off from the holes and slightly annoying.

[Batfink]

Dremel here too - using a 2mm downcut bit and a straight edge clamped.

Jem