Making An Electric Guitar Body With Hand Tools

[WarriorOfMetal]

I did a search and couldn't find a whole lot of info on using hand tools for the majority of making a guitar. I have a router, but haven't had the chance to try experimenting with it yet, so understandably I'm a bit nervous about using it a lot for my first build. I have a set of scrapers, a set of chisels, some carving gouges, and a few other hand tools, and I'm wondering just how much I can realistically use these.

I'll be working with alder for this project, and am having a friend rough-cut the body on his bandsaw.

[thegarehanman]

Those tools and a drill and you're good to go. You might want to invest in a good rasp, and you'll need some specialized tools if you plan to build your own neck from scratch. Practice with that router though, it will save you many hours of work as opposed to working without it.

peace,

russ

[WarriorOfMetal]

I have a power drill, a dremel, some rasps and files, a block plane, a small spokeshave (probably cheap...was in a little woodworking kit type thing i got when i was a little kid), and some knives and such.

how would I go about recessing cavity covers with what I've got? obviously the router is the best option for that, but is there any effective way to do it with hand tools?

I had the neck I'm using custom made for me by Doug at SoulMate Guitars.

[thegarehanman]

the only easy way you're going to get professional looking cavity recesses is with that router and a pattern bit.

[WarriorOfMetal]

figured that'd be the case....guess i'll be asking a friend of mine for some help with that, then.

[Ben]

You have more powertools than I do!

You should be fine. A handplane is very useful in addition to what you have, and not too expensive.

[zyonsdream]

just glue two pieces of 1" plywood together and have your freind rough cut your real wood and the plywood. Use the router to cut out the body and cavities on plywood body and by the time you're done you'll have the skills needed to do a real piece of wood. Once you get over the inital fear of having something that spins faster that a VW bug in your hand you'll be glad you've got the router in your shop.