how should i get rid of excess wood around edges?

[nsherman2006]

Hi. My first guitar build is in progress. I have rough cut everything, and now it is time to get it all to final shape. The bandsaw blade was dull and started wandering, so i left quite a bit around the edge. Now i need to get to the line, and i need to know the best way to do it. It is an esp f200 body shape, so it is pretty awkward. The body is poplar, the neck and fingerboard are maple. I have a router, a tiny hand plane, a spokeshave, rasps, files, chisels, a coping saw, a table saw, and a drill press w/ drum sander. What would be the best way to get the wood right up to the line without really chancing messing up my stuff. Thanks for the help. Neal

[darren wilson]

I think rasps, files and sandpaper would be the most cautious way to go.

[hy_dro66]

First I'd say trim most of the excess off the with the table saw you have...

Just kidding. Basically, if you use a rasp, files and sandpaper you have to have a good eye and steady hand to keep the sides of the guitar 90 degrees to the top and back while also keeping the shape you want. If you're planning on rounding the body over a lot than that won't be a big deal. Just a thought.

I always make a template about 3/4" thick first. I make that one as perfect as humanly possible, first by tracing the shape, then cutting out the shape and last I use sand paper and a flat block to get it sweet. I trace the template onto a body blank and cut it out on the band saw. Then I sand it down until it's close to the line the whole way around. Next I mount the template to the body with double stick tape and flush route the body blank to match the template. At this point you can sand it perfect with a flat block and some 150 grit. It takes a lot of time intially to get the template real nice but it's worth it in the long run because you can make guitar bodies the same shape, very consistently.

[krazyderek]

drum sander for something that pointy.. it takes a little getting used to to be able to sand continual smooth lines with a drum though so take your time till you get the hang of it.

[Dr. Jabsco]

Can you put a drum sander on a tabel router? (I have a drill press, but I dont like using it, as it is in a cramped corner)

[krazyderek]

Can you put a drum sander on a tabel router? (I have a drill press, but I dont like using it, as it is in a cramped corner)

nope, we actually just talked about that, try just try a searchy thing for it

[Dr. Jabsco]

oh, whoops

[bassman]

At sears you can get a "sanding wheel" for your table saw- it has heavy grit on one side and medium on the other... this will make outside curves much easier to do- the disc is only about 15$ +/-.

Peace,

Ryan

[Black Mariah]

I have a drill press, but I dont like using it, as it is in a cramped corner

Then move it and use it. *POKE*

[Guitarfrenzy]

drum sander for something that pointy.. it takes a little getting used to to be able to sand continual smooth lines with a drum though so take your time till you get the hang of it.

That's exactly what you need to use if you want the edges perfectly level. I would never want to use a rasp or any type file to do something that needs to be precise. It can be done, but the best way is to use templates, if your wanting a quality job. Point blank.. With a template you don't have these issues, and you can bandsaw close then use a flush trim pattern bit to finish up the edges. Or use a Robo-Sander which is basically a drum sander with a guide on it so you can use a template.

[Guitarfrenzy]

Here is a link for the Robo Sander if your considering buying one.