The Router and Drill Press Setup

I'm back with some pics to help explain my router and drill press setup. First, when your dealing with a very hard figured wood such as hard rock maple, you need to back off and take it slow when cutting out the guitar body. I buy expensive Whiteside router bits they last about two guitars...maybe.

Here's the info on the bit I use: Whiteside Part #3000
Carbide-tipped, 2 flute; top Ball Bearing; flush trim bit; 1/2" diam.; 1/4" shank; 1/4" cut length. Lists for about $18.00.

I look on Ebay and if I can't find them there, then I'll use Woodworker'Supply. http://woodworker.com/



Here's picture of the router with the bit in place:
I have found this setup to be as safe and easy a method for routing out a guitar body as any I've used in the past. Just remember to take it slow and easy.



I use my drill press for a variety of task to include routing. In this picture the drill press is setup to do some heavy duty sanding. Each path of the router leaves its mark and then have to sanded down. I put the drill press on high and let it do it do the work.

A lot of the work on the shaping of the body is just that..work! I use a variety of tools and methods and I'm always trying to come up with new techniques and ways to save time and labor. Working with hard rock maple or any hard wood is time consuming and you need the patience of Job to ensure you don't screw it up. Again, take it slow and easy.

In my next posting I'll share some of my shaping methods that I have used to shape guitar bodies.



Here's parting shot of some of the guitar bodies floating around in my shop. There's cherry, mahogany, pine and of course my favorite, figured hard rock maple. Mmmm.....hard rock maple!