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Repeated blow-out during routing body edges
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Repeated blow-out during routing body edges
Hi everyone – although I am not the most experienced builder, I have made a number of bass guitars. However, I have now dealt with 2 instances of serious blow-out while routing the body edge. I use a pattern bit and mark the grain direction all around the perimeter of the Alder body blank — the attached photo shows today’s lovely result. I will be gluing on a figured Maple top and now need to trim away the bad section, changing the contour of the lower bout / corner where the damage occurred. The damage may be visible to some degree on the back and side; not sure how this will turn out yet.
Does anyone suggest a different (better?) router bit for this purpose? I am considering the bit shown in the specs below.
Of note: This is the second time I have had the very same damage take place, in this exact same spot on the body. The body used today is from the same batch of Alder blanks I have had equilibrating in my shop for over 3 years, at 45% RH / 55-65 deg F.
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4 Replies
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It looks as if you’re trying to take off too much material at one time. A good rule of thumb is no more than half the width of the bit at any one time. When routing body templates I usually take no more than 1/8″ of material off. Less is better.
A spiral bit will significantly reduce the chances of tear out.
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Hi John – thank you, sincerely, for your good advice. I “thought” I was taking off small amounts, but obviously not. I will get a spiral bit and really take off smaller amounts from now on. Best regards, Dom
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HI I use a 2 inch spiral as well. after i cut out the trace off my template & also use a spindle sander to get even closer to the line & after attaching the template i spindle a little more carefully not touching the template…i also want to mention have your spiral bit sharpened after around lets say 15-20 bodies . i have 2 so when i drop off one bit i have the other to use until i get it back, hope this helps.
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Hi Mark – Thanks so much for your good advice here; and, so sorry for my slow reply. Yes, I have likely been trying to remove too much wood at one time. I need to use the spindle sander first, which I have not done in the past. I appreciate this guidance and the tip about sharpening the bits. There is a knife sharpening outfit not too far from me, so hopefully they can tune up my bits when the time comes. I have a brand new bit ready to go for the next body. Here’s hoping that “third time’s the charm”! All the best, Dom
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