How exactly do most of you guys rout the neck pockets and pickup slots?

I made a template out of 3/4 plywood then used a template bit to do the neck pocket, which came out okay, but I am stuck on figuring out how to do the pickup cavities. They will use standard size J pickups.

Any advice?

Everything I did and do is based upon a reference point. For me, I use a "bisecting" line, or center line. Basically, the glue line where the two bookmatched pieces for the top work as this line, though I usually draw the line with pencil. From there, everything is cut, routed etc. accordingly. My original design is based around a center line as well (part of which is the scale length line). So, whenever I create a template, I take the material, draw a straight line, then draw the measurements and "picture" (say, for pickups). Then I cut out the inner material and am left with a template with a line that bisects it. This can then be alligned with the center line of the body, the template can be fixed, and I route away. It works very well for me, but I'm not the only one here.

BTW: I'm never saying the word "line" again... :D

Because of my lack of tools, I've just decided to buy StewMac's J p-up templates. They're clear acrylic, and certainly better than anything I could make. So, that's always an option.

It works very well for me, but I'm not the only one here...
...that this approach works very well for! :D

Actually, this is the pro way. At least as long as they dont have a CNC.

...that this approach works very well for! :D

Actually, this is the pro way. At least as long as they dont have a CNC.


Really? Wow, that's pretty cool to hear: I actually figured something out on my own! So, the score is 99% ideas borrowed from folks here, 1% me ;)

Actually the question is more directed which tools you use. The only template router bit I have is 1/2" diameter, too large for getting the screw pockets on the pickup routs.

My plan is to cut them in first with a drill press, then do the corners, and rout the middle.

Do any of you have a source for flush cutting template bits smaller than 1/2"?

Here's a few:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routing_bits/Ball_Bearing_Router_Bits.html

I was able to use the 3/8" with a template to cut out holes for the screw lumps on the sides of jazz pups.

I also got a few bits from here (though they did mess up my order the first time...oh well)

http://www.routerbitworld.com/

Actually the question is more directed which tools you use. The only template router bit I have is 1/2" diameter, too large for getting the screw pockets on the pickup routs.

My plan is to cut them in first with a drill press, then do the corners, and rout the middle.

Do any of you have a source for flush cutting template bits smaller than 1/2"?Well, drilling out the screw pockets first and then rout out the rest is rather a normal way to make templates... :D I tend to do that on the bass as well... :hmm:

Anyway, you need a smaller bit, otherwise you won't manage the radii. You'll need a diameter less than 1/4" (6mm).

I've used the same Stew-Mac bits for 7 or 8 years now. They work great.

Thanks guys, I found them right after I posted that! Got the pups today, hope it goes well this weekend.

Well, drilling out the screw pockets first and then rout out the rest is rather a normal way to make templates... :D I tend to do that on the bass as well... :hmm:

Anyway, you need a smaller bit, otherwise you won't manage the radii. You'll need a diameter less than 1/4" (6mm).

using a drill first for the ears on the pickup template is a great Idea...
when routing you can also rout the template with what you've got first, and then switch to a dremel on a guide to do the detailed corners and such...

I have some ideas on how I'm going to make a guide for my dremel using some plywood, a few blocks of wood...some wood screws and some hose clamps :D

for more power...I think i'm going to make one for my electric drill, too :D

necessity IS the mother of invention, you know :)