Best router bit choice for pickup and control cavities?

[Flux Jetson]

Hello. I got that Bosch 1617EVSPK router for x-mas...



I'm preparing to install a 3rd pickup in my Squier VMJ ...

X-Bass - Experimental 3 Pickup Bass

I've been given a lot of great info by the goodfolk here at TB on it's use and safety considerations so far.

Pickup cavity and control cavity templates for routing?

So my question is, I need to buy a few bits to get started. This router has both 1/4 and 1/2 collets (jsyk). What type of bit is good for this type of work, are there sortof universal plunge bits that are best to have around for stuff like this?

I have been instructed to hog out the bulk of the cavity with a drill press (flat bits? or some other type?) and then finish up with the router. For this first project I plan on making a universal ~bathtub~ cavity to deal with a few different types of pickups. This bass is a research bass to learn what types and brand of pickups I wish to use in the actual bass body that I'll order from Warmoth when that time comes. So the pickup cavity doesn't have to be surgically accurate, it's pretty much an oversized rectangular hole. I plan on trying P-bass "tetris block" pickups, J-bass pickups, and perhaps even some side-by-side coil humbuckers. So the cavity has to be fairly large to deal with installing all of those at one time or another. I won't even be using a pickguard for a while.

Thanks for your help.

Fluxamatic

[Grant Bass]

you need a couple flush/template bits;
i would suggest the 1/2"-3/4" wide bits x 3/4"-1 1/4" long
that should get you thru most routing applications with a template;
stewmac sells a a 3/8 finishing template bit to get the corners tight, i got one, but i dont use it ; its still not tight enough for most soapbars and bass pickups;
i use a standard 1/4" bit with its shaft as the bearing against the template;
do your intitial route and then carefully go around the corners with the 1/4"

hope i explained that good

[Hopkins]

Originally Posted by Grant Bass

you need a couple flush/template bits;
i would suggest the 1/2"-3/4" wide bits x 3/4"-1 1/4" long
that should get you thru most routing applications with a template;
stewmac sells a a 3/8 finishing template bit to get the corners tight, i got one, but i dont use it ; its still not tight enough for most soapbars and bass pickups;
i use a standard 1/4" bit with its shaft as the bearing against the template;
do your intitial route and then carefully go around the corners with the 1/4"

hope i explained that good

I'm guessing you have MDF or wood templates. Some of my templates are acrylic, I don't imagine they would last long with a router bit shaft spinning against them.

[sargebaker]

Whiteside bits are excellent. They make a ton of different sized (dia. and length) bits for you to choose from. For pickup cavities I like a stubby (1/2" dia by 1/2" - i think- length) flush trim bit (bearing on the bottom)

Use a forstner bit to hog out the cavity.

[bassmanhamilton]

Whiteside bits! Great quality and lots of sizes.
http://woodworkersworld.net/

[HaMMerHeD]

I use an amana 1/2" x 1/2" top bearing pattern bit for pickup routes, and a 1/2" x 1" for control cavities.

I also have a 1/2" x 1/4" bit for routing the cavity cover recesses.

[Grant Bass]

i have both!
its not bad on the acrylic; cuz i barely graze it whilst cleaning up a 1/32" of wood;
but yes; good point if you were hangin out in the same spot 4 a while