Medium scale, semi-hollow, single cut bass w/ CNC content

[BishopJP]

Ok, I put the propeller-sized bit in the router table and added a bevel to the cutaway...



...it's hard to tell in the pic, but I'm glad I added that little detail.
Once it is sanded and finished, it should be more visible.

 

[T_Bone_TL]

High speed prop noises 10 degrees off the bow! Periscope depth and battle stations...

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Yeah, I'm generally comfortable with big scary machines, but a big router bit like that is too much for me. It would have taken me less time to cut that bevel by hand with a file than it would to get up the courage to flip the switch on that router.

I have some large router bits like that which came with my giant green pin router. That's a 3000 lb, 10 HP machine. I did a couple of test runs with one of them, just for the experience, and it scared the crap out of me. The thing is, at that large radius, there's so much force being applied. If it grabs hold of the wood, it can throw you back and knock you over with all the horsepower that the motor has. Like being kicked by a horse, seriously.

 

[BishopJP]

Yeah, I'm generally comfortable with big scary machines, but a big router bit like that is too much for me. It would have taken me less time to cut that bevel by hand with a file than it would to get up the courage to flip the switch on that router.

I have some large router bits like that which came with my giant green pin router. That's a 3000 lb, 10 HP machine. I did a couple of test runs with one of them, just for the experience, and it scared the crap out of me. The thing is, at that large radius, there's so much force being applied. If it grabs hold of the wood, it can throw you back and knock you over with all the horsepower that the motor has. Like being kicked by a horse, seriously.

I think if I were engaging more of the cutting edge of the bit, I would be a little more nervous. At most, half the cutting edge is actually touching wood. I also took many passes to get to the depth I wanted, raising the bit 1/64" to 1/32" at a time.

Still, even with light passes, you can feel the bit grab the work piece with authority!

So, I put on my brown pants, approach with caution and take my time.

 

[BishopJP]

Howdy folks, and Happy New Year!

Due to an over-abundance of recent "life" things, (some good, some not-so-good) I have not gotten around to updating this thread. However, progress has been made. In fact, this bass is almost finished!

Since the last update, I have applied penetrating epoxy sealer and sanded it back...
...the cherry doesn't really need it, but the poplar does! So I did the whole body and neck.

I didn't really want to try a spray finish on this one, so i went with the Wipe-On solution...

...the epoxy helps reduce the number of coats of clear needed to build up a sheen. I think this is 3 coats?

I also finished the pickup and walnut pickup cover...
...single coil with ceramic magnets.


The pole pieces are M5 machine screws threaded through the bobbin. Technically height adjustable, if that was necessary. I had wanted chrome screws, but I didn't manage to get any yet.

The screws were a couple MM longer than I wanted, so I had to clearance the pickup cavity a little.



More coming...

 

[BishopJP]

I also made an aluminum nut...

3/8" x 1/4" blank. I measured in from the ends to mark the centers of the top and bottom strings...
...then used the SM nut marking ruler (?) to mark the other slots.

Put the blank in the neck to mark the curve with the half-pencil. Couldn't initially find my half-pencil, so I made a new one. At which point I found the old one, of course...

...since the pencil line is hard to see on the aluminum, I put masking tape over the blank before marking.

Cut the slots and shaped it in the nut vise...

Filed it to shape, rounded the corners...

...I'll wait till after assembly to finalize the slots and smooth it out a bit more.

I also finished and waxed the neck plate...

Almost assembly time!

 

[BishopJP]

Aaaand, it's finished.....!

This thing turned out light! 7lbs 6oz!

Poplar body, cherry top, cherry neck with walnut fretboard and headstock overlay.
Hipshot Ultrlite USA tuners amd Hipshot bridge. Passive V/T controls and a single coil pickup.

This turned out to be a fun little bass! Light, sits comfortably and has a fairly bright sound. Neck dives pretty bad on a strap, but I expected that with this design.

I will be starting another one of these soon, but I may make a guitar version first. Either way, I will continue posting those builds in this thread.

Thanks everyone for following along!

 

[Beej]

stunning!

 

[BishopJP]

stunning!

Thank you!

 

[Flying B]

That looks amazing! Great design, and that cherry is beautiful.

 

[BishopJP]

That looks amazing! Great design, and that cherry is beautiful.

Thanks!

 

[Barticus]

Looks great, great job! can't wait for the sound clips

 

[BishopJP]

Looks great, great job! can't wait for the sound clips

I am trying to get a buddy of mine, who can actually play, to record a sound demo. I dont need to display my ham-handed bass technique in this forum.

Thanks!