Routing

Do NOT freehand. Make or buy a router template for your pickups. With a template, anyone can do a 'good enough' job with a router and a bearing bit. Go slow, start shallow depth and work your way down.

 

I would recommend against a new user using a plunge router. Its just another thing to go wrong. And I speak from experience. Or lack there of.

 

That's a pretty tight budget to get a decent router. The Porter Cable 690 is a pretty solid router but it will run you more like $130. Then you have to figure in at least one bit. I don't see why a plunge base is any harder to use than a fixed one, but that's my opinion. My first router had a plunge base and they are very handy in luthiery. Of course, a plunge base will cost more. You may be able to get the job done with a laminate trimmer, but then you'd be limiting what you can do once this job's done.

Long story short, you probably can't do the job yourself more cheaply than what you've been quoted, plus you'd be assuming any risk of damaging the instrument. All that said, if you think you might enjoy it, and you think you'll want to use the router for other stuff once the job's done, then why not go for it? The next thing you know you'll be planning your first instrument and shopping for a band saw. Don't say I didn't warn you.

 

Don't buy a Craftsman router, the motors work fine, but the accessories and edge guides are junk. Porter cable or Dewalt are both good brands. Any used tool stores in your area.? If you only intend very occasional use, Harbor Freight has some cheap routers, not great quality, but useable.

 

Thoughts on using a Dremel with a route attachment?

 

There was a guy in the Basses forum who was planning on using a Dremel with the router attachment to install a Jazz pickup on his P bass. Everyone told him it wouldn't work because they felt the Dremel would not be powerful enough. I was in that camp. He made it work though, and it came out fine. I would imagine that you'd just have to go a little bit more slowly, but apparently, it can be done.

 

I've got all the items I need but I would prefer to let someone else do it. I'm having trouble finding anyone local.

 

Bad idea.

 

I feel that a router is a serious shop tool not to be taken lightly because it can do major damage to your project very quickly and is really dangerous unless used correctly. If you have the patience and temporment to learn it's proper use, and a suitable place to operate it (it makes much wood dust and is loud) then proceed, and with a decent quality router as has been suggested. You'll need a work bench, eye protection, template material, a few bits (not cheap for good ones) and clamps (also not cheap if good ones). A router is not a tool to 'try' - it's something that if you're interested and have some experience working with shop tools - it is a very useful addition. (oh, and you'll need a band-saw to cut your templates…)

 

If you have a template just mark out where you want the pup and any woodworker or cabinet maker can do it for you.