What size router bit to enlarge neck pocket?

[KB5]

I need to widen a neck pocket in a mahogany body about 2mm on each side. I was looking at the router bits on Stewmac and saw bits as small as 3/16" that I feel could work. I have a 5/16" thick template. What size router bit would work best? Thanks!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I use a 3/8" template bit for a lot of stuff, but it doesn't matter too much as long as the cutting length allows you to keep the bearing on the template, at least until the sides of your pocket are routed down far enough that the bearing can ride on the pocket walls already cut to width.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

What’s the radius of the corners of the neck pocket? If you can find a router template bit radius to match it, that would be ideal. Amana Tools makes “mini” template bits that are perfect for stuff like pickup routes with small radius corners. I think Stewmac sells them, but they can be had for less on Amazon. They work great, but you have to be careful with them, very shallow cuts and no side-load on them, they can snap. When I use them I put layers of tape on the template and then remove them a couple layers at a time so I’m taking very shallow cuts.

 

[turf3]

If you're going to do just one, a good sharp chisel is the tool I'd choose.