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Router bit for neck profile
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=38765		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  sprouseod [ Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Router bit for neck profile
I am curious. For those of you who use your router table and a round over or round under bit to create your neck profile, what bit do you use?

thanks
Richard
Author:  weslewis [ Thu Jan 03, 2013 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
2 1\2 inch round over bit
Author:  gozierdt [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
I'd caution anyone contemplating using a router bit this big. You really have to fixture your
stock very firmly and take light cuts for safety. I used to use big roundover bits like this on
a shaper for furniture making, and it was easily the most dangerous power tool in the shop
because of the large exposed cutting edges and ease of a dangerous catch throwing the workpiece.

I use a Microplane rotary bit and drill to rough shape necks:

http://www.amazon.com/Microplane-Rotary-Shaper-2-30041/dp/B000CCYYVM/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0

But you have to have a good eye and a light touch or it'll eat way too much stock away...
Author:  weslewis [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
make small cuts or you can very easily have tear outs, don't ask me how I know, with a bit this large...other than that use caution and it works very well, also leave enough heel material so the bit doesn't cut to the edge..as always use common sense work safely and turn the router down to the lowest setting for a bit this large...I think a 2 1/4 might be a better size..
Author:  johnparchem [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
gozierdt wrote:
I'd caution anyone contemplating using a router bit this big. You really have to fixture your
stock very firmly and take light cuts for safety. I used to use big roundover bits like this on
a shaper for furniture making, and it was easily the most dangerous power tool in the shop
because of the large exposed cutting edges and ease of a dangerous catch throwing the workpiece.

...



I had a cove bit that big launch from the router like a helicopter. The force was such that the piece of stock went up with it while I was still holding it. The bit walked the stock and just nicked (to the bone) a finger. It hit the side of my finger so I had no serious damage, just a scare.
Author:  Ken McKay [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
weslewis wrote:
make small cuts or you can very easily have tear outs, don't ask me how I know, with a bit this large...other than that use caution and it works very well, also leave enough heel material so the bit doesn't cut to the edge..as always use common sense work safely and turn the router down to the lowest setting for a bit this large...I think a 2 1/4 might be a better size..


Clamp a piece of mahogany that will extend your heel. that way you will not get any tear out - bust through.
Author:  weslewis [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
actually the only tear out I had was at the headstock end...I was making too large of a cut..on the heel the profile has to be a little larger then the bit profile or the bit changes the shape by routing over the edge ...if that makes any sense??? idunno like anything there is a learning curve , I have it down now where very little shaping is necessary, I cut my blanks right too the final thickness and taper leaving the headstock and the heel squared up to the same size to rout..., I have made 5 necks so far using this method and tore up two in the process gaah that darned learning curve!!!!! duh
Author:  weslewis [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
I am surprised that not too many seem to be doing it this way, I got the idea off this forum a long time ago..here are a couple better pics of one of the first ones I did before tapering...still not the best pics,
Author:  nyazzip [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
dang i'd sure hate to get a sleeve caught in one of those big boys....
Author:  gsr [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
On necks with stacked heels and scarfed headstocks, I have been routing the neck profile with the piece laid flat prior to gluing on the heel and headstock. Many people make Fender Style electric necks this way since the blank is flat. I find it much safer since you can use a 3/4" or 1" roundover bit. You just need to layout your start and stop points carefully. Glen
Author:  weslewis [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
Really not that bad I use big clamps at both ends which.keeps.my hands.at least 10 to 12 away at all times, always work safe ! Know your equipment
Author:  dzsmith [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
Is that a 1/2" shank on the bit?
I have not found a large round-over bit for my dinky 1/4" collet.
If it's a 1/4" shank, I'd like to know where to get one.
DZ
Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
dzsmith wrote:
Is that a 1/2" shank on the bit?
I have not found a large round-over bit for my dinky 1/4" collet.
If it's a 1/4" shank, I'd like to know where to get one.
DZ


I'd be surprised if you found a large roundover bit with a 1/4" shank. Scary stuff at least for me.
Author:  sprouseod [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
This is the one I got from Woodcraft

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/202101 ... shank.aspx

It worked great.
Author:  nyazzip [ Sun Jan 06, 2013 3:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
i just thought of something, those giant bits would probably make killer neck profile scrapers, if hand-held and sharpened. hmmm maybe i'll look for a used one
Author:  crich [ Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Router bit for neck profile
You guys are a lot braver than I. This is one of my favorite parts of building guitars, I use a farriers rasp. idunno Clinton
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