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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 11:18 am 
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Walnut
Walnut

Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:13 pm
Posts: 18
Quote:
I then put my router in a vise upside down and used the router base as my router table (without a fence). I cut as close as I dared to the marking and then smoothed out all the tiny irregularities on a large sanding board. Worked really well, but I was quite anxious while doing this. I triple checked the vise and the router because I was afraid the vibrations might loosen the grip, but no problems.


That sounds a little rocky to me, freehanding your FB into a router bit. You're not getting the benefit of the precision that a router can provide. Also, I like to have the whole workpiece supported, and a router base just isn't big enough. Potential for disaster, if not injury. I'm glad you got away with it, but I'd recommend one of the other approaches next time- any of them! Things happen fast with routers, as you know! Planes are calming, and fun to use. If you're anxious- that's worth listening to!


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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 2:24 pm 
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Contributing Member
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Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 7:17 am
Posts: 622
Location: Santo, TX
Dave Higham wrote:
Wes McMillian wrote:
IMO a router table is a handy tool to have. But, for lutherie work, I haven't found anything it will do that a table saw won't do better.
Of course, as it was pointed out, a router table doesn't have to be expensive at all. Couple of pieces of 3/4" ply and a solid hardwood fence that can be clamped down and your good-to-go on your router table needs.


Well, you can't do this on a table saw.

Attachment:
Router table.jpg


This is my 'router table' used to profile braces to a spline curve. as Wes says, you can build your own and make it as basic or as sophisticated as you like. I can't imagine being without a block plane though.


Sure you can. Faster and easier. Just buy or build one of these:

http://www.luthiersuppliers.com/products/p6.html

Rod shows one he built here:

viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=19760&hilit=braces+table+saw

I stand by my above comment. Router tables are great tools, but I rarely use one for guitar work. Braces? Block plane. (I've yet to build the radius jig for the table saw.) Truss rod slot? Table saw. I seriously can't see any other use for a router table for myself. If it works for you stick with it, but the table saw is still king in my shop.

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com


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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:41 pm 
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Cocobolo
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Joined: Sat Nov 19, 2005 10:54 am
Posts: 378
Location: Between Bordeaux and the Atlantic. S.W.France
OK I know I'm being picky, but neither of those jigs will produce a true radius. They produce a spline curve.
On a 5' radius over a 20" span, the difference between a spline curve and a radius is about 0.1" at its worst point.


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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:27 pm 
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Location: Santo, TX
Well, if someone starts measuring my guitars that close, I'll just send 'em to you. Cool? We'll all be happy! [:Y:] :D

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Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com


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