do you really need a router?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by beStillroy on October 18, 2010 at 8:03pm

beStillroy said:

easy to freehand "rough ins" on headstocks etc.
"nibble AWAY"

perfect for "PUP Pocket"

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Permalink Reply by Ukecansam on October 19, 2010 at 6:06am

Thanks everyone for there advice and comments. This will be my first build and I am going to use a file and a knife. I will post the finished product. Thanks again for your help.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle Pauly on October 19, 2010 at 8:06am

Spokeshave.

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Permalink Reply by beStillroy on October 19, 2010 at 6:26pm

"You end up with a file in your hand no matter what."
Cuttin' MoJo

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Permalink Reply by Ukecansam on October 19, 2010 at 8:21pm

OK What is a spokeshave? And how can I get one?

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Permalink Reply by Johnny Debit on October 19, 2010 at 8:34pm

It's a tool used by wagon wheel makers to carve round spokes and furniture makers to carve legs. I like the Veritas low angle model.

Ukecansam said:

OK What is a spokeshave? And how can I get one?

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Permalink Reply by beStillroy on October 19, 2010 at 9:17pm

How's about a Draw Knife?
they move a lot of material.

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Permalink Reply by KaptnKen on October 19, 2010 at 10:12pm

A drawknife is great for shaping things up fast. And if you turn it over and use the back, it's almost as good as a spokeshave.

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Permalink Reply by beStillroy on October 19, 2010 at 10:19pm

Cut my teeth as a kid
using a draw knife to whittle out a shape
works great
keep it sharp

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Permalink Reply by Ukecansam on October 20, 2010 at 6:10am

Do you purchase this at a hardware store?
Johnny Debit said:

It's a tool used by wagon wheel makers to carve round spokes and furniture makers to carve legs. I like the Veritas low angle model.

Ukecansam said:

OK What is a spokeshave? And how can I get one?

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Permalink Reply by Roy Alderman on October 20, 2010 at 12:00pm

I use wood rasps, files, pull saw (badly in need of a blade),sandpaper and a hand plane. Only power tool I use is cordless drill. Work outside on my picnic table and can carry all my tools in 2 hands easily. I just prefer to keep things simple and enjoy the kinesthetic aspect of the work.

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Permalink Reply by BenBob on October 23, 2010 at 2:44pm

So did you get a router Diane? :-)

Years ago, I started building a regular 6-string acoustic following the "bible" (guitarmaking by Cumpiano/Natelson) and they are very accommodating to hand-tool builders. I only found one exception in their book, where they state flatly, "Do not attempt to excavate the [truss rod] slot with hand tools."

So, not having much money at the time, I bought that orange Harbor Freight finish router and the flimsy height adjustment platform part broke the first time I tried it out. Before it broke, it also felt imprecise and hard to adjust. After a few more builds I'll probably get another router and try the 6-string again, but I won't go cheap.

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