I am looking to build my first cigar box guitar over the summer however I have very little in the way of power tools etc.
I would like to build an electric version with a single coil pickup and two sound holes. Is there a short cut method for creating the holes (both the sound holes and for the placement of the pickup), without using a routing tool. I would like it to be reasonably neat but I appreciate a short cut method would not produce the same results as a dedicated tool. If this is too difficult without dedicated tools then would someone be able to recommend a cheap tool for the job that is suitable for beginners.
Sorry about my ignorance but this is going to be my first build!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Tags:
Welcome Tom , there's all you need to know on this site just takes a bit of searching , as to cutting pickup holes I use a fret saw , cut the hole slightly smaller and file it to fit what ever pickup you choose .
Mmmmm is there a echo in here : )
I hadn't even considered a coping saw for some reason but it seems obvious now! Thanks David
Sound holes = big fostner bits or small hole saw for a hand drill...(tape the top and back with board under top to prevent tearout.)
pickup hole... 1) trace the hole on the top (over tape to prevent tearouts) 2) Drill series of holes just smaller than the size of the outline with hand drill (back with board under top to prevent tearouts) 3) on the material left inside the lines after the drilling, take a dremel and a small round sand drum attachment and grind out the that material. 4) keep trial fitting until the pup just goes thru hole...
Quick, easy, and (ahem) almost idiot proof.
Did you get the theme about preventing tearouts? Nothing will bust your chops more than screwing up a top on a mostly finished CBG by ignoring simple ways to prevent tearouts.
Thanks Wichita Sam! Unfortunately I don't currenty own a dremmel. I am probably going to get on in the future but for my first build I think I am going to try and use more simple tools.
Great advice about the tearouts, thanks!
a fostner is simply a brad point grown up... only slightly different structure, but same goal. Fostner bits come in much larger sizes than brad point bits....
It is actually called a Forstner bit.
You could also buy a FlatPup and just attach it to the top of the lid so you don't have to cut any holes. Just drill a hole for the wire.
http://humidorguitars.com/humidor-guitars-partners-original-flat-pup/
Im not sure If I trust myself with a shotgun!! Might overlook this...
Drilling a series of holes and finishing with a coping saw and I think makes perfect sense, especially for my first build! Cant believe I didn't think of doing this myself!
Thanks Ron
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. 20 hours ago. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by A.D.EKER on Wednesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango on Tuesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 20. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!