Truss rod channel cutting.

TKOjams · 04-28-2012, 08:37 PM

Hey guys, I'm looking for a more efficient way fo cutting the access at the headstock. How do you guys do it?

I remember seeing this bit that looked kinda like a forstner, but had more then two blades, and a hole for a guide rod in the center. Can someone tell me the name of it?
I've been searching threads and no luck.

gobig2000 · 04-28-2012, 08:42 PM

I Think this is what your after

Counterbore / Spotfacer 3/4" x 3/16"

TKOjams · 04-28-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gobig2000

I Think this is what your after

Counterbore / Spotfacer 3/4" x 3/16"

YES

Thank you so much kind Sir

:

TKOjams · 04-28-2012, 10:16 PM

Ordered.

Thanks again, Mate!!

gobig2000 · 04-29-2012, 05:09 AM

no problemo!

kfowler8 · 04-29-2012, 07:38 AM

FYI, not sue if you ordered the pilot bit as well be save your money. Mine wasn't long enough. I found that if I took the extra truss rod I had cut off it made the perfect pilot.

TKOjams · 04-29-2012, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfowler8

FYI, not sue if you ordered the pilot bit as well be save your money. Mine wasn't long enough. I found that if I took the extra truss rod I had cut off it made the perfect pilot.

I didn't order the pilot, I figured I could find something at Home Depot that would work.

kfowler8 · 04-30-2012, 07:31 AM

If this is the first time you use one, here's a couple things to keep in mind that I learned.

As far as depth, you want it just deep enough that it'll accomodate the truss rod nut and what ever wrench you plan on using.

When you get your depth, keep an eye on the width it's cutting. If it's too deep, the width cuts may be too wide for your truss rod cover. It's a good idea to have your truss rod cover handy to check as you drill.

I drilled mine using my drill press. I changed my platform to vertical and then mounted the neck to the platform using clamps.

It's really nice clean cut. I think you'll be happy with your results.

TKOjams · 04-30-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfowler8

If this is the first time you use one, here's a couple things to keep in mind that I learned.

As far as depth, you want it just deep enough that it'll accomodate the truss rod nut and what ever wrench you plan on using.

When you get your depth, keep an eye on the width it's cutting. If it's too deep, the width cuts may be too wide for your truss rod cover. It's a good idea to have your truss rod cover handy to check as you drill.

I drilled mine using my drill press. I changed my platform to vertical and then mounted the neck to the platform using clamps.

It's really nice clean cut. I think you'll be happy with your results.

I've been using my drill press and a forstner bit, but I don't like the bit chatter.

The width doesn't matter that much (within reason), I cut it before I glue the overlay on, and then hand cut the overlay access.

pfox14 · 04-30-2012, 10:49 AM

I use a table router. Cut the 1/4" channel for the truss rod first, then I use a bull-nose router bit to cut the access channel. A bull-nose is basically a half-round bit. Then I square of the area where the truss rod washer & nut would rest against with a chisel.

TKOjams · 05-04-2012, 11:09 PM

Order arrived today, I went to home Depot and found a 3/16" steal rod that fits perfect.

Can't wait to try it out

gobig2000 · 05-05-2012, 01:12 AM

Post heaps of pics mate, I think I will do traditional Truss Rod on my next build not a 2 way.

TKOjams · 05-05-2012, 04:11 PM

Two way, better

j.six · 05-05-2012, 04:42 PM

Late to the party, but I just use a 1/2" bit for the truss rod access. Granted, it's not intended to be Gibson spec (not sure if that was a prerequisite), but it's super simple; rout the truss rod channel with the 1/4" bit, then swap it out for the 1/2" bit.

Sully

MBrennan · 05-05-2012, 05:24 PM

I do it the same way J-Six does...

The vertical lines on the fence are the start and stop references for the access cavity.

TKOjams · 05-05-2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.six

I love that friggin' HS

j.six · 05-06-2012, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKOjams

I love that friggin' HS

Thanks!

Sully

szlash280z · 05-06-2012, 09:29 AM

Original headstocks are the best! I agree, the Sully-stock is very kick ass

Sully, is your logo a decal or inlay?

lowatter · 05-06-2012, 09:38 AM

Yeah, Sully...awesome original design for your headstocks(2 words?). If you ever booger up a neck you can use it for a harpoon!

Also, we need a smilely designed for you made with a bubble that says... "good times".

j.six · 05-06-2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by szlash280z

Original headstocks are the best! I agree, the Sully-stock is very kick ass

Sully, is your logo a decal or inlay?

Waterslides thus far, but I've got some logo paint masks that I'll be messing with in the future. That way, I can match the logo to the paint color if I like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowatter

Yeah, Sully...awesome original design for your headstocks(2 words?). If you ever booger up a neck you can use it for a harpoon!

Also, we need a smilely designed for you made with a bubble that says... "good times".

My very own smiley? One can dream!

Sully

TKOjams · 05-06-2012, 10:26 AM

szlash280z · 05-06-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKOjams

the smiley should also have a beer in hand!

j.six · 05-06-2012, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKOjams

Drink!

TKOjams · 05-06-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by szlash280z

the smiley should also have a beer in hand!

Okay I'm done.

szlash280z · 05-06-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKOjams

Okay I'm done.

hahah! close enough I guess!

04-28-2012, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,548 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	Truss rod channel cutting. Hey guys, I'm looking for a more efficient way fo cutting the access at the headstock. How do you guys do it? I remember seeing this bit that looked kinda like a forstner, but had more then two blades, and a hole for a guide rod in the center. Can someone tell me the name of it? I've been searching threads and no luck. __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build

04-28-2012, 08:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
gobig2000 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 285 Thanks: 17 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. I Think this is what your after Counterbore / Spotfacer 3/4" x 3/16"

04-28-2012, 10:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,548 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Ordered. Thanks again, Mate!! __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build

04-29-2012, 05:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
gobig2000 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 285 Thanks: 17 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. no problemo! TKOjams likes this.

04-29-2012, 07:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
kfowler8 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 1,920 Thanks: 16 Thanked 58 Times in 20 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. FYI, not sue if you ordered the pilot bit as well be save your money. Mine wasn't long enough. I found that if I took the extra truss rod I had cut off it made the perfect pilot. TKOjams likes this. __________________ Kevin "Never, ever, ever sell your gear...unless it's left handed and to me." The difference between me and a luthier is I know how to build something that looks like a guitar and has six strings. I have no idea how to build a good guitar. 1959 LP Replica Build #1 The Modern '59, PRS, and LP Builds #2, 3, & 4 Flying V Build #5

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04-30-2012, 07:31 AM	#8 (permalink)
kfowler8 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 1,920 Thanks: 16 Thanked 58 Times in 20 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. If this is the first time you use one, here's a couple things to keep in mind that I learned. As far as depth, you want it just deep enough that it'll accomodate the truss rod nut and what ever wrench you plan on using. When you get your depth, keep an eye on the width it's cutting. If it's too deep, the width cuts may be too wide for your truss rod cover. It's a good idea to have your truss rod cover handy to check as you drill. I drilled mine using my drill press. I changed my platform to vertical and then mounted the neck to the platform using clamps. It's really nice clean cut. I think you'll be happy with your results. __________________ Kevin "Never, ever, ever sell your gear...unless it's left handed and to me." The difference between me and a luthier is I know how to build something that looks like a guitar and has six strings. I have no idea how to build a good guitar. 1959 LP Replica Build #1 The Modern '59, PRS, and LP Builds #2, 3, & 4 Flying V Build #5

04-30-2012, 10:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
pfox14 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. I use a table router. Cut the 1/4" channel for the truss rod first, then I use a bull-nose router bit to cut the access channel. A bull-nose is basically a half-round bit. Then I square of the area where the truss rod washer & nut would rest against with a chisel. TKOjams and gobig2000 like this. __________________ Please visit Fox Guitars for some cool Gibson & Epiphone history and much more www.fox-guitars.com

05-04-2012, 11:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,548 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Order arrived today, I went to home Depot and found a 3/16" steal rod that fits perfect. Can't wait to try it out __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build Last edited by TKOjams; 05-05-2012 at 07:19 AM.

05-05-2012, 01:12 AM	#12 (permalink)
gobig2000 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 285 Thanks: 17 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Post heaps of pics mate, I think I will do traditional Truss Rod on my next build not a 2 way.

05-05-2012, 04:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,548 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Two way, better j.six likes this. __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build

05-05-2012, 04:42 PM	#14 (permalink)
j.six Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: dallas, texas Posts: 1,786 Thanks: 18 Thanked 39 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Late to the party, but I just use a 1/2" bit for the truss rod access. Granted, it's not intended to be Gibson spec (not sure if that was a prerequisite), but it's super simple; rout the truss rod channel with the 1/4" bit, then swap it out for the 1/2" bit. Sully TKOjams and MBrennan like this. __________________ "Dude, your garage looks so much bigger on the internet..." - C.Lynch "Hurry up you bastard I want to see this done!" - Doug Kauer www.sullyguitars.us - Built by Rock & Roll

05-05-2012, 05:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
MBrennan Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Loomis, CA Posts: 169 Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. I do it the same way J-Six does... The vertical lines on the fence are the start and stop references for the access cavity.

05-06-2012, 09:29 AM	#18 (permalink)
szlash280z Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,579 Thanks: 6 Thanked 17 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Original headstocks are the best! I agree, the Sully-stock is very kick ass Sully, is your logo a decal or inlay? __________________

05-06-2012, 09:38 AM	#19 (permalink)
lowatter Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SC Posts: 469 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. Yeah, Sully...awesome original design for your headstocks(2 words?). If you ever booger up a neck you can use it for a harpoon! Also, we need a smilely designed for you made with a bubble that says... "good times". __________________ "To ear is human...good tone, devine." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...&content=music http://www.flickr.com/photos/10000602@N04/show/

05-06-2012, 10:26 AM	#21 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,548 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Truss rod channel cutting. j.six likes this. __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build

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