What are your routing secrets?

[BryanRass]

so i used some of my christmas cash to buy a 1 3/4 horsepower router that i'm going to use for guitar building obviously i've got a few sheets of acrylic that i'm going to use to make some templates for things like neck pockets and pickup cavities. i also got a pack of 7 bits (1/4", 3/8", 1/8" roundover, 1/2" dovetail, 1/2" corebox, 1/2" flush trim, and a 90* V-Groove). what tips, tricks and techniques have you guys developed over the years that help make smooth shapes and cuts? how do you use your templates or guide lines? free hand tracing the shapes? what's your over all procedure for routing? and what about necks? how would you use a router for a neck?

 

[Roman]

I use acrylic only for patterns not routing. It tends to melt due to the heat of the bearing, then isn't accurate.

I make templates out of multi-ply pattern makers plywood.

one important tip;
Always have your bit chucked into the collet at least 1/2 inch. if the depth is not long enough, get a longer bit. Don't pull it out of the collet to try to get a bit more length.

 

[greenhorn]

Also, dont put the bit into the router collet ALL the way either. Push it in all the way, snug the collet, then slide the bit out about 1/16 of an inch, THEN tighten the collet. Because of how the bits are made, the part of the shank closest to the blades flares out slightly. If you tighten the collet there, vibrations can easily cause the bit to shift and could cause the bit to go flying out durring use.

 

[Ole'Lefty]

Unless, impossible, 1/2" shank collet and bits. Drop a small "O" ring into your collet-gives that protection from bottoming out the bit in the collet. If you don't feel that little bit of "give" when you insert the bit, then you know the "O" ring fell out. A moistening with clear silicone caulk/sealant will retain the "O" ring;always feel for it though, because they also wear out.

If you are working on a valuable project, don't take the chance with getting that one more cut with a DULL bit-it is also a safety hazard.

Try to invest in premium bits-on guitar builds the failure to do so is false economy.

 

[Ole'Lefty]

****DON'T EVER FORCE A CUT*** Router bits do break and the bit is never dull when a piece hits you or a friend!!!

 

[mojotron]

As was said above - use sharp bits only - if the edge of the bit can scrape the surface of your finger nail with little force it's sharp enough. I've had pattern bits sharpened lot of times and never had a problem with the width changing enough to even know.

Also - a big heavy cast iron table helps a lot too.

Also - always route wood at the highest speed possible.

Woodworking with the Router by [ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&ie=UTF8&field-author=Bill%20Hylton"]Bill Hylton[/ame] is a great book to have too: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Woodworking-Router-UpdatedProfessional-Techniques-Woodworker/dp/0762108002]Amazon.com: Woodworking with the Router: Revised & UpdatedProfessional Router Techniques and Jigs Any Woodworker Can Use (9780762108008): Bill Hylton: Books[/ame]