Dangerous Neck shaping???

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Mike Lindstrom

Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by Mike Lindstrom »

So I was at the store a couple of months ago and I found a large round-under router bit that was on sale. It was something like $15 for a $140 bit. I've bought things I knew I didn't need that were lesser deals than that, so I bought it.

I don't remember the size now, but the profile looks like it would make a pretty close match to my necks. I like carving necks. It might be my favorite part of guitar building, but if I were to sell some, I figure having a more consistent reproducible profile would be important

On my last few necks, I got it out, set it up, got scared and reached for the spokeshave.

Anyone have thoughts on just how dangerous an idea this is?

THanks
Mike
kencierp

Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by kencierp »

Nothing dangerous about it if you use heavy duty holding fixtures and take reasonable cuts at each pass --- note that the neck is a very complex shape. Our operations (KMG) encompass five different CNC stations. Here's the Taylor neck operation. http://www.taylorguitars.com/video/fact ... oto-shaper

The positioning, feed angles etc., are as much a part of the process as the shape of the cutters (actually more) -- power machining a neck is a pretty ambitious endeavor -- it will be intereseting to see what you come up with --
Darryl Young
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Joined: Fri Jul 30, 2010 6:44 pm
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Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by Darryl Young »

Those Factory Friday videos are sure fun to watch.
Slacker......
Mike Lindstrom

Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by Mike Lindstrom »

I hadn't considered machining the whole neck. I was just thinking about getting the profile of the neck shaft done quickly and consistently. I figured I'd still be doing the heel and the headstock joint by hand. I think I better go downstairs and stare at some necks for a while.

Thanks for the feedback.

Mike
tippie53
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Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by tippie53 »

Martin used shapers for the neck shaping for many years .
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Mike Lindstrom

Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by Mike Lindstrom »

I don't have a shaper. Any advice on a safe speed for a big bit?

Mike
kencierp

Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by kencierp »

Seems you may have answered your own question - yes its dangerous to use a large diameter bit in a hand held router. Check your owners manual for the limitations of your power tools, don't attempt anything that is not recommended or approved you could loose a body part!! The manufacturer of the power tool knows far more about it then us guys at a forum. $.02
tippie53
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Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
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Re: Dangerous Neck shaping???

Post by tippie53 »

Ken has valid point here. When it comes to safety NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED SAFETY ISSUES. I have seen some ridiculous jigs and fixtures on you tube and other places on the web that can cause serious physical harm. A shaper or good router table is the the tool you want to use to rough out a neck not a hand held router .
You also need good fixturing and holding set ups . These are your fingers and hands . I cannot stress this enough . SAFETY is a one shot deal , there is no do overs or mulligans . There is nothing worth putting your fingers on the floor.
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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