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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

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 --

Those Factory Friday videos are sure fun to watch.

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

Martin used shapers for the neck shaping for many years .

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

Mike

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

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.