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Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:47 pm
by Spagett
So I have my tele that I love, but it needs a humbucker in the neck position. Needs!

I don't have access to a router right now, but I do have a dremel. Is it possible to rout a singlecoil slot to a humbucker-sized slot with just a dremel, or will I end up burning the dremel motor?

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:31 pm
by theavondon
Yeah, it's a bitch, but I made an entire guitar that way. Just be careful, dude.

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 4:09 pm
by hbombgraphics
no the dremel will work if you get the right bit but it is messy
I did a tele that way and it looks like a beaver chewed up the inside.

The dremel motor will be fine, I do all sorts of terrible things with mine.

I might recomend a good sharp chisel as a better way to clean out the wood.

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:22 pm
by Jero
Yes, you can do it for sure. Dremels are meant to take abuse. Just try and use the right bits/accessories. The proper tools make all the difference.

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:23 pm
by McSpunckle
If you have a drill, I'd recommend drilling a bunch of holes, then chiseling it out or finishing with a dremel.

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:26 pm
by Achtane
Yeah, drilling holes in the area first really makes a difference.

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:12 pm
by Jero
The hole thing it a good idea. Takes out large amounts at a time, though it doesn't seem like it.

BTW, I had a mini bucker in my tele for a while, but ended up going back to the single coils.

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:16 pm
by grindonomicon
Easy peasy
1) Draw yer pickup outline.
2) Dremel yer outline as neatly as you can. Set the cutter depth as deep as you need to cut.
Image
3) Chisel out the wood, then you can use a dremel sander head to make it look neat.
4) Install humbucker.
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Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:06 pm
by Spagett
I got a Forstner bit for my hand drill... should take some chunks out, and then I can finish it off with the dremel!! I won't worry about using the dremel. Thanks bros. :group:

Re: Routing with a dremel?

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:39 am
by lapsteel
No router? Use a drill press. No drill press? Just a drill with a depth stop.
I always use a drill press with a 1" forstner bit to remove the bulk before routing with a template anyway. You can grab a cordless drill and do the same, and clean it up with your dremel or a chisel after. To make a stop, drill a hole through a piece of scrap wood (dowel works best) that is thick enough so that exposed portion of the bit is equal to the depth of cut. Don' t burn out your dremel needlessly.....