software

I bought a sheet of 3-ply pickguard material fom Stew-Mac, but I'm not sure how to get started. I can trace out the old pickgaurd, but what kind of cutter should I use. I have a nice Dremel, with all the attachments, but none of them seem to fit the bill.

What do recommend I use? A coping saw, maybe?

Thanks all.
Artie

Most people either use a router or a scroll saw. Using a dremel is usually a bad idea. The high speed less torque of Dremels will have a tendancy to melt the plastic before you really going anyway.


Originally Posted by 9fingerMost people either use a router or a scroll saw.

A scroll saw! Thanks 9finger. Thats what I was trying to think of, but my mind was drawing a blank.

I believe we have one at work that I can use.

Artie

A good pair of shears work good to rough it out. Then the sanding drum on the dremel to smooth it out. My Father was a EMT. I took the shears from his EMT kit. Whent right thru the 3-ply like cuting paper. He must have stole it
back from me? Cuz' I haven't seen them thing's since he moved.

Artie...if you're interested in doing it real well and maybe cutting a bunch of guards you could spend a little money on some useful tools. Here's two from Stewmac I'm going to be getting eventually:

Precision Router Set
To stabilize your Dremel.Pickguard Bevel Cutter
An unbeveled PG looks cheap IMO. Make it look perfect!

*EDIT* The scroll saw would work better than the Dremel for cutting but the bevel cutter is a must and making a uniform bevel without a stabilized Dremel might be a chore...but it might be fun.

I have a follow-up question on this, and keep in mind I don't know much about power tools: is there an easy way to get a beveled edge when cutting the pickguard?

Thanks!

EDIT: I posted this before itbepopples' post appeared. Thanks!

alrighty artietoo
1) do you ahve a router or router table
that's really the way to go
1 - tape the pickgaurd you'd like to copy ontop of the blank pickgaurd mateial
2) you can use a scroll saw to take away most of the excess, leave 1/8 - 1/16 to clean up with the router
then use that stewmak bit (or any comparable beveled template bit - with a ball bearing ont he end) - ps make sure the bearig is on the right end
3) use the router and away you go


Originally Posted by Bluelinealrighty artietoo
1) do you ahve a router or router table
that's really the way to go . . .

No, I don't. But since I plan on doing this more than once, I suppose I should get one. Besides, it'll come in handy for some guitar body work.

Thanks for that info, Blueline.
Artie


Originally Posted by itbepopplesArtie...if you're interested in doing it real well and maybe cutting a bunch of guards you could spend a little money on some useful tools. Here's two from Stewmac I'm going to be getting eventually:

Precision Router Set
To stabilize your Dremel.Pickguard Bevel Cutter
An unbeveled PG looks cheap IMO. Make it look perfect!

*EDIT* The scroll saw would work better than the Dremel for cutting but the bevel cutter is a must and making a uniform bevel without a stabilized Dremel might be a chore...but it might be fun.

Yeah . . . I'm going to add both of those to my collection. I want this to look pro.


Originally Posted by ArtieTooYeah . . . I'm going to add both of those to my collection. I want this to look pro.

After seeing some of your wiring diagrams I figured you'd want to be thorough.