Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi all.

We are new to professional Routers and need some advice in the MINE FIELD that is Router Bits.
We have 1 bit that is massive and so far has been used - successfully - to cut out a template, shape a body and (freehand, because it is too long for the bearing to reach a template) cut out a pickup cavity.
We started researching and found that we need "downcut spiral" bits for inlaying but can not find a supplier in the UK that make them small enough. We also did some research into 1/4" and 1/2" Collet bits for cavities and body shaping but really need some help deciphering the thousands of sizes and shapes available.

What do you guys use? What do you prefer? What can you recommend? AND where can we get them from here in the UK?
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Thanks.

Howard & Rob

I suspect that you should be able to find Bosch & Freud bits in the U.K. since they are both European companies.

You should also look for a guide bushing set for your router, it will enable you to template route with plain straight bits as opposed to bits that have a bearing on the end. For inlay you can also use spiral flute end mills. They are much less expensive than router bits but won't last as long but come in many more sizes.

Kevin Looker

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I'm not a luthier.
I'm just a guy who builds guitars in his basement.
It's better than playing golf.

The reason for all the variety in size and shape etc is because they all perform tasks differently. Some are better for one thing and some for others. What specific tasks are you wanting to perform? By defining what you will be doing with the bit it could make it easier for people to guide you in the right direction.

What Zeke said. What do you want or need to do? My most used bits for acoustics are 1/4 and 1/8 bits for truss rod and cf rods, along with smaller bits (end mills, really) for inlay. For electrics I have 1/2 shaft, 3/4 diameter template bits with 2" of cutting height as well as smaller and bottom bearing variants. Also a few shallow cut template bits for pickup cavities. The ones Stewart MacDonald sells are good sizes for those. Binding sets are pricey but worth it to me, and i loke solid carbide Spiral bits for rosettes and the like. Personally I find ordering whiteside carbide from routerbits.com is cheaper than any European source I've managed to locate.

UK tools seem to have all the cutters we need:

http://www.uktools.com/routers-c-488_2740_2743.html

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We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.

Thanks for your help guys.

We are looking for bits for routing body & pickup cavities and truss rod cavities and smaller bits for use in the Dremel for inlays.

I use these guys for my small bits. I use them in my CNC machine for cutting fret slots, shell, and inlay pockets, etc. My smallest bit is .020".

Not sure they ship to the UK..

http://www.precisebits.com

Michael

Hi Howard

Wealden have Downcut spiral bits that go from a 3mm for a dremel up to a 1/2" for routers you can find them here:

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Down_Cut_228.html

Here's a set for a Dremel off Ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Luthiers-5-pc-Inlay-Bit-Set-downcut-carbide-end-mill-/171011053269?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item27d10d96d5

Hope that helps you out

All the best
Dave

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To be someone must be a wonderful thing!

I use this place for all my router bits in the UK http://www.routercutter.co.uk/category.aspx?cid=22

Bob

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http://www.bobmatthewsguitars.co.uk

Small downcut bitsfor inlay in UK http://www.smallwonder-music.co.uk/shop/Tools-&-Finishing/Spiral-Router-Bits/p-123-454/

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

You have a couple options for template routing -- you can use guide bushings or you can use template bits which have their own bearing attached to the bit. The easiest way to figure out which one you would prefer is to look online for an explanation of both types. There are tons of online articles and youtube videos available to you.

Trend also do small spiral bits if you get a 3 mm collet for your dremel http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productli ... piral.html

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.