Mini humbucker routing template

Fatfingers

Does anyone have one or know where I can get one? Full size humbucker templates are a tenner on eBay but the only mini ones are twice that and there are none from the UK.

Corvus

Forgive if you know this old method already but you could make one, just need 4 bits of wood/MDF with at least good one straight edge on each, and same height -

http://alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/misc/pup-rout-tmpl.jpg

A couple or three wraps of masking tape to give a bit of space to slot the pickups in.

Fatfingers

I didn't know that and it's a great solution. Thanks a lot.

Corvus

No worries, it's dead handy for all sorts, and best of all dirt cheap

Danielsguitars

That's what I did when I wanted a p90 route

jamesbisset

Corvus said:

Forgive if you know this old method already but you could make one, just need 4 bits of wood/MDF with at least good one straight edge on each, and same height -

http://alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/misc/pup-rout-tmpl.jpg

A couple or three wraps of masking tape to give a bit of space to slot the pickups in.

Would love to know what this solution was, but the image has disappeared and, along with it, the mystic ritual required to achieve enlightenment.

Any chance of a repost / update?

Thanks

SteveRobinson

Something like this but not necessarily so fancy



https://www.strangeguitarworks.com/routing-pickup-cavities-on-a-fender-jazz-bass/

Or do you need the body template?

Corvus

@jamesbisset don't know where the image is now, but as per Steve^^ - draw your rectangle, line up four lengths of wood as above (but without the slots & screws etc). If a router's going to ride on them the the pieces should be the same thickness, if doing it on a table or a pin router obvs that doesn't matter.

jamesbisset

SteveRobinson said:

Something like this but not necessarily so fancy

Or do you need the body template?

Well, fancy meeting you here! How are you sir? As despairing as the rest of us?

Yup - something like that but it’s antithesis, really. Two bits of wood and some masking tape is more my style.

I’ve had a couple of attempts making a template with 12mm MDF and although I’m getting closer, I keep thinking there’s an easier way than this somewhere...

jamesbisset

Corvus said:

@jamesbisset don't know where the image is now, but as per Steve^^ - draw your rectangle, line up four lengths of wood as above (but without the slots & screws etc). If a router's going to ride on them the the pieces should be the same thickness, if doing it on a table or a pin router obvs that doesn't matter.

Thanks @Corvus . The plan is to rout laminates (as in Laminated Semi Hollow Body) and I’m beginning to realise the issue is not the template, but the incredibly expensive 1/4in or 6mm top bearing router bits when I reach the corners. Might have to resort to some needle files *shudders*... 

TTony

You can’t beat a little bit of Bisset.

SteveRobinson

If you're routing the body then your corners don't have to be so sharp as they're covered by the mounting ring 

jamesbisset

@TTony 

FS. You too!

jamesbisset

@SteveRobinson ;

Plan is not to use a mounting ring, but you’re right. It might be the simplest solution.

Corvus

I'd just use a straight cutter for the corners only esp in a thin lam top, the shank's only riding the template for a second. CA glue on the template edges assuming it's MDF, some wax too and don't force the router into the template as you do a quick whizz around the corner.
Wouldn't do this on a plexi template though.

GSPBASSES

Do you remember there are three different types of rout's for Mini Humbucker's.



The one above is for mounting the pick up in a plastic surround that goes deep into the body, I use a 9.5mm router bit for this. There is also one almost identical but uses a 6mm router bit.

The next jig is for using a more conventional mounting ring, you will see you have to rout to little wings either side to accommodate the pick up feet. You can use a 9.5mm or a 6mm router bit for this.

jamesbisset

Yeah. I’m only making a template for the pickup I’ve got, mounted straight into the laminated top. But I’m aware that Gibson used P90 sized mounts for a while when they fitted Epiphone minis to guitars already routed for P90s. That’s a good option if decide I want the choice. 

Thanks. all good information.