I want to make a telecaster body, but I have no idea how to get started. I feel as if I need a MDF template for routing the channels (see pic) Do I? Any other tips on solid body guitar making? Anyone out there made one?
>>935522
my dad does. basically the part you're talking about you need to either make or buy a jig. you predrill to the correct depth and then route it with the jig with a plunge router (is that what it's called?).
I happen to be building an acoustic for my first time right now. I personally started with a full scale blue print, made a simple mockup with a wooden railing, and went from there. There's just so much I could get into though about building. Maybe following someone else's build in a blog would help you as a way to get an idea of the challenges ahead.
I don't mean to discourage you. It's just there's way too much to explain even fundamentally. You'll probably have to do a lot of reading.
Find a template for the outer shape online that is to scale. Either find someone with a printer big enough to print it at scale or use something like BigPrint to print it.
Use a band saw or even a jig saw to cut out the rough body. Finish by sanding down to the exact shape and outline.
https://woodgears.ca/bigprint/help/tutorial.html#inksaver
As for cutting bout for wiring, picups and controls, this is mostly covered by plates and shrouds so it shouldn't be such a hang up.
If you did want to use a router and template just follow the exact same process.
>>935566
Thanks, this helps me a lot. I'm trying to do this on the cheap, and that's a good plan.