Alternative to using a Router (the power tool)?

Question

I need to route the cavities and pick up pockets for my guitar, but i wanted to know if they was a way to do this without having to use a router?

I could use a drill with a veery large drill bit i think, then use my mini rotary tool to sand the edges to get straight edges.. i think

Or I could use a chisel XD wait -could that work?

Any other ways? or am i best off with a router?

thank you!

christie

Answer 1

If you are good with it, a chisel will work.  Another option

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?...

Answer 2

A router is by far the best way for good results. Check out what you want to do on a piece of scrap wood first so you can tinker with the router speed settings..  

Answer 3

you could use different sizes of forstner bits in your drill press or if you're careful a hand held drill ...but forstners are better used in a press...

Answer 4

As a former Carpenter/Cabinet Maker; and brother of a Guitar Builder, I can tell you that the best way is with a router, using a template made of clear plexiglass (to help you locate the template exactly where you want it).

You will also find a variety of small hand plans made for this purpose, but they are more expensive than a moderately priced router.

Answer 5

A router would be your best bet.  Make a template the size you want the openings to be, and use a router with a pattern cutting bit.  You can fasten the template in place with double faced tape, or if you're going to paint the guitar, you could use brads.  A laminate trimmer would work, too.  If you used a forstner bit, you should use a drill press, clamp the guitar body down before you drill, and set the depth of the hole.