Pickguard cutting

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Monday Jul 02, 2007

Here's another one I need help with. I wasn't sure where to put this so, I figured it fit better here.

Basically, I need a Pickguard made for a Lefthanded Kramer Strat style guitar.
I need one cut to shape, the mounting holes drilled,and cut out for 1 Single-Coil pickup in the Bridge, (slanted like a Strat).
I can use my crappy dremel to drill out the volume pot hole, which I'm not sure on the location yet.
If anyone can help please let me know, and I'll go ahead and order the Blank material, unless you already have some? My only real problem would be providing a pickguard for a template. I don't have one.
Thanks alot for looking at this.
Joe
(814)224-2296
gratefulhippie@earthlink.net

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Monday Jul 02, 2007

Unless you know somebody with a CNC mill or laser cutter, you will probably end up with a hacked up piece of laminate. Your best bet is to go to a company that makes pickguards, like Allparts or WD parts and see if they have one like you need:

http://www.allparts.com/store/pick-guards,category.asp

http://www.wdmusic.com/pickguards_225_ct.htm

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Monday Jul 02, 2007

I saw some guys on ebay selling some lefty pickguards, and I asked them. I'm waiting for some replies. I would rather have someone locally do it, if i could. I know what you mean about having a hacked up piece of laminate!
Especially one routed for a single coil. I'd imagine a Humbucker would be easier to 'fudge' with minimal tools.
I have a StewMac catalog and there's every tool I would need to do it, but it's not worth it to me to buy all of those tools just for 1 pickguard. There's a really cool Bevel cutter for the outer perimeter of the pickguard. It attaches to your dremel. I got mine from K&B's for $12 a few years ago, and it has paid for itself believe me, but it doesn't have the RPM needed for that stuff. A good Dremel will be on my Christmas list for sure!!
For anyone into building guitars check out Stewmac's website. You can sign up for a free catalog every month, and he even has a mailing list with tech tips and how to's sent directly to your email with pictures and diagrams. Cool stuff and best of all it's FREE!!

MeYatch · Post by **MeYatch** » Tuesday Jul 03, 2007

I made a pickguard for a friend a few years ago using a dremel. It came out exactly as lonewolf described. There are some companys that will cut you a pickguard if you send them a tracing/drawing.

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tuesday Jul 03, 2007

RotoZip > Dremel X10

Securely clamp down your laminate and use a sharp bit and all will be fine.

Don't let being afraid of fucking one or two up stop ya.

CMOR · Post by **CMOR** » Tuesday Jul 03, 2007

Whatever you do, don't use a steak knife. It's damn near impossible to cut a staight line for pickup holes. I've made pickguards out of plexiglass before. Using a bench grinder to do the bevel works but should be a last resort.

paul · Post by **paul** » Wednesday Jul 04, 2007

Get your pickguard material and put masking tape on the face side that you will cut on, dont trust the thin plastic sheet that the material is covered with as it will mark and scratch the pickguard material. draw or trace your pattern and cut with a jig saw with a fine blade it cuts very easily. Then use a dremel with a fine sanding drum to take your burs off the edge and clean it up a bit and to even put the bevel on the edge. It is easy. Drill your mounting holes and then take a big bit and twist it in by hand to counter sink for your screws if you dont have a counter sink bit. I have done probably 75 this way and when they are done you cant tell they arent factory guards, Anyone telling you that it will look like shit or ratty obviously have no skills and shouldnt be using any sort of powertool to begin with. If you need any help let me know and I will hook you up.
Paul
Ps. Stewmacs prices are rediculous but they do have some cool tools but for the most part their prices are insane and there are a lot better vendors out there.

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Wednesday Jul 04, 2007

Paul, that's a good idea also. I really need to invest in some power tools.
I haven't built a guitar with a pickguard before. They have all been rear loaded.
Do you have any material at your shop that you could sell me?

I'd like to do it with white pearloid if I can find it, but White or Black would work for now.

I found a black right handed Kramer pickguard on ebay, so I'm probably gonna get that to use as a Template to make mine, unless I find one in the meantime.
I also spoke to Terry at Guitars-N-Stuff, and he is looking for one also, to use as a template, so hopefully I'll be in business soon.

Terry is really into his Kramers and Charvel's and has been a big help to me.

Thanks to everyone for all of their input and ideas.

paul · Post by **paul** » Wednesday Jul 04, 2007

I just used up the last piece of pearl that i had. I wish I would have known you were looking as I just placed a big order at the beginning of the week and i could have ordered you a piece. If you dont find one in the next week or so let me know because I will be placing another order right around 2 weeks from now.
Let me know,
Paul

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Tuesday Jul 10, 2007

If you must DIY, then I suggest that you use a band saw for the cut out if you can find one. For the bevel, you will get the best results with a router and bevel bit.

If you decide to use this method, you should trace the outline onto the pickguard blank, making sure that it lines up with the guitar. Drill and c'sink the holes 1st, double checking that they line up with the screw holes on the guitar. Also drill a few holes outside the pattern-1 in each corner should be good.

Take a piece of 1x10 pine board (or whatever size 1-BY you need--make sure there are no knots) about the size of the blank and screw the blank to it using regular pickguard screws. Use the extra holes around the outside of the pattern as well. Besides preventing splintering, the wood creates a guide for the bevel cut, minimizing freehanding.

Using the band saw, carefully and slowly cut the piece to size--be careful not to cause too much tension on the blade. Once you have the outline cut, use the router to cut the bevel, using the wood as a guide for the guide wheel. That's it.

Keep the wood and you will have a pattern for future pickguards that can be cut out using only the router with the bevel cutter.

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Tuesday Jul 10, 2007

I'll keep that in mind. You explained it pretty straight forward. I'm going to use an existing pickuard, and cut off the lower section, where the controls are. I'm going to use a piece of a hacksaw blade, and then use a file to smooth the edges, and then sand paper to finish it off.
As far as DIY, I'm limited, because I live in an apartment in the middle of town, with no yard. So that's one reason that I never bought too many tools yet.
I create a big enough mess in my living room already, I could only imagine firing up a router or a jig saw.
I've sanded quite a few guitar bodies by hand in my living room, which sucks.
I had paint dust over everything.
I can't wait to get a house, so I don't have to be held back so much on my projects.