DIY refinishing + pickguard cutting

[GusS]

i wanna do this for fun, i m no good at this..i dont have a workshop.. need some "compact-ish" tools to render this the least painful

- whats the least shitty way to cut a pickguard without the aid of a big ass router? something better than a dremel

- please recommend a type of sander and a buffing wheel or whatever

thx

- any sources for cheap pickguard material?

- least shitty way to strip an oil finish?

[jaberwock]

I do them with a coping saw with medium, fine, blades, bevel the edges with a file, and finish with wet and dry paper; you will need patience, and some amount of skill to do this if you want a professional result.

[GusS]

very old school. how do you maintain a constant angle when beveling the edges?

[jaberwock]

very old school. how do you maintain a constant angle when beveling the edges?

A good work bench ( or something that can hold the pickguard firmly ) at the right height will help a lot; getting a 45 degree bevel isn't that difficult, but getting the curves too look, and feel right takes patience, don't rush it.

[Jem]

- least shitty way to strip an oil finish?

There isn't one - bloody stuff

If you're planning to spray it just make sure you use a decent bodyshop stopper / barrier coat, although i still wouldn't guarantee it'll stop the oil thats trapped deep in the pores.

[Bennyboy-UK]

Try a cabinet scraper for the bevels - can give you a nice sharp crisp finish, and cope with the curves.