How to accurately cut a humbucker sized hole in a Strat Pickguard?

[BadgerDave]

I have an SSS configured Strat pickguard that I want to modify to fit a humbucking bridge pickup. I won't be using a mounting ring, so the cut-out has to be very clean and accurate. I've attempted this previously using a coping saw and was not happy with the results. I'm a bit "challenged when it comes to maintaining a straight line and even worse at sawing around a corner.

So, is there a technique that i haven't thought of that will ensure a close-to-perfect result? I have a good assortment of tools, including a Dremel, files, Xacto saws and such, but no router or templates.

Ideas?

[Bennyboy-UK]

I know I would court disaster if I even tried it - I'd take the easy way out and get a fresh scratchplate.

Yeah - its the cowards way out I know!

Cheers,

Ben.

[BCR Greg]

Dremel, 1/4" sanding drum, patience.

[Bennyboy-UK]

..and there is the sensible answer!

[Jeff R]

Emphasis on "patience." Remember, it's easier to dremel off some more pickguard material than to put some back.

My partsocaster tele has a three-layer tele pickguard that was too thick to fit under the fretboard tongue of the 22-fret tele neck without shimming the neck.

I hate shimming necks (travesty IMHO) so I cut the guard to wrap around the fretboard tongue by tracing it and then dremeling freehand and VERY SLOW. I cut and re-cut and re-cut, barely taking off material and test-fitting repeatedly. It came out good.

[Jem]

Template, router and less patience

[Armitage]

I just don't have the patience anymore... and you need a lot of patience.

[murkat]

template, dremel, rout bit, bump collar (bearing), dremel router stand.

[Bennyboy-UK]

... Or just order a precut one and dodge the risk :-D

[Armitage]

... Or just order a precut one and dodge the risk :-D

Yeah, or just get a pro like Greg to do it.

[BadgerDave]

Dremel, 1/4" sanding drum, patience.

I just found a metal pickup ring in my parts drawer. I'm going to go for it with the 1/4" drum and the pickup ring taped down on the pickguard as a "safety barrier".

Wish me luck!

Thanks to all for the advice.