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Laminate Trimmer Questions + Routing Truss Channel
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=20433		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  archtop [ Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Laminate Trimmer Questions + Routing Truss Channel
As I said in one of my recent posts, I'm much more of a "hand tool guy" than a "power tool guy". I guess I fall into that "Neanderthal" category. Can't get enough hand tools, old or new.

A few days ago I received my first-ever laminate trimmer. It's a Bosch Colt. I was delighted to see the glowing remarks about this particular trimmer here. I bought it basically for it's specs and because I was on a tight budget. After the drill press and bandsaw, this will be my third power tool. :)

So here are my questions.... First off, I barely see any info regarding the laminate trimmer being used for certain procedures. It's always a router being used. Now I know there's a difference, but in some cases can I just use those articles or tutorials that include the router and just replace "router" with "laminate trimmer"? Or would that not work? Point is I don't see a lot of articles or tutorials where the lam trimmer is used, but a lot where the router is.

Second question.... Can I use this trimmer to rout the truss rod channel in my neck when the time comes? I know there will probably be a lot of jigs involved but I just wanted to get an idea what else I can do with this thing. To be totally honest about it I only bought it to go along with the Stew Mac TrueChannel Routing Jig and I needed something that wouldn't break the bank. Everything else I planned doing all by hand. But now, after reading what a great tool it is I think I might be catching the power tool bug!! eek
-John
Author:  Alain Moisan [ Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Questions + Routing Truss Channel
You can view your laminate trimmer as a lower powered, lighter router. So yes, you can do anything a router does with a laminate trimmer, unless it's not powerfull enough. Many , if not most builders essentially use laminate trimmers and not routers.

With it you can (amongst otehr things):
- route binding chanels
- route your trussrod chanel
- shape your peghead (using a template)
- route your neck joint
- and so on, and so on...


All this to say that you should not have any problems finding good use with your new toy!
Author:  archtop [ Sat Jan 10, 2009 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Questions + Routing Truss Channel
Alain, thanks! I wasn't quite sure about the scope of this tool, but I'm learning. And I'm certainly glad it can do most things routers are capable of. Both tools seem to offer a lot of versatility!
-John
Author:  Mark Groza [ Sat Jan 10, 2009 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Questions + Routing Truss Channel
I have large routers, but don't use them for guitar building.All i use for building guitars is a colt and many dremel tools and other laminate routers.I just feel the large routers are too big for my guitar building needs.Just don't take too big of a bite at a time, which shouldn't be done with large ones either and you will be fine. [:Y:]
Author:  Heath Blair [ Sat Jan 10, 2009 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Questions + Routing Truss Channel
did your new colt come with an edge guide? mine did and it will definitely help in routing the truss rod channel. the only thing i would say is to add a longer fence to the guide. otherwise, it might be a bit short to get a straight cut at the heel end of the neck. the guide starts to tip because of lack of contact with the side of the neck shaft.
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