Official Luthiers Forum!

I was getting set-up to cut the binding channels on a guitar (#2) when I noticed the bit won't fit through the opening in the tilt base. However, it will fit through the fixed base. I'm thinking I could use the fixed base with shims to compensate for the radius. Is this the best way to go about this or is there a better way? As always thanks for your help.

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- Ben Pak
North Wales, Pa.

Ben, are you planning on free-handing your cut?

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Aoibeann

Yes. I was planning to cut it free hand, unless there is a reason why this is not a good idea.

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- Ben Pak
North Wales, Pa.

Ben-
You are planning on using the 'bearing guide' that comes with the laminate trimmer?
I don't think many builders use the tilt base to compensate for the radius of the back- most use some sort of 'donut' to lift the fixed base up from the guitar a bit. But then, you don't have a 'vertical reference' any more, with just the single point of contact of the bearing guide.
Thus the myriad of jig designs for this!

Cheers
John

Its possible to cut binding channels freehand. I'd practice first to get a feel for it.
I didn't have that much confidence in my ability to freehand, even with a trim router, so I built my version of Stew Mac's TrueChannel jig. That's just one take on it, there are several different binding jigs designs out there that are easily put together in the shop.

Or you could always cut them by hand. A few of the builders here have done it. If you go that route I'd recommend getting a gramil.
Well, actually, I'd recommend using a gramil whether you cut by hand or route them. Schneider Gramil at LMI

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Aoibeann

I had the same problem with my porter-cable laminate tilt base (the base is dewalt exactly the same but cheaper)
Any how I simply ground the opening until it fit. So when routing the back, just set the router on the lower bout and align it so it strait up from side and rout away. Works great!
I read this technique online somewhere and thought it would save large amounts of jig building time and space.
I have used it on three guitars with no issues!

I just tried this and it worked very well. Thanks all for the responses.

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- Ben Pak
North Wales, Pa.