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AST A4 Kerfing
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Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon May 17, 2010 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  AST A4 Kerfing
Anybody studied this product? Seems interesting, though I am uncertain of cost benefit at this time.

Here is my big concern. How are they made? Given the size of those component pieces, it would seem that the kerf cuts would consume as much material as is left over for the finished product. In other words, not very environmentally efficient. Unless, of course, they make them by "shaving" off the strips.

Actually, its not a "big" concern. I don't think we will be sending our planet into a tailspin based on kerfed lining use. Also, how is it backed? Rubber? Will this allow for a good bond?

Just asking.

Mike
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Mon May 17, 2010 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
Mike, you are kind of a worrier, aren't you?

Waste ruining the planet? From kerfing?

Rubber in the kerfing???

I haven't used this product, but can ensure that neither of those concerns are realistic.
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Mon May 17, 2010 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
Mike;

I have some of these and have actually talked to Kevin R on the phone about them as well. They are made from basswood and are laser kerfed offset from both sides. I had actually been making my own version of these also with basswood prior to buying Kevin's and I like his better. The advantage to the laser cutting is he is able to cut a much thinner kerf thereby cutting them closer together. The one's I've made I used a fret slot saw blade to cut. Well worth the money IMHO. There is no rubber it's all wood! [:Y:]
Author:  Edward Taylor [ Mon May 17, 2010 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
It looks to me like what gives the extra axis of movement is the small vertical slice in the "body" of the lining correct?
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon May 17, 2010 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
Hmmm, where to start. OK, we'll skip the first comment.

My bad, I assumed (based on their shell line) that they were pieced together... that is why I asked. What makes it superior to "normal" kerfing? The extra cuts?

OK, off to worry about another problem, and that is why do chiggers turn into arachnids after they bite you? Weren't 6 legs enough?

Mike
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Mon May 17, 2010 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
Yep, the extra cuts allow it to bend nicely in all four directions thus A4. The thinness of the cuts also make for a much cleaner glue up.

Mike O'Melia wrote:
OK, off to worry about another problem, and that is why do chiggers turn into arachnids after they bite you? Weren't 6 legs enough?

Mike


idunno laughing6-hehe
Author:  Brock Poling [ Mon May 17, 2010 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
It rocks. I use it in all my cutaway guitars. I still prefer the capped linings I use in the non cutaway guitars because it produces a much stiffer rim, but they install perfectly with minimal clamping pressure, and there is almost no clean up required.

Kevin is a genius.
Author:  SteveSmith [ Tue May 18, 2010 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
I am interested in trying it when I run out of my current stock but I really like the way the reverse-kerf linings stiffen up the rims so that I don't have to worry about using the mold.

Are the A4's that stiff?
Author:  Dave Fifield [ Tue May 18, 2010 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
I make my own stuff using my 45W Epilog 32EXT laser. I bought some of Kevin's to compare with mine when I heard he was selling them. The ones I make are a little different than the "A4" stuff, but the principle is the same (I use closer spaced cuts). My laser kerf is about 4 mil which is way thinner than any saw blade I have. There is virtually no waste. I spritz them with water on the non-glue side a few seconds before applying glue and clipping it to the guitar side - this helps them bend around the guitar curves. Without the light spritzing, they tend to break. I use plenty of glue to ensure all the kerfs get filled, making the finished side/kerfing very stiff indeed.

Dave F.
Author:  SteveSmith [ Wed May 19, 2010 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
Eat Drink I know BBQ'd possum is pretty good. Can you BBQ chiggers? How many would you have to catch for a meal :lol:
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Wed May 19, 2010 8:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: AST A4 Kerfing
Eating chiggers is a waste of time, too small. And they are faster once they get two more legs. gaah Opossum is ok, but we tend to prefer Armadillo since it comes prepackaged in its own roasting pan.

Mike
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