Official Luthiers Forum!

There was a post some time back re: a supplier of the 2-blade binding cutter (to which you attach different size bearing wheels) that LMI sells, but for a considerably less money. Does anyone know the source?

TIA,

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Ken Mitchell
Durham, NC

Yes, here you go: http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=819-612
It is the first one in the list. I haven't ordered it in at least 4 years, so not sure it still works, but for $20 it is worth a try. I know the bearing fit it, as I had tested the LMI bearing with this bit and it worked just fine.

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

Thanks, Tracy. I've got one on the way!

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Ken Mitchell
Durham, NC

The LMI bit has a longer section at the bottom of the bit to give the bearing more reach.
Without the longer reach, you almost need to cut your purfling channels before you cut for the bindings.
I was always nervous with my old stewmac cutter because the bearing was only riding on a small section of the side, below the binding channel when I was cutting the purfling channels. A washer above the bearing helped, but it wasn't 100%. The new stewmac set is supplied with a small bushing to lower the bearing to a better position.
Just something to look out for... Sometimes it doesn't pay to save money.

Yep, Daniel, you are exactly right. I got the Woodworkers' Supply cutter today, and it looks good, except for that amount of vertical offset. I'll have to see how it goes. I DO like to cut the binding channel BEFORE cutting for the purfling.

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Ken Mitchell
Durham, NC