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Does anyone know where one might find a router bit that will accept the 1/4" diameter bearings on the Stew Mac cutter. The bit would need to be 1" in diameter or better. The stock SM setup will only cut a depth of .210 and I found myself needing more for a wide purfling. I borrowed a friends bit that worked well. I think it was 1 1/4". Commonly known as a rabbit bit. I have looked in every store and only found bits that accept the smaller diameter, most common, bearings. I suppose a bushing would work but that might be harder to find.

Please, don't make me pull out my never used gramil.

Thanks

Try router bit world
http://www.routerbitworld.com
I order from them regularily, they are quite reasonable, though I am not sure on their shipping policy. I normally have stuff shipped to the border and drive across to pick it up.
What is your setup for binding/purfling?
You do tend to get limited when using bearing guided bits.
Here is a rabbeting set I just picked up this week. ~$100
Maybe a little overkill for guitar work.

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

Danny

You can always make bushings from corian, on the drill press. Works great.

Bob

Hmmmm. I have Corian. I know how to drill the hole. Not sure where to go from there Bob.

Once you drill the hole in an oversized blank, mount it on a bolt chucked into the drill press, and get out your turning tools and a digital caliper and away you go!

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

Ya, I knew that! Good thinking. Thanks Bud

You could also get the LMI 1 inch binding router bit that has a bearing shank of 3/16". Then get a brass bushing that will bring you to 1/4" at a good hardware store or Mcmaster Carr. This will allow you to use the Stew Mac bearings on the LMI bit.

Chuck

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Danny, I've been using wide purfling for a long time on my instruments and for me, a very good way to do it is with the Stew-Mac violin purfling router jig. Jig is $46.



The jig has to be modified by making a plexi platform and screwing it on.



After the top is leveled to the ribs, the channel is routed.



Next, the binding channel is routed.



Lastly, the excess top material is chiseled off. Lately, I have just been using a bit in a router base.



There is a large amount of adjustability in doing it this way. Of course, like any binding/purfling routing, you have to clean up with files.
Thought you might like to see an alternative to your thinking.

grizzly tools has a rabit set for
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Deluxe- ... hank/H5544

Corian can be dangerous when spinning at 14000 rpm they can shatter. Brass would be a safer material.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

The only bearings I was able to find that small were ones that were used in remote controlled race cars. Lots of wobble in them and very thin so it turned out to be an experiment that led me to larger diameter cutters.