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I saw this unit on a local for sale site and wondered if it would be useful for our inlay uses. I realize a larger pattern would need to be created but it might work.

http://windsor.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-equipment-PANTOGRAPH-W0QQAdIdZ188429597

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I've used my pin router which is the same concept of pattern cutting. I think a pin router has the advantage of avoiding the potential slop and jerky movement of the pantograph arms. And it would work even better if you built a small one dedicated to inlay. You would have better control and take up less space.

The limitation is detail and bit size. If you can make due with a 1/16" straight router bit, it works fine. Trying to use smaller inlay bits becomes difficult. Trying to operate it smoothly enough to avoid breaking bits isn't easy.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

Chris Paulick showed a cool video of one of the Florida luthiers' home-made pantograph, and it looked like it would be a great tool for inlay.

Oh Chris.........

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

Visisting the Larrivee shop in the early 90s.... they did all thier inlays on a shop built pantograph, with both positive and negative patterns, for the shell and the pockets ..

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Yeah, looked like a great little unit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQlDAg971c
If I was build something for inlay, it would probably be this.(Wonder if Keith MacKenzie did plans.)

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Dave
Milton, ON