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Looking at the bearing sets for the binding router bits in both the Stewmac and LMI catalogues. The LMI set is about 75% more expensive than the Stewmac. Any thoughts on why or any experiences that would justify the cost differential?

Thanks in advance

Steve

Hi Steve...I can't comment on the LMI router bit, but I can on the Stewmac....I like the bit with one exception..I find that the router bit, when cutting the top purfling channel, should have a longer bearing extension...You have to be very careful not to let the bearing ride off the side binding edge...I am considering the possibility ,on the next guitar, of putting in the pufling channel first. Install the purfling, level, and then cut the binding channel...might work...Maybe someone can comment on the LMI router bit...Larry

I went and looked and the LMI was $141, and the Stew was $92.
Maybe the LMI is a better cutter?

Interesting. I was referencing LMI catalogue 87, where the bearing set is actually $161. Presumably, the price has dropped since then.

Steve

Looks like Stew Mac has stepped up there cutter and number of bearings that come with it. I'd go for the full set from Stew Mac with 19 bearings at $141 vs LMII's set with 18 bearings at $220

They will both do a good job.

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here is a video on binding. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_q ... nding&aq=f I like to make as few router set ups as I can. When you do the purfling cuts , top and back first then bindings you help to control tear out better. Also on deeper side binding you may remove area where the bearing may need to ride.. Also with the binding set up the same for the top and back , your binding will look the same.
I always look are this feature on hand made guitars and you can see a mismatch when the set ups are done separate . I like the LMI set better than the stew mac. I think the bit is a higher quality piece.

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blues creek guitars
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I chose the LMI bit before Stew Mac improved their bearing choices. At the time the Stew Mac set had none of the sizes I needed.
I bought the LMI set and have added optional bearings as they became needed. It's worked out well enough that I bought a second cutter for the set.
I always cut the purfling channels before the binding channels in order to avoid the problem mentioned above.
If you are doing side purflings it may be the only way to do it. This I think is a better solution than having the bearing further out. This would just increase the disparity between the actual dimensions of the channel and the cutter setting if the sides are anythng but level.

Hi,

Could I ask one of you recent purchasers of the Stew Mac set to measure the bearing I.D. for me? I'm in need of some extra bearings with O.D.'s in the range between 0.5" and 0.6". LMI has the O.D.'s but their I.D. is now 0.187", whereas my bearings are at 0.25". (I think my cutter set originally came from Stew Mac, but I'm not sure).

Anyone have a good source for bearings of this sort? It isn't something that MacMaster-Carr is into - not sure where to look.

Jim

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Hi Jim,

I recently received the full S-M kit, and the bearing ID is .25"

Rob

Thanks Rob, I'll ask them what their ID's are.

Worst comes to worst, looks like I can make do with a 0.5" bearing with a little tape on it.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Hey Jim, I have an old lmi purchased cutter/set-up that cut .060" deep.
I needed .050" deep, and couldn't find a bearing anywhere, so I built up that bearing with copper foil tape, very carefully,
and got it to .050".
Came out perfect.
Someday I'll break down and buy the right bits.
If I ever work again!

Hi Jim,

The OD's start at .5" and step up in .02" increments.
e.g.: .500, .520, .540, .560, .580 and .600

Cool, that's great. I think I need the .54 - but I may just get the whole set of 4 in between the ones I have. You have the 19 bearing set?

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Yes, I have the 19 bearing set.
18 bearings start at 0.500" and increment in 0.020" increments to 0.840"
The 19th bearing is the flush-cut bearing and measures 0.925".
The bit itself is 0.930"
Incidentally I used the kit for the first time this morning with my newly constructed Williams-style binding machine.
All I can say is.......

Yeah, I'm just putting my new toy to it's first uses too!

_________________
Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu