Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi
I am trying my first inlay, other than position dots. The biggest problem I am having is removing debris from the channel. I didn't buy the stew mac air pump thinking an old aquarium pump might work but no go. I tried rigging up my air compressor and that sort of worked but I figure somebody here has got to have some clever system. You people are to darned smart not to have come up with something.
Thanks
Bob

Bob,

My system is about as unsophisticated as it gets. When debris builds up, I stop routing, take a deep breath and blow the debris out. If there is a build of "fur" on the edges routed...a quick pass with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper takes care of it.

Thanks Anthony
I could use that system if I didn't have one of those lighted magnifying lenses in front. I need to find myself some of those lighted magnifying glasses.
Bob

A quick wipe of shellac, and time do dry, before routing helps with the fuzz on the edges.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

As is usually the case, Frank Ford has already come up with a solution.

Dremel flag

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

i cant believe how brilliant and simple that is!

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sweat the small stuff.

Now thats a simple solution i would never have thought of.

is there no end to that mans genius

Joel.

That is pretty slick! I tried an aquarium pump with the hose taped to my base for a while, but it was awkward and not too effective. I'll try the flag next time!

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Thanks guys and thank you, again, Frank. I knew there had to be an answer. OLF comes through again.

I've tried Frank Ford's flag and it didn't work for me....mileage may vary for others.

When routing I take my shop vac under my arm and keep it positioned just at the edge of the routing. All the wood gets sucked away while routing. That is the best method- cleans as it keeps things clear.

Craig L

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www.handcraftinlay.com

I started taping the bits, but instead of just a one sided flag, its two sided, and works very well. My friends laughed when they saw it, and started routing without it. They don't route without taped bits anymore.

Like Craig, I keep the vacuum close. Both of those, with downcut bits (and good lighting) make it very easy.