Official Luthiers Forum!

Just curious if any of you use a template for inlaying your logos or if you route them out by hand every time.

I'm not even sure if there's even a bit small enough with a bearing or shoulder that would make this possible, that's why I'm asking.

It just seems like setting up something like this on the front end would make it easier to do one offs. I would think due to the size constraints and the closeness of each letter, you'd pretty much have to have the template cut out exactly the same size as the final product.

_________________
Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

I used to do it on my pin router. I made a positive and negative template and used a 1/16" straight bit and 1/16" pin. I laminated .010" abalam to a layer or two of black wood veneer to make it easier to cut. There is a learning curve and your design potential is somewhat limited but it's possible to make airtight fits repeatably

_________________
http://www.chassonguitars.com

I had Mike Collins here in Ontario make me a set for mine .. a little toughter than it seems though, my logo required three indexed templates to create the pocket. I use a 1/16 downcut, a 5/16 template guide, and a frame to hold/index the templates. Mike also made about 25 logos from shell I had sent him. After making the first 60 by hand myself, at about a good 1/2 hour to cut route and fit, I figured it was time to save some time !!!!

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

Didn't Lance show some pics of his pin router in use several years ago?

I wonder if one of our sponsors that does CNC work could supply logos cut from shell and a template to match that could be used to do the inlay routing. I would be interested because I use a lot of different woods for headplates and it would cut down on shipping things back and forth.

Peace, Paul

Paul I think that John Watkins may do this - http://www.cncguitarparts.com

There was a thread on a pantograph setup that would work very well for inlaying
logos/whatever a year or so ago. The advantage here is that you can use a large
copy of the recess you want to create, and follow it with large diameter pin, and
the router bit will follow a much reduced size path, creating a much smaller image.
No bearings needed. I'm not near my workshop right now, but I made a copy of the
thread, and I'll try and look it up tomorrow.

_________________
Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Try Bryan England Custom Inlay. Good people and great work too.

_________________
"We might not be big but we sure are slow"

I've made these before for clients. You have various options and limitations depending on your setup (what size bit you want to use, the design of your logo, etc). Templates work better for less detailed and bigger logos and, of course, they can't leave internal islands (like the middles of O's).

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

Thanks Bob. I'm designing a new logo and when I settle on something I will be in touch to see if it is possible to do with a template.

thanks, Paul

Can someone please fill me in. What is a pin router?

I do a google search and come up with not a lot at all.

_________________
Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

A pin router is a router mounted above a table with an indexing pin in the table directly under the bit. They are usually industrial machines made for pattern routing with a template. The work is mounted on top of the template. The template sits on the table and rides against the pin as a guide. They can be used to flush trim outside shapes or plunge cut inside shapes.

For guitar work, you can build your own to suit your needs. I've built a couple that are big enough for fairly heavy work and I've seen small ones built for a Foredom type tool just for doing inlay.

If it's just for inlay, you really have to be a rugged individualist for it to be worth your while. If production is what you're after, farming it out to someone with real tools and experience makes more sense.

_________________
http://www.chassonguitars.com

Blain
A pin router is another term for overarm router ,some have the pin on the table ,some on the arm. The ones with the pin on arm are known as inverted pin routers.
Google Onsrud for more info.
Hope that helps.
Brett

_________________
How long is that in luthyears?

Thanks for the explanations Kent & Brett.

Quite pricy it looks like, unless you could build your own.

I think I just need a CNC machine.

_________________
Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."