Official Luthiers Forum!

...I solved one of my dilemmas. That of routing the tail wedge. I can't remember who first posted a pic of that jig , but I certainly thank you. Here is my rendition of the tail wedge routing gizmo:










The rails are cherry, and the adjustable table is formica-covered sink cutouts (don't throw those scraps away). I didn't have any slotted track on hand, but I did have that T-slot router bit. Works fine. The bottom rail is cut on a 15' radius, and the top to a 25' radius (to match the back and top curvature). The guide rails are threaded on both ends, which allows the thing to be self-clamping.

This isn't yet the last word, but I'm happy with the unit.
And again, many thanks for the inspiration!
This is a great place to hang.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Steve,

Gorgeous looking guitar top there too!!

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Well! I'll be... that makes another problem solved for me as well... AND another "/$?%$/ jig to build....

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Great looking jig and gitar!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

THanks Steve! Great jig. I still need to make myself one.

Below is a jig from Tue North Guitars. It looks like there's a lower lip on the bottom of the jig. I like the fair curve/bugle design.

Is this a setup that can both rout the inlay as well as the cavity? Anyone explain, post their own pics?

Terry Stowell38836.9306018519

Hi Terry, that's something I might have to try in the future. The thing that recommended itself to me about the jig I "copied" (stole), is that it accomodates itself to any inlay you've got. Well, any straight sided inlay that is. You lay the inlay in place, bring the adjustable table up to it, remove the inlay, and go to it with your pattern cutting bit. Only I use a dado cleanout bit.

Thanks for the kind words guys, and yes, I think that bearclaw S***a top will look nice under finish.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Steve, that's a nice solution, thanks. But--the thumb screw...what's the thumb screw for? AAAAAARRGG!

Oh, wait...does it pin the rod?

Very nice fixture Bro. Impressive.

Nice. Reminds me of Sylvan's jig, maybe came from there?

I'm still pondering my choice of jig, mostly because I'm pondering my style of end graft...

With this kind of jig do you use a bit with a top bearing to follow the edges of the plywood? Or is there some other means to make it work? I'm not a router guru, sorry!

Greg

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Gwaltney Guitars

Carlton--yes, the thumb screw does pin the rod. The cherry is tapped to accept the 1/4 20 thumb screw.

Bro--thanks... are you in N.C. this weekend?

Mattia--well, one could build this jig, and change out tables for varying end grafts. The tables were, of course, the easiest part to make.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I use a very similar jig to Steve's, but mine is permanently set to a given taper, with teh guides being 3/8 plexi. It is on rails which self clamp as well. I use a 1/4 inch downcut spiral, and can vary the wedge size by using different sized guide collars.

One could use a jig like the true north one to make the cavity and inlay piece by using one of those inlay router bit sets - it has an 1/8 inch bit (I think) and a guide collar, plus a bearing sleeve that fits over the collar to change the size to make in the inlay (check a lee valley catalog) - the idea bulb just went off !!!!

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

the zootman, bob cefalu has the progenitor of the jig in the jigs and tools section above. i modified mine by using the t-track and posted on the mod. someone also posted on the mimf about the same mod.

i use a template guide to route the body rather than a bearing mounted bit as it allows the use of smaller bits.

Does anyone build this Jig and make it available for sale?

I see so many cool jigs come up from time to time that I would like to have, however, I am not one of those that likes to build jigs.

Mike

Michael, the same thought occured to me, and I will be trying the collar guide at some point. The smallest top bearing bit (by the way, Greg, there's your answer) that I have is 1/2", and I had to finish the last little bit of the rout by hand on one guitar. Now, Stew-Mac does sell a 3/8" diameter top bearing router bit....

Mike, I am unaware of anyone selling these, but why not? I mean, I'm not going to do it, as like you, I hate jig making. But some entreprenurial-spirited guy might make a few bucks selling these things.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I saw on a post a while back that Lance hade an end piece Jig that was made by guitarjigs.com, I don't know if they still make it.