router bits and chipping

[Dave Bagwill]

Okay.
BTW has anyone sharpened the LMII cutter blade? What was your method? Mine is getting a little dull after being used only a few times.

[Herman]

No, just the SM one. The oily-build up on the cutting edge has to be cleared every time it is used.
But otherwise I use this SM bit for 10 years now and it still it's doing fine.

[Hans Mattes]

I mentioned that my binding channel rig was "inspired" by Ken. It's not the same; my recent builds all use a strong Manzer wedge as well as a 12' radius on the back. That means that the binding channel depth and width must be defined very close to the corner of the side and the back (or top). My rig holds the router vertically with a narrow (~⅛" before a roundoff) shelf to position the back or top (which faces down when being routed) and a small (~1") "vertical" affixed to the router to guide the guitar side. The arrangement follows Ken's approach of "maybe cutting too little, but never cutting too much." Repeated (and repeated and repeated) passes make the whole thing work. And after the first pass or two, the direction of feed is unimportant as the router bit only skims the surface. I know that I'm done when the sound doesn't change as I move the guitar around.

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Regarding the router bit, I use a ⅜" diameter single-edged carbide bit with a slight skew. I'd share where I got it -- but (like so many other things) I don't remember.

[Dave Bagwill]

Looks good to me. 'Sneaking up' on the final cut is my preferred method

[Herman]

Well, I take it off in one pass, with the matching bearing.
Works for me. OK, most of the time.
But I could try a two step method.
Hermnan

[Dave Bagwill]

If I could do that, Herman, I would be a happy man. Do you think that the fixture you use is the key?

[John Parchem]

Well, I take it off in one pass, with the matching bearing.
Works for me. OK, most of the time.
But I could try a two step method.
Hermnan

I take it in one pass with the match bearing as well. I have seen some builders putting one layer of tape on the sides where the bearings go. Doing a pass, pull the tape and clean up with another pass. I have tried to use various fixtures likes Hans posted, but mainly felt clumsy especially with classical guitars with the neck attached. I like the jigs that keep the router square to the bench and the guitar in a cradle on the bench.