Routing Binding Channels On A Gradient/curve

[NickLabs]

Hello Everyone!

We are currently on our second build and are at the stage of routing the binding channels on the guitar body (a carved top telecaster/les paul type guitar).

However, whilst planning this stage we noticed that towards the angled bit where the fingerboard lies the edge of the guitar slopes upwards (as the guitar gets thicker) due to the depth taken away for the carve being slightly more then that taken away for the neck angle.

What we were wondering was, if anyone knew of a jig/tool/ method that could help us in routing the binding around the whole body and especially in this tricky area?

Here is an image of the area in question to show you what im on about...

Thanks,

Nick

[Prostheta]

I built an XY sled using rails and pillow blocks intended for CNC use. I modified a small Bosch router with a Corian insert on the base to ride on top of the workpiece, with the router cutter and bearing beneath. I use this rig for a number of jobs from template cutting to thicknessing etc. A cheaper setup can be found via Stewmac however, and to be honest, this is where I took the idea from and incorporated it into the router sled rig.

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/5653

This reminds me. I need to put it back together :-D

[SwedishLuthier]

And you need to show it to us (unless you have already done that and I missed it...)

[Prostheta]

Definitely! We moved house, and the workshop moved also (and space reduced). I built the jig to be permanently set up into the previous workbench fixtures so it needs to be rebuilt so it can be stashed when not in use. What a pain. This stupid country is so small you don't get decent workspace unless someone else donates it, you're rich or you're borrowing it! :-\

In short, it's two 20mm thick 1.0 m long rails across the wide X axis held 80cm apart with one big ol' pillow block running down each rail. The pillow blocks are joined by two smaller diameter rails which hold 1 pillow block each to form a Y axis. Between those I have a Perspex base for the router. Here are links to the items I used:

4x 20mm rail supports: http://www.worldofcnc.com/products.asp?recnumber=21

2x 12mm and 2x 20mm pillow blocks: http://www.worldofcnc.com/products.asp?recnumber=44

Unfortunately, the gauge of the rails means I can't take the opportunity to make it larger this time as the weight bearing is pretty much to the nail as it stands.

I took inspiration from David Myka's copy carving rig, although his utilises much sturdier rail stock!

http://www.mykaguitars.com/tools/carver/default.htm

[RFR]

I had a floating router setup custom built.

Stewart Mcdonalds has one now in the catalog. it seems pretty simple but effective

Roman

[fryovanni]

This is a good jig for routing uneven surfaces, that require a small index area.

link