Kenneth Michael Guitars est.1978

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KMG "Success Kit" Understanding how to route Binding Channels workspace, setup, execution

Cutting the binding and/or purfling channels in a guitar need not be intimidating. If we have the proper tools, an understanding of the goal, and a well laid out work area; there is no reason not to expect complete “Success”.

The workspace must be open and unrestricted. The router power cord should be plugged in from above. Continually moving or trying to avoid the power connection will surely distract us form the intricate job at hand. Also, bright light is a must, note that in addition to our overhead fluorescent lamps there is a daylight fixture mounted to the workbench.

Several rubber bands tied together make an effective stress spring. The spring is secured to the rafters with the power cord tied in a knot

I have found that the most important concept to remember when hand routing binding channels is the requirement to FOCUS on the router bit. That is where the action is!! The contact of the bit to the work must be in plane view at all times --- otherwise how can we hope to control the process? To aide in this goal I do the routing sitting on chair equipped with rollers. This strategy makes it easy to move around, keep the bird’s eye view while having complete control of the router and base. Naturally a dust mask and safety glasses are mandatory!

The KMG “IA Binding attachment” is easily adjustable to cut binding rebates of virtually any size. To set the depth and width of the cut, short pieces of the actual binding/purfling material is used as a gage.  For the purfling, a stack of the strips, herringbone etc. is glue up in one piece so the assembly will mirror the overall size.

To set the depth of the cut simply tape a section of the binding etc. to the end of the sliding guide, rotate the bit so the outter most edge lines up with the edge of the binding material.

The height of the cut is set by laying the binding sample on the base, use the router's height adjuster to bring the bit even with the binding. MAKE SURE ALL THE ADJUSTERS (GUIDE AND ROUTER BASE) ARE PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

PRACTICE!!  PRACTICE!!   PRACTICE!!

When you have the proper tool, like the “IA Binding Attachment” cutting rebates is not all that difficult. However, realistically this process for many requires a completely new hand eye coordination skill set. So like all other new motor skills it should be rehearsed. When it is time to actually cut the channels on the prized instrument, the operator MUST be comfortable in the knowledge that he understands what the router is about to do and that he can control the tool. This is not a simplistic approach ---- anything less is a “hope and a prayer” not craftsmanship.

Practice cuts can be made using scrap material. Shape does not matter. Make cuts with the grain, against the grain, on the edges, on the flat sides. Clamp the practices piece to the bench or use a vise if you have one. Work to get the feel of starting the cut. Stopping in the middle of a cut. Taking the tool off the work piece. Get comfortable holding and controlling the router using the guide handle and out rigger base.

Rule #1 DO NOT HOLD THE TOOL AROUND THE MOTOR --- the goal is to guide the "cutting bit" not the motor.

When the tool is held at the guide handle and the “out rigger” base, the bit is pushed at the proper angle parallel to the rim. As described above, the back/top cannot be used as the major guide surface. The consistent vertical orientation of the rim provides the logical guide surface.

As the tool is moved around the body, the guide is held perpendicular to the rim. This assures that the depth of the cut will be consistent all along the entire channel

The spring loaded flexible foot on the “IA Binding Attachment” is designed to force the cutting bit “off” the guitar body. The goal of this feature is to help prevent cutting oversize channels that will result if the bit is allowed to tip inboard. The spring force of the foot can be adjusted to suit the feel of each individual operator. We even change the tension at different points in the channel cut.

Often over looked is the need to have the work piece stabilized during the routing operation. Trying to process a moving target will almost certainly produce unsatisfactory results. The Master Work Mold provided in the KMG “Success Kit” is designed to be the perfect work holding device.

NOTE THAT ROUTING THE CHANNELS FOR THE TOP AND BACK ARE NOT ALL DONE AT THE SAME TIME IN THE CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE. THE BACK IS ROUTED FIRST AND THIS IS BEFORE THE NECK MORTISE SLOT IS CUT THROUGH THE SIDES INTO THE NECK BLOCK. WE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE GUIDE SURFACE THE FULL WIDTH OF THE RIM. THE TOP CHANNELS ARE NOT ROUTED UNTIL THE NECK SET ANGLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE CHECKED AND FINE TUNED IF NECESSARY.

Once you are satisfied with your new routing skills using scrap material, its time to make a few practice cuts using the guitar body. Simply set the bit very shallow, the practice runs should produce smooth consistent channels much smaller than those actually required. After a pass or two at the shallow settings you should be ready for the actual cut.

Installing the Bindings

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