| Kenneth Michael Guitars est.1978 |
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| KMG "Success Kit" Understanding how to route Binding Channels and why standard tools will not work |
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| Now that we have completed this lovely guitar body its time to take a close look at what was created. In particular the very complex shape of the back with all it’s varied contours and angles. |
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| The first two photos below illustrate the dome effect the bracing and rim contours impart to the back lengthwise and widthwise. |
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| To add to the complexity, the waist curve actually cuts into the back dome and also the back is tipped at an angle to the rim. Needless to say this makes finding a straight flat area on the back of a conventionally made guitar impossible. |
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| To further illustrate the binding channel routing dilemma. I have fabricated a geometric router likeness, consisting of the base, the router body (the long portion of the stick) and the router bit (the short portion of the stick). |
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| Note that there is no point along the entire back where the base and the bit are in full contact with the guitar body at the same time. |
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| The most extreme mis-alignment occurs at the neck block. Clearly a standard trim router and base cannot handle all this variation. Even a router with a tilting base is of little use in this situation since it is almost a continuously changing angle along the guitar body perimeter. |
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| The special operating parameters required to cut guitar binding channels led to the design and a more recent re-design of the KMG “IA router binding attachment” This piece of equipment is essential in the construction process of a fine guitar. THEREFORE IT IS INCLUDED IN THE “Success Kit” package. |
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| In addition to the “Infinitely Adjustable” width and depth of the bit cut. The flexible base foot is also spring loaded and automatically adjusts to the surface of the back or top. This spring loaded feature tends to push the router away from the guitar body helping to avoid unwanted or unexpected cuts. In addition the “out rigger” base design provides stability to the router. The operator is able to use the vertical guide along the rim while applying even downward force and guidance to the bit on the top or back of the guitar body. |
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| KMG "Success Kit" Understanding how to route Binding Channels workspace, setup, execution |
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