Kenneth Michael Guitars est.1978
| KMG "Success Kit" Understanding how to route Binding Channels and why standard tools will not work |
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.
was created. In particular the very complex shape of the back with all it’s varied contours
and angles.
The first two photos below illustrate the dome effect the bracing and rim contours impart
to the back lengthwise and widthwise.
to the back lengthwise and widthwise.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
contact with the guitar body at the same time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| KMG "Success Kit" Understanding how to route Binding Channels workspace, setup, execution |