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I finished this jig last week. For the longest time, I used the Stew-Mac, LMI rabetting router sets and although the bits themselves were awesome, I absolutely hated registering from the top. I just couldn't get an even channel width, especially in the tighter corners (upper bout, waist and both ends)

I wanted a jig that would register from the sides. I first saw this type of jig on a site that sells luthiers equipment, but I'm afraid the name escapes me at the moment... The I saw that my good friend, Rod True had one very simillar. The original one uses different sized bearings to set the depth of cut. I decided I wanted something a bit more versatile and I didn't want to fiddle around with bearings. I decided to add a micro-adjustment to this one. It's works like a charm. I have a micro adjustment on my router base as well, so I can travel on both planes and carefully dial in the cut. The micro adjusment on the base isn't as precise as the one on the jig, but I just make sure to take test cuts before starting and I love it so far.

Since these pictures were taken, I've had to extend the distance of the 'doughnut' to the jig as I couldn't get close enough to cut channel on the back near the neck. But since the adjustment, I've routed out two guitars and the final results were astonishing compared to my old method.

I used to have to go around with the Gramil and it could take me hours to clean and square everything up, now, it takes about 5-10 minutes... The channel is at an even depth all the way around.

It's a good thing I'm Canadian. I can actually marry this jig!!! Ha!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Alain, that is a wondeful jig, so I guess you are holding the body free hand and the side is balanced on that flat section, how about a video. Where do you work out of I am in Ottawa I would love to visit.
Mike McNerney 613 731 9925, mikhel@sympatico.ca

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Mike McNerney

Hi Alain, that jig looks like it would work well. My setup is similar, and I use it much the same way you do.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Mike, I've looked around your site, you do amazing work! I especially liked the rosewood sideboard, the pool cue rack, the library and the range hood! Out of sight! Have you been building guitars for long? I would love to see one of them!

I'm in a small town East of Ottawa called Curran. It's about 55 km's away. However, I work on Parliament Hill to pay the bills... I would love to visit your shop as well. I'll probably learn a thing or two!

Indeed, I just balance the guitar on top of the arm and work it, free hand. You have to be careful not to dip the guitar toward the jig because you might get a very slight cut out of the channel, but I find it's very easy to keep the guitar nice and square.

Arnt, your jig is very much like mine indeed! The vice...now why didn't I think of that!? Ha!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...