Official Luthiers Forum!

I am looking for the best bits for cutting a rosette channel.
I have used the stewmac down cut bits and they are good, but I think I want to shift to a lam trimmer and get away from the dremel.

I regulary use 1/32 1/16 and 1/8th sized bits.
Where can these be had? I would rather spend the money on a high quality bit, one that will last for a while instead of the cheaper ones that need replaced right after you see they have ripped the wood instead of makeing a nice smooth cut.

Thanks as always!

_________________
Support the OLF! Bookmark our STEWMAC link Today!
Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Lance--

This is a good source:

http://www.microcutusa.com/


Thx --Jim

_________________
Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

Bits n stuff

Stew Mac has a 1/4" to 1/8" collet that works well in a lam trimmer. Combine that with a Mirco Fence and it is a solid system that all but eliminates vibration and chatter issues of the Dremmel set up.Tim McKnight39042.9460416667

_________________
tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Lance and all, are the stew mac down cut bits no good, or are they poor quality?

I use my Laminate trimmer for my latest rosettes and I just got a 1/8" to 1/4" sleave for the trimmer.

I thought the channel came out very well. I was certainly happy with it.

I used the 1/8" bit to cut the spaulted maple as well as the channel, than I had to route out one of the purfling strips next to the maple and I used the 1/32" bit to do that. I got right up to the maple and right up to the outer purfling line and it went perfect.

This is in the circle cutter jig I made from Tony K's post a while back Circle cutter

Rod True39042.9378240741

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Good to see you Tim, you must be busy, we don't see you around much to often.

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Thanks Rod. Yes, life has been hectic and busy but in a good sort of way. The forum has grown quite a bit and there seems to be a new crowd of names I don't recognize but that isn't a bad thing. Kudos to Lance and Broc for growing a good forum.

_________________
tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I buy 1/8" and 1/4" downcut bits with 1/4" shanks at Woodcraft.I'm not sure if they carry the smaller ones.

AlA Peebels39042.9658796296

I'll second the Robb Jack recommendation, although I must do it second hand. I know that both Kevin Ryan and the guys at Taylor swear by them, and nobody puts tooling through its paces like Taylor. I'll be buying my 'permanent' tooling from Robb Jack once I know exactly which bits I use most.

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

OK, wow that Robb Jack has some incredibly small dia bits there. (like 0.005") Don't look at them wrong though.

Very cool, thanks for the link Tim.

Bob, have you purchased from them before? Seeing as your in Canada, I thought I would ask you although this isn't limited to you (read, anyone please answer if you can)

Do they have minimum purchasing and do you have to be a company???? etc...


Edit...

Sorry, I should have read their terms and conditions. Minimum order is only $25. Very cool.

Thanks again guys.Rod True39043.0451157407

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I'll also recommend the robbjack cutters. These guys have one of the best grades of carbide I've ever seen and the cutters are very precise. http://www.robbjack.com

_________________
Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Lance, I've always been happy with the Stew Mac (or LMI) bits in my dremel (and their both sponsors), and always had good results when cutting the rosette channel. The first option I'd try is, as has already been suggested, their adapter collet for the Lam trimmer. Start with the easiest option.

Colin

_________________
I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I would suggest an opposite approach, Lance. I think it's better to keep a dozen of the same cutter on hand and learn how many cuts you'll get out of them. That way, you can chuck it right before problems begin and grab another one.

I know I've suggested this many times, but find your local tooling guy. Ask any machine shop who he is and get your stuff from him. You'll get better cutters and save a lot of money. This is about a two month supply of little cutters for me, and the cost for this lot is about two cases of beer. They are all four flute up-cut carbide end mills.

_________________
John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

Tim,
is this what your talking about?

_________________
Support the OLF! Bookmark our STEWMAC link Today!
Lance@LuthiersForum.com

[QUOTE=LanceK] Tim,
is this what your talking about?

[/QUOTE]

Yep, That's it Lance, although yours is set up to cut rosettes that look a LOT bigger than mine

_________________
tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com