Routing binding without a jig

[Michael Baresi]

Im getting ready to route the binding ledge on my tele project. It has a beveled arm and belly contour.
I have no problem routing the flat section of the body but the bevel is the problem of course.
The back is roundover so no problem there.
I would love to have the stewmac jig but it won't happen for this project so I figure I'll have to cut it by hand. Im not buying a gramil for $50 when what I really want is the stewmac jig.
Question: can anyone give me advice on cutting this?
The gramil looks pretty simple and I thought I might make my own version. Anyone done that?
thanks

[Mike Trobaugh]

Hi Michael
I have made a clone of the Stewmac binding machine with parts purchased from this e-bay store

http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage- ... 7675.l2563

Cant post pics right now but ill do so later

hope this helps

[Michael Baresi]

Hi Mikie
thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
How did your machine work?

[Mike Trobaugh]

This is the second version as the first one I made did not have enough swing,couldent rout the cutaway in a telecaster,and was lose fitting.
this version has more swing and more stable.
I haven't found the proper counterbalance spring.
With a Bosch Colt the sliding unit weighs 5lbs,12 oz.

[Michael Baresi]

Very nice Mikie.
Do you have a pic of the bit and bearing area?

[Mike Trobaugh]

That was a wooden wheel
UHMW or delrin would be a better choice but that work on the previous one

[Michael Baresi]

thanks again Mikie
If anyone is interested I found a link to another homemade jig. Its rather clever too and uses drawer slides.
http://youtu.be/N7q4CWUqnUU

[Randolph Rhett]

Mikie,

Did you fabricate that router mount. If so, out of what? Where did you get a piece of 90deg alum that size?

[Michael Baresi]

I've found the poor mans routing jig on youtube.
Im attaching a couple of pics and they are self explanatory.
The depth is adjusted using your router settings and the thickness of the binding slot is adjusted by moving the top piece back or forth using it as a sacrificial fence. My router table is made of plywood so I screwed the jig to the table.

[Mike Trobaugh]

Hi Randolph
The mount is just a piece of Aluminum angle thats 1/4 thick by 5" by 5"
I purchased this on E-bay
Hope this helps

[Michael Baresi]

I routed using my poor mans jig and it worked great. Very accurate. This binding is 2/32 x 7/32. It dialed right in.
Heres a couple of pics of my binding installed. Still lots of cleanup to do.