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rudy - Posted - 06/24/2012: 05:04:35
For inlay I use a 1/16" and a 1/8" bit most of the time. I purchased the solid carbide down cut spiral bits because they make clean concise lines with little fuzzing of the edges. Don't waste your time with the Dremel bits that are rotary burrs, not router bits. These are inexpensive at a few dollars each, but aren't suitable for inlay work. I use an Exacto knife with a SHARP #11 blade to clean up any remaining sharp corners for the inlay, as well as a myriad of other uses.
I have a foot switch to control the router that makes it much nicer to do inlay work. I can keep two hands on the base ((the Stewart McDonald base is deluxe and worth every (Shilling? Pound? Euro?) that it costs, by the way...)) and not have the router running constantly.
Cutting pearl is something best accomplished with a good frame saw. I like to use the extra fine blades exclusively, as they can be guided around intricate cuts easily without as much breakage. Although cutting special unique shapes is rewarding, if you're going for generic patterns, or even some a bit unusual you can't beat Sam and Buddy Lee DePaule at Luthiersupply.com
Their selection and service are top-notch and saves you half the aggravation of inlay work. My eyes aren't as young as my spirit is any longer and cutting pearl is something I like to employ others to do! I have DePaule do custom logos for me as they are consistent and much cheaper for me than buying the pearl and cutting them myself if I factor in even a very low rate of labor. They have many very nice stock designs that can be purchased quite inexpensively.
Lastly, here is a frame saw that I made for myself from a very nice (and cheap) hacksaw frame. The "Exacto" frame that I started with many years ago saw a good number of trips against the wall. (Figurative trips, but it did make the last toss directly into the trash!)
BTW, I like your avatar. The ladies are such camera hogs, aren't they?
Edited by - rudy on 06/24/2012 05:16:02
 Inlay Saw |
beegee - Posted - 06/24/2012: 05:08:35
The carbide bits would be my choice: stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routing...p;xsr=538
You can buy the bits somewhat cheaper from jewelry supply houses like Rio Grande
If the carbide is too pricey, you can use HSS,, but they dull and burn more quickly in ebony and rosewood. If you are on good terms with your dentist, he may be willing to give you some used dental bits. My dentist will order me whatever new ones I want from his wholesale supplier.
You can but Dremel bits at Lowe's 9901 or 9902 carbide would be good for hogging out inlay spaces, but you'd want to use a smaller cutter for fine outlines.
Use a saw for cutting inlay. I use a Foredom rotary tool with diamond bits for grinding and refining the inlay shape after cutting. i also use a diamond nail file for smoothing edges. don't like the saw pictured. I use an antique jeweler's saw like this. More control:
I cut my first inlay slots with a sharpened mini-screwdriver and exacto knife. It didn't take me long to decide I needed a dremel.
Edited by - beegee on 06/24/2012 05:12:48
uncle.fogey - Posted - 06/24/2012: 05:45:13
My 3 favorite upcut router bits are the same as everyone else's - 1/8", 1/16" and 1/32", the 1/16" one being the real workhorse for me.
The 1/8" is handy if you are making large sized inlays, and the 1/32" is good for getting into corners and drilling tiny holes in the inside corners of inlays to facilitate turning the saw. If I could only have one bit, it would be the 1/16".
I would get the carbide, for what it's worth - it will last a lot longer - just don't drop them on the floor - they break.
I use a regular jeweler's saw, an old one, that has lasted for a long time.
Recently, on the hangout Wyatt Fawley recommended "Herkules" #1 blades. I got some of these, and they are excellent - you can order them from Jewelers' supply places. They are not expensive. the really cheap ones break more easily and get dull quickly.
BPorter - Posted - 06/24/2012: 08:25:04
quote:
Originally posted by beegee
The carbide bits would be my choice: stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routing...p;xsr=538
You can buy the bits somewhat cheaper from jewelry supply houses like Rio Grande
If the carbide is too pricey, you can use HSS,, but they dull and burn more quickly in ebony and rosewood. If you are on good terms with your dentist, he may be willing to give you some used dental bits. My dentist will order me whatever new ones I want from his wholesale supplier.
You can but Dremel bits at Lowe's 9901 or 9902 carbide would be good for hogging out inlay spaces, but you'd want to use a smaller cutter for fine outlines.
Use a saw for cutting inlay. I use a Foredom rotary tool with diamond bits for grinding and refining the inlay shape after cutting. i also use a diamond nail file for smoothing edges. don't like the saw pictured. I use an antique jeweler's saw like this. More control:
I cut my first inlay slots with a sharpened mini-screwdriver and exacto knife. It didn't take me long to decide I needed a dremel.
Beegee, I have used the Burchett Quality Tool solid carbide ends mills and they are between 6.50 to 5.00 each for the 1/32 to 1/8 inch diameter and I believe they are 1/8 inch shaft diameter. See this link: bqtool.com/shop/index.php?cPat...4cdddab21
I can't remember if they have a minimum order but they probably do....probably 50 bucks or so. You can save some bucks by purchasing from the source as does StewMac and other "retailers".
later,
Bill Porter
Helix - Posted - 06/24/2012: 08:54:18
This turtle was done freehand by holding the sheet in a vise with rosewood jaws vertically instead of the traditional horozontal. Jeweler's saw. 5 minutes. Sharpie rubs off with alcohol. I hire my own lettering.
A person may mount the Dremel in the vise vertically, I use a wooden plate with a hole in it. You may then push your piece against the spinning bit.
PLEASE use a water spray to kill dust, respirator and shop vac will save those lungs for singing.
I thought necks were daunting, too, but my first one played perfectly. I researched my own headstock and invested in the 3 pamphlets from First Quality, they have pages of inlays, also, you'll love cutting your own paper doll headstock and inlays, works great, I learned it from Mike Gregory here on the hangout.
Edited by - Helix on 06/24/2012 08:57:38
 |  Helix Mariner |
Joe Jakonczuk - Posted - 06/25/2012: 06:46:19
It's been a very long time since I did any inlay stuff. When I did I asked my dentist for his old dental tools. They came in several different shapes and some where very small. They worked great and the price was too!
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