Replies

1. 
   richeytgr | Sep 06, 2023 07:23pm | #1

   I purchase the compass cutters and inlay tools that fit the large router plane with all the little spacers and knives. I used them quit a bit. Now I use the plunge router base with Dremel tool. Just saying.

2. 
   sjeff70 | Sep 06, 2023 08:45pm | #2

   Depends on whether you want to go the hand tool or power tool route. If you want to go the hand tool route to make your own stringing then you could make your own. There are many videos on YouTube on how to make a stringing cutter block. For making the 1/16” groove for the stringing the Veritas compass cutter the above poster mentioned is a good choice if you don’t want to make scratch stocks.

   For power tool options there is the Stew Mac purfling tool and the plunge base to be used with a Dremel tool. Gary for Popular Woodworking did a YouTube video titled ‘string and inlay banding’ that is helpful for making stringing & the 1/16” grooves.

   I was asking these same questions a few months ago so I’m interested in further comments.

3. 
   Deleted | Sep 06, 2023 08:49pm | #3

   “[Deleted]”

1. 
   sjeff70 | Sep 06, 2023 09:04pm | #5

   3steers, that’s my understanding. If I recall correctly Latta used an MDF pattern some distance away to run the Purfling on.

4. 
   VinceE | Sep 06, 2023 08:56pm | #4

   It's unclear (probably unlikely) that L-N will make them again which is unfortunate because they seem to be excellent tools. Lee Valley makes some tools that can probably be adapted for this purpose. Check them out. Compare the size of the inlay you want to use to see if you can get a dremel bit that will work. For example, the dremel is good for string inlay. A good base for the dremel is not cheap so you want to make sure the dremel will meet your needs. A palm router may be a better choice and you might feel more comfortable with that so look into that. There may be articles or videos available here on FW or inferior publications (haha). Also check S. Latta's school website. Let me know if you need a recommendation on the dremel base.

5. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Sep 07, 2023 08:42am | #6

   I talked to Steve about his tool last week. LN won't be making them again, they're focusing on the core set of tools right now. Steve is in works to get them manufactured by a trusted person, but it'll be a while before you see them. He's also focusing on more important things.

   Dan Faia uses tramel points made by General, specifically the ones that look like a mechanical pencil, I can't find any on eBay right now—I vowed not to tell anyone until I found a set for myself! He replaces one of the points with a sharpened nail (yes, you read that right) and excavates the groove with that. Pretty clever if you ask me.

6. 
   user7552129 | Sep 07, 2023 09:02am | #7

   Thanks, everyone, for your answers.

7. 
   user-5917867 | Jan 15, 2024 03:19pm | #8

   I'm trying to replicate the L-N thickness gauge myself based the videos. Shouldn't be too hard, but if anyone has plans, or exact dimensions, please let me know how to find them.

   RT

1. 
   john_c2 | Jan 15, 2024 05:41pm | #9

   I think one of the magazines had plans for making the stringing tools. But I can't recall which.

8. 
   john_c2 | Jan 15, 2024 07:28pm | #10

   Another version. https://villagecarpenter.blogspot.com/2008/04/string-inlay.html

9. 
   scott_mckee | Jan 15, 2024 09:34pm | #11

   I have this set of tools. Let me know if you need to see pics or measurements and I will try to attach what I can if you think it would help.

10. 
    user-2428806 | Jan 17, 2024 05:41pm | #12

    It is mentioned above, but yes, Lee Valley has a great selection of tools for string inlay. Everything you could need. I have them and they work wonderfully.
    https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/search

11. 
    billshop | Jan 18, 2024 08:23am | #13

    I have the Veritas plunge base for the Dremel from Lee Valley and I teach others in my guild to do inlay banding and stringing. I have not seen a significant fault on any of the pieces they have made in over several years. This is a very good tool for the price.I also buy bits for the Dremel, inlay banding and stringing from Matt Furjanic at inlay banding.com. His product is excellent and he is great to deal with.
    I also have made one of the tools for sizing stringing and it works well. I rarely use it because I buy the stringing from Matt.

1. 
   PhilR | Jan 18, 2024 09:31am | #14

   There are a variety of dremel plunge bases, the Veritas is about $100, Stew-Mac $240, and perfectly usable ones on ebay (search under guitar luthier tools) for under $50. Getting one with an air-hole to blow away the shavings is well worth it, just go to a fish supply store and buy a small aerator.

   +1 for InlayBanding.com for everything else.

12. 
    user-3344055 | Jan 18, 2024 11:31am | #15

    May I recommend the plunge router accessories from Micro Fence. If you have the pocketbook to afford them, they are extremely accurate and machined to a high degree. They too are used by luthiers and inlay specialists. You should check out the web site, Richard has a bunch of videos about using their products. Best t.j.

13. 
    DRBWWing | Jan 18, 2024 12:07pm | #16

    Personally I use a compact router and spiral bits.

    Veritas has an inlay cutter for their router plane. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/maintenance-and-accessories/69876-inlay-cutter-head-for-veritas-router-plane?item=05P3845

14. 
    john_c2 | Jan 18, 2024 12:45pm | #17

    The Lee Valley string inlay tool is excellent, but there were 4 tools in the Lie Nielsen set, and they did a bunch of functions the LV can't. Likewise for the Dremel powered tools.

    Here's an article about building your own.

    https://acanthus.com/2018/12/22/string-inlay-tools/