Do you find yourself sneaking out to the shop in the middle of the night to work on guitars?
Do you make excuses of why you can’t meet with friends or family on weekends
just so you can put in more shop time?
Is your “Honey Do” list getting longer and longer?
Do you have screensavers on your computer with pictures like these?
Do you have telephone numbers of lutherie supply warehouses on speed dial?
Do you hide the credit bills from your spouse?
Do you frequent internet guitar building forums on your computer at work?
Do you dream of cutting down the neighbor’s tree and making guitars out of it?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you could be, a secret agent luthier.
Let’s face it, If there were a 12 step program for folks like you, you would be a lifetime member.
Well, if you are one who spends countless hours making jigs out of your finest rosewood,
then this video is for you.
Introducing the kerfing jig.
Yes, if you like waking up in the middle of the night thinking about jigs,
then this is a dream come true.
Brazilian luthier Antonio Tessarin made this one, but there are several versions out there.
Let’s take a look at how it works.
He started with a basic sled for the table saw and a small kerf blade.
A notched piece of wood
with a small nail is used to attach to the material you want to make kerfing out of.
The notches will serve to advance the piece after each cut.
This assembly is then placed into the jig.
Notice how there is an arm with a piece of metal,
in this case an old bandsaw blade, that fits into the notched areas.
The arm has an angle on it that bumps into a strategically placed block.
This advances the kerfing stock as the cut is made.
A rubber band is used to pull the arm and scrap bandsaw blade back
and into the next notch preparing it for the next cut.
I am sure my friend probably used a piece of bubble gum or duct tape somewhere in this jig too.
However, if I told you where, I would have to kill you.
Yes folks, if your credit card has ever been declined when taking the family out to dinner
because you maxed it out buying wood and tools, then this jig is for you.
If you give a Christmas and birthday wish list of lutherie accessories to your family,
you may want to consider making this jig.
As you can see, it is a simple but functional design
and I bet you are getting all worked up just looking at it.
This jig is a real time saver
allowing you to get onto more important things like surfing the internet
looking for more cool jigs like this one.
