TrueChannel Binding Routing Jig

I bought the True Channel jig some time ago and tried it two days ago for the first time on a Les Paul Custom project. I was making the first pass around the tip of the horn when the router and assembly started shaking violently and making a racket. The bolt on the bottom front of the router mount had vibrated loose. I recommend using some locktite on this bolt. When everything is tight, there is still quite a bit of play in the assembly and I am surprised that the cut is as uniform as it is. In general, it is difficult to get the jig in position so that there is enough of the nylon bushing on the face of the guitar without the jig dropping or having the bit engage the wood on start-up. Good concept, however not worth the price unless it is improved (and retrofits available to current owners).

having struggled with getting perfect clean binding rabbets has been a big frustration on my archtops. This solved my problem nicely. Nothing like good quality tools to improve the building experience.

Awesome, works very well with masonite as a bottom board. I have only just used it only to trim the overlap with a flush trimmer. Such a pleasure not to have to worry about the arches on the front and back throwing off the tool, no unwanted cutting. Did well with old tool on padouk. Only suggestion I have is to lower the price. You are too proud of this tool. It is an excellent tool and a worthwhile investment regardless....I am a fool for tools. Rarely am I this impressed on first use. It would be 5 stars at more reasonable price.

... but to make it useable for my German Bosch router I almost had to re-construct the whole sledge, cause the router mounting template does not work at all for that. Now, after heavy modification work, it is a good, useful tool.

Outstanding tool. Removed all my binding hassles. After several guitars, the adjustment screws for height have become loose enough that occasionally one will vibrate out of adjustment while routing. Like to see that fixed.
Dan McCrimmon
Isle of Skye Guitars

We are very excited about how easy it really is to use this tool. Should not have waited so long with this investment. Can only say that our production time is significantly lower. Can really be recommended!

Best regards
Pierre Boserup Dubré
Guitar Services ApS
Dubré-Guitars
Copenhagen
Denmark

I'm working on a first guitar and was truly terrified of the stage where I'd have to cut the binding and purfling channels. Not that I'd recommend shelling out for this jig just for one guitar - I wouldn't - but as I plan to make this a lifelong pursuit, I'm super happy that I bought this jig. Even for an uninitiated, un-handy noob like me, this jig made the process virtually painless and my binding and purfling channels were perfect. I'd never have been able to do that without this jig. I give it four stars rather than five as, although it is a truly brilliant idea, there is a little room for improvement. For one thing, I'd love to have wheels on the underside of the guitar carriage for smoother movement. Waxing and/or finishing the carriage's underside and plywood workboard is a little cumbersome. Also, I have the Bosch router suggested for this jig and I like it, but I agree the combo is less than ideal - the positioning of the Bosch's power cord in conjunction with this jig really would become a nuisance if working on an electric, mandolin, etc. Setting the depth of cut is actually something of a task as the base will shift slightly when locking/unlocking, so you really have to be careful to do a practice run on scrap and adjust/readjust/readjust. Last, there has got to be an easier way to attach alternate routers - I also own a DeWalt, but having to actually make an alternate base is a seriously cumbersome PITA. In spite of all this, I would absolutely buy it again. It has made my binding life one heck of a lot easier, and will continue to do so.

I like the idea...but I have to agree with the other reviewers that point to the lame quality of the Bosch trimmer and the excessive vibrations (from the loose fit in the channels). I found myself holding onto the router to limit vibrations while I guided the guitar with my other hand.

That being said, I think I'll be able to tweak this thing enough to make a nice jig...starting with a new router.

StewMac might take some of these suggestions to heart...(considering the price)?

I recently purchased this routing jig from StewMac. Here are a few suggestions. Do not use the Bosch router that StewMac showes in the video. It's a piece of crap. Here is why.

To remove the router from it's base is a struggle, you have to pull and twist and it just is too hard to get apart. The height adjustment is sloppy at best. The power cord will hit the top of the Jig and limit the travel of the cut. Not a problem if you only build instruments like acoustic guitars, but not good for say dulcimers or electric guitars. I found a much better choice to be the DeWalt D26670 compact router. Here is why.

For one the power cable exits the router from the top of the unit giving you max travel of the jig. The Router is held onto its base by one wing nut screw Easy to remove for bit adjustments. The height adjustment is accurate and easy to access. All in all the TrueChannel Binding Routing Jig is a good thing. It could be a little more stable in design but I give it a 8 out of 10 rating. Just make sure you do not buy the Bosch router, It's no good.

Yes, it does take some of the angst out of keeping the router vertical on your guitar back. And I would also agree that it cuts neat and accurate slots. I'm a great fan of downcut bits and this one performs well. My main niggle is the amount of play on the mounting shaft. If the router is not engaged against the work it vibrates excessively. Good concept..could be improved by better engineering to justify the price.