Pearl Cutting Jig

A good product

Overall, the cutting jig is a good product. I modified mine with a wooden top hood, rectangular opening under the hood, so that a 3" wide vacuum attachment could be mounted under the opening. When I am cutting, I attach the vacuum hose, and all the shell dust is removed. The vacuum is located outside the shop, via a long hose. Works great!

This type of work is new to me. It has taken some practice... I'm getting there. Being leery of the dust from the shell, I've added a small vac to collect the dust with a screen over the end of the hose to prevent my work from following the dust too closely.

In all honesty, after receiving it and looking it over, I find the design a little flawed. The air nozzle is some what intrusive into the work area and I don't really need that function very often. I prefer a V shaped work area for better handling of larger pieces. In Robinson's book he has a design that is much more practical.

Since i have bought this product I've never looked back. My first guitar featured coat buttons as fret markers because i hadn't a clue how to go about inlaying pearl. Now, it's a completely different ball game. No instrument comes out of my shop without some custom inlay.

I bought this setup knowing it was going to simplify my inlay work, but I was absolutely amazed at how easily it cuts through abalone. It takes a little more time to saw through thicker MOP but as long as you keep applying the cutting lubricant, your results will be fantastic. My only complaint is that the lubricant builds up on the work piece and I find it hard sometimes to follow the pattern. But I haven't even hooked up the little blower yet, so that may resolve the issue. Overall, I'm very pleased with this kit.