Andrew Crawford

Corner trimming jig soon available

This is a jig I’ve designed to complete the outer corners of router cut grooves for inlay lines. Anyone who has ever inlaid lines around a box lid, first removing the bulk to width using a table mounted router, will have confronted this problem: the router does a great job except for the last few mm of the outsides of the corners. These have to be completed by hand - traditionally using a wide chisel carefully lined up along the last bit of the routed groove, or it can also be done using a straight edge and a scalpel. A corner chisel is another way to go - but lining it up perfectly is difficult. Veritas produce a very nicely made, compact corner chisel but the magnetic guide that comes with it is not appropriate for this job and is difficult to use un-guided.

So, with this chisel as a starting point, I set out to design an alternative guide for use with inlay lines. The prototype I’ve designed holds the chisel perfectly vertical and in exactly the correct postion relative to the routed grooves. One tap with a hammer and the job is done!

Veritas has shown an interest in producing this commercially. They’ve been very complimentary about the design and function of the prototype - but initially expressed doubts about the potential market. They see this as being something that could be too specialised to be commercially viable. It IS specialised and performs a single task, but of course it’s NOT just for box makers. It will cater for grooves from 2mm to 15mm wide and it’s appropriate for a lot more than just box making. Inlaid decoration is fundamental to a wide range of cabinetwork and other decorative work, including drawer fronts, cabinet doors, table and cabinet tops, marquetry panels, picture/photo frames, games boards ... in fact, this jig will be valuable in any situation where a decorative line or crossbanding is to be inlaid around a rectangular panel.

At time of writing [28th sept 2010] Veritas appear won over as they are sending me a prototype for my evaluation!

When you look at any item - what is the first thing you look at? - the inlay. And the most crucial part of this? - the way the corners are handled. This jig will ensure that this most crucial area of your work is perfect every time!

Some of you who attended one of my courses in recent years may have used an early version of this - thanks to you for the feedback, it has all been very valuable! As to the final version, I can boast a 100% success rate with all my recent courses: never before have I had sixteen perfectly squared corners at my weekend courses!

My guess is that Veritas will decide to manufacture a version of this - but even if they decide not to, I will be doing it myself. So, one way or another, a version of this jig will eventually be available, based around the Veritas corner chisel. In any case I will have my prototype with me in Australia and will be demonstrating its use at every opportunity! And taking names of those interested in ordering whatever version eventually materialises.

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Books:

My new book for Stobart Davies is continuing apace but a publication date is still undecided.

It’s now more than 10 years since my last box making book and things have moved on!  This new title will be a comprehensive one introducing many new techniques, improving on old ones, and greatly expanding on tried and tested methods.  There will be much on methods of decoration, veneering,

I will be adding much more information here as the final format takes shape.

The publisher's patience is much appreciated - please watch this space ...