Best string inlay kit?

[Christopher Charles]

Hi all,

I've got a project that I'm hoping to add both straight and curved string inlay into. The topic has been discussed here before, but several of the options for tool sets are no longer available (i.e., the LN tools and the LV adapter for router planes). Actually, so far as I know, the only option is the LV inlay tools...

Anyone know of other sources or have recommendations? Or have a set they'd like to clear out for a fair price?

Many thanks,
Chris

[Edward Weber]

you can make some of your own
https://acanthus.com/2018/12/22/string-inlay-tools/
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2013/02/07/string-inlay-made-easy
https://canadianwoodworking.com/techniques_and_tips/an-introduction-to-stringing-and-banding-part-1/

You can also find lots of small detail tools and bits from luthier suppliers
https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-inlay-and-pearl-cutting/

LV and Veritas seem to be just about the only ones offering a retail version

The last alternative is going back to using a few cut nails and an actual piece of string.

[Eric Brown]

Although mostly power tools you might find something here:
https://www.stewmac.com/search/?q=inlay+tools

[chris carter]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the OP, but LV still sells the router inlay option. It just shows out of stock; not discontinued.

[Christopher Charles]

Edward, thanks! Those are all great links!

Eric, thanks-definitely lots of goodies at Stew Mac

Chris-that might be exactly what I was looking for. Oddly it didn't turn up on the LV site when doing my searches so I assumed it was discontinued. Looking again, it does show up on page 4 when searching 'inlay' on the site.

Best,
Chris

[Eric Brown]

Depending on the size of the string you might consider a beading plane, like a Stanley 66. You can also find different makes or make your own. A new set of cutters for the 66 style planes is available from https://www.stjamesbaytoolco.com/
Lie-Nielsen offers one (out of stock) https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/bronze-beading-tool-and-blade-set?path=special-purpose-tools&node=4076
Lee Valley https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/32679-veritas-wooden-beading-tool?item=05P0401
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/100601-cutters-for-veritas-beading-tools?item=05P0410 Master set of cutters $30

Maybe even a quirk cutter like: https://www.ebay.com/itm/295711770181?hash=item44d9cb8645:g:tX8AAOSwSy5goVi 8&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwHDO8jcHalAFkRtvRdKzxxMjr3oIu WQIAJVqrzjmwzSpEioMdxiIWu7G8yFKH78m4osGIyL0kL9VSJY 5XiSYhX5pWgEj1dr6xcNLH%2FWSZudel5Zwq3esnynz7k1INbW wLi8Nv0e5Dkc%2F77Lw20d7Y9%2Fs1xYvqIBmMxWr9IJPy8IKR eBIF88cxusuWx7iaToEQajxFkpExhuvpnS6fizk4HNPYE5vElG iU30cCq%2FVaNbCjKl5U8mUnpLve1Y1hp2zYQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp% 3ABk9SR9DYpYiLYg

Look for one with different cutters and fences. The model with blade adjuster is also nice.

[Mike Allen1010]

Chris, I use the LV inlay tools and like them fine- they have different width blades, matching width mini chisels and curved hand tool for clearing waste that are particularly helpful. Fixed fence for reference off straight edges and compass point pivot for curves.

I have the router inlay attachments but have never really used them- plastic shims for setting width of line groove is effective but too much math for me. For me the dremel (stew Mac) platform produces the fastest and cleanest grooves for straight lines , but I have more trouble getting the pivot point in the correct spot for arcs- bulky and heavier than hand tool.

[Mike Brady]

I have the complete Lie-Nielsen No. 66 set, if you are interested.

[Mike Brady]

I have the LN No. 66 kit and the the entire set of Steve Latta inlay tools that LN used to offer, if you are interested. Is there a PM available on this form?

[Stephen Rosenthal]

I have the LN No. 66 kit and the the entire set of Steve Latta inlay tools that LN used to offer, if you are interested. Is there a PM available on this form?

I’m interested in the Steve Latta set. Will send PM to discuss price.