Binding the Guitar Body

Click on the pictures for full size.
Cutting binding ledge

 

 

 

This next stage was the most frustrating in the whole project.
Cutting a ledge for the binding and decorative purfling lines went fine, using a router and hand purfling cutter.
But heat bending strips of ebony binding that didn't want to bend led to hours of sitting by a hot pipe watching pieces snap when they were almost done
Gluing binding

 

 

 

 

After finally getting them bent into shape it was time to glue the ebony binding to the edge
Gluing ebony binding / purfling on Maccaferri Glue and masking tape to get a tight fit.

 

 

The hand purfling cutter was very useful for marking the lines before using the router for the binding / purfling ledges and also for cleaning up neatly afterwards.

In fact I did most of the cutting with this tool as it cuts vertically when held against the guitar side

 

 

 

The Dremel attachment from Stewart MacDonald was useful for cutting the ledges but did tend to tilt  a bit, as it rested on the sloping top and back surfaces.

For a lot more detailed information on binding a guitar try the Musical Instrument Makers' Forum.

Guitar binding Youtube videos  -

Chris Paulick

Steve

US Guitar Kits

 

Luthiercast

O'Brien Guitars

Classical & Flamenco Guitar Shop

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