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I'm planning on upgrading my binding setup soon. I've been considering purchasing a pre-made Fleishman style jig from John Hall. Is this probably about the best binding jig you can get? Are there any real negatives to it? I assuming it will allow me to use different types of top purfling and side purfling as long as I have the right size bearing? Any more info on it would be greatly appreciated.

The short answer is yes. You won't regret it. I think John Hall is making the Don Williams style which is loosely based on Fleishman's. I like the Williams style better.

There are two negatives that I see with this jig and they are very minor. One, it is big and storing it may be a problem. Two, your are limited to channels widths that you can get from your bearings. Other jigs have fine tuning capability. I use a Williams style jig myself and I'll never go back. The positives far outweigh the negatives.

[QUOTE=Mike Mahar] ......Two, your are limited to channels widths that you can get from your bearings.....

[/QUOTE]

I think Dave White has a solution for this. Maybe he'll join in here.

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Colby, I think it's the best option. I've tried the LMI style (Ribecki sp?) as well as a hand held option. The only think I wish it had was the option to use a down spiral bit.
Hesh, has there been a link to Dave's option on that?

I've used two styles, a Ribbecke and a quasa ribbecke, and I've seen one other used (a side bearing hand-held)...and in my experience there is no comparison between those and the Williams model. It's not a total no-brainer, but it's really close.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

There were some pictures in a recent thread.  Maybe Colin posted it.  

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Here it is.  Scroll down to Colin's Picture.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Dave's modification, which I love as it enables me to use a downcut bit and a trimmer with a guide wheel that is infinitely adjustable, can be found on his website.

Dave's modification

Here is my interpretaion (copy) of it.





I made my own jig using the information on Don's site, mine though is unboltable into its three main sections for easier storage when not in use.

The weekend I spent making it is probably the most productive weekend in my buiding career. If you buy or make one you won't regret it.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thanks guys! I think I'm gonna go for it.