Official Luthiers Forum!

I own one of the binding cutting bits that Tracy is talking about and it is great!! I used to use the Stew mac bit and always had to use the masking tape around the bearing trick to try and match the size purfling or binding I wanted to use. I don't know how I got by without this thing for so long!!!   

Hi Robbie,
Where can this bit be purchased???
Thanks, walterK

I got my cutter and bearing set from Tracy Leveque a few months ago.

Which binding jig are you folks using? I am going in on the bulk purchase and am curious how they work with the Ribbecke (LMII) binding jig. I had planned to set up a lot of laminate trimmers with standard flush cut bits to avoid having to readjust all the time. A bearing change and one adjustment seems better and lots less expensive. Any experience with this setup or are you using the Williams type binding jig? TIA.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Don,
I don't use a jig at all, just a laminate trimmer with an angle base on it, and set the angle by eye. Nothing fancy here, but then again, I only built 2 guitars.
Tracy

[QUOTE=tl507362] Don,
I don't use a jig at all, just a laminate trimmer with an angle base on it, and set the angle by eye. Nothing fancy here, but then again, I only built 2 guitars.
Tracy[/QUOTE]

Your not alone. My first 2 are still unfinished, but it is time to break out the spray rig. I guess you could say I'm a quick out of the gate but a slow "finisher". (This is where we need a drummer icon for the rim shot). Really though, your method is basically the same as Don W's jig without the wood. I tried the StewMac dremel setup on my first and had lots of trouble. I think it was more due to the dremel and lack of a compensated base. I'm sure a laminate trimmer would have made the difference. I did reread the LMII jig description and they say the bearing bits are a good match. Can't wait to give them a try.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Don, I would think that my bit is even a better fit for this jig because the shaft is a little longer, which would give you a little extra depth of a cut on the side binding. I've never even seen this jig in person, so I don't know for sure, but just speculating. On my first 2, I had a little problem with gaps around the waist, but my 2nd came out perfect. Only 2 tiny gaps. I used the tape with super glue method on my 2nd, and it went much smoother, and not as nerve racking. Good luck on the finishing. I don't know how you can stand to have a guitar finished and not want to play it! I usually string mine up before applying the finish by bolting on the bridge just so I can play it. I just can't wait!
Tracy