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I am cutting my own bindings on this build. Which way do I want the grain to run?
Are there any other words of wisdom before I start cutting?

-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

The way that looks prettiest? Bindings are hardly structural components, so if you think one direction's going to cause things to be harder to bend (grain splitting/opening up), reorient. If you need/want a specific kind of figure, ditto.

I asked a question like this regarding grain orientation for kerfed lining strips, and got a similar 'whatever you want, really' answer. Sorry if that's not terribly helpful

I'm not sure, but I think that flat sawn will bend more easily.
Oh yeah... Kerfed linings will break less if they're flat sawn.
Of course, runout is not your friend for either of these applications. If you have enough wood to experiment, cut one flat & one vertical & see which is prettiest & easiest to bend.

Are you cutting them at home or in the shop at RRCC? I'm going to be doing the same thing myself. If you do it at home, let me know how it goes for you.

I'll use the bandsaw out there, for sure. WAYYY more accurate than mine.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

As Mattia said, it really doesn't matter. If I were you, I'd go for asthetics. Bending shouldn't be an issue as they are usually only .070-.090 thick. Pretty much anything will bend at that width and thickness.

It depends upon the material you're using for binding, I would think.

I cut all my own binding (bandsaw). Usually, one set of sides is wide enough where I can cut enough binding for two guitars.   So, when I use strips cut from the sides, obviously the binding will have the same grain orientation. Assuming the sides are quartersawn, this means the binding will be also. Not a problem with EIR or walnut, or even curly maple. But with other woods, it can be. I also like to use bloodwood as binding material, and I've found that it is best if bloodwood is flatsawn and I have to carefully watch for runout when I cut it, or else it tends to snap and splinter. I've found ebony to be similarly problematic.

Best,

Michael
Michael McBroom38730.4637962963

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