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I was sondering how most of you go about rounding over the edges of your bindings to take that sharp edge off.

I've been just using a scraper or small sanding block and it seems like the result is not as consistant as I would like it to be.

I also saw a tiny roundover bit for a dremel type tool and was wondering if that would be too much radius. I think it was a 1/8 radius, but you wouldn't have to set it as low as it will go, just enough to take the edge off. It seems like it would be easier to get a consistant profile all the way around this way.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

woodcraft carries a 1/16" round over bit, but I think even that might be too much

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Steidl?

Is everyone else just using sandpaper or a scraper, as I have been doing? Or is there a better way to do this?

Guess that's what I should have asked. Sorry, no sleep for a couple of days.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

I use my router. I can't remember if its a 1/8 or 1/16 bit that I use. I go back after and touch it up with a sanding block. It's a fast and fairly consistant method for rounding the binding.

Josh

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
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House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

I use sandpaper and a scraper, when the guitars that close to being the last thing I want to get near it is a power tool.... It only takes a few minutes to do.

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

Dave--Get some sleep, for crying out loud!
Nelson

Yup, scrape and sand does it every time.

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Pete
http://www.petewoodmanguitars.com

I turn a hook on a single edge razor blade. Makes a nice little cabinet scraper.

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I used to do it by hand with the various methods above but wasn't happy with the inconsistency. I now use a lam trimmer and round-over bit with a guide bearing. I'm guessing it's a 1/4" which is a 1/8" radius. I just set it to just kiss the sharp edge off and then finish up with 220 by hand. Place a mark on the top at each edge of the finger board location and don't do that area or you will have an ugly gap when you mount the FB. You want to leave that area square. Don't ask how I know that ;(

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Just kissing and rounding a small amount with paper or scraper. Just stay away from area of neck joing as you get a gap. I know that for sure. since just taking off sharp edge doesn't need power tools

Tim hit the nail on the head. I'm not looking for the easiest way, just the most consistent.

Guess I'll stick to the way I'm doing it for now.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

I used to see a tool in some of the supplier catalogs for rounding corners. It looked similar to a beer can opener (church key for you old timers)
Might be worth a try for rounding the binding edge.
Has anyone seen this in any catalogs recently?
Thanks
Nelson

I think Lee Valley still stocks the things. You mean these things here, by any chance?

   I agree not to use power tools. the back and top actually are not flat and the radius is easy enough with a touch of sandpaper and a little steel wool. Don't make things harder than they are. Simplicity is the key

Thanks, Mattia!
I find that a consistent radius on plastic binding is time consuming.   Seems like it just doesn't sand as nice as wood. May have to give one of these a try.
Nelson