Binding.

GSPBASSES

Has anybody found a way of rout the binding channel on a droptop that works every time? Over the years I've spent hundreds of pounds buying all sorts of gadgets to do this job. None of them really work well so I gave up even trying to do it now. But, if somebody knows a way of doing it I would be more than interested. It's one of the few jobs in guitar, making that I haven't mastered, I would like to try and do it before I finally hang up my rout and retire.

WezV

What tools and jigs have you tried so far?

I recently got a truechannel style jig, which I think should work, but am yet to try it for this

SteveRobinson

I've got one of these which is great
https://guitarsandwoods.com/binding-routing-jig.html

Question is, is there enough of a side on a drop-top for the bearing to run on?

GSPBASSES

WezV said:

What tools and jigs have you tried so far?

I recently got a truechannel style jig, which I think should work, but am yet to try it for this

I've tried the older versions of this jig, there's been at least 3 or 4 different versions of this, none of them do droptop properly or the inside of the lower bout on the Les Paul. They all do flattops, no problem, but you don't really need a special jig for flat tops, any router with a rebate cutter will work. Although I think the biggest problem with these is the Dremel, as you don't seem to be able to buy really good router bits to fit. Most of the bits seem to give you a lot of tear out, just not sharp.

SteveRobinson said:

I've got one of these which is great
https://guitarsandwoods.com/binding-routing-jig.html

Question is, is there enough of a side on a drop-top for the bearing to run on?

I've tried the Stew Mac version of that and it doesn't work on droptop's. I think it could be modified to do it but as it's not mine I'm a bit reluctant to modify it.

WezV

Yeah, with flat tops no jig is needed at all.  I only picked one up when I started doing acoustics to work better with the dome.

I have the small dremel attachment from stew mac too.
https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-binding/binding-router-guide/

Absolutely hated it at first, but now I have practiced with i find it a good backup for the trickier spots, although a bit of tidy up with a knife and chisel is often needed 

Both should work reasonably well with a subtler bevel, both will struggle with a deeper one.

GSPBASSES

A friend of mine has got one of those and it works very well, but unfortunately as soon as it comes off the flat it starts to cut the channel at an angle. I'm going to ask my friend who has the Stew Mac Version of the guitarandwoods binding jig to see if he'll let me modify it.

WezV

I think reducing the size or changing the angle of the donut shaped bit should do the trick