Binding a Les Paul body

SteveRobinson · June 2023

Against my better judgement I've taken on the task of adding top binding to a Gibson Les Paul.

I've used my G&W binding jig for most of it which was a breeze but the jig won't get into the cutaway as the fretboard is in the way.

Short of removing the fretboard(!) any ideas for a neat job or is it just a case of use a sharp chisel and take it slowly?

I might see if I can make a small jig to hold a Stanley blade the requisite distance and score the top and lower edge...

elstoof · June 2023

An enviable task. I’d stick with a chisel for that

SteveRobinson · June 2023

*Unenviable? I do have a Stewmac Binding Router Guide that might do most of the rest. Will do some practice cuts with it

ArchtopDave · June 2023

A bit too late, but was there any discussion about "faux binding"?

elstoof · June 2023

SteveRobinson said:

*Unenviable?

Was being sarcastic

WezV · June 2023

I've done the cutaway a few ways.

Stew-mac dremel binding attachment.
Radius Dish UK Tru channel style binding jig.
Handheld brass purfling cutter to mark, then knives and chisels to clean up

They all work. The proper binding jig is easiest and safest, but obviously costs more and take up more room

Edit... missed that the neck was on... knives and chisels all the way for that cutaway section

roberty · June 2023

elstoof said:

SteveRobinson said:

*Unenviable?

Was being sarcastic

https://youtu.be/_q3k7K11cyQ

Andyjr1515 · July 2023

Yes - that last couple of inches needs to be chisels and mallet, I'm afraid.

If the rest of it has been done with any half-decent rig, then at least you will have a pretty decent shelf that you can use as a chisel platform once you are down to the final 0.1mm's of removal.

I find that the Crown stubby chisels from Axminster are ideal for this kind of thing.

SteveRobinson · July 2023

Thanks I've managed to make a good job with chisels, I'm going to glue the binding on next week.

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Binding a Les Paul body

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