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Installing the bindings
We prefer our high-tack binding tape to hold the bindings,
but you can also use cloth tape or long rubber bands . Before
gluing, prepare by tearing many pieces of tape in 2" lengths .
Binding the top: apply Bind-ALL glue to a section of the
routed soundboard channels, from about six inches to one-
quarter of the distance around the guitar from the tailblock
seam (pictured) . Set the herringbone trim in place; the pat-
tern should point toward the neck block .
Apply a little more Bind-All on its edge, and set the ivoroid
binding strip against it in the outer channel . You can glue
both strips simultaneously . Secure them tightly with tape
(pictured) and press the herringbone trim down firmly . Re-
peat the procedure to complete one side of the soundboard,
and allow 6-8 hours drying time before binding the other
side .
Remove the tape by warming it with a heat gun (or a hair
dryer) held at least 6-8 inches away . Pull the tape off at a
45° angle (pictured) . When warmed, the tape will lift easily
without pulling out wood fibers .
Remove the wood between the scored lines with a router or
chisel, just deep enough for the thickness of the end trim .
Fitting the end trim and purfling: Cut a 6" piece off of
each of the two supplied .040" ivoroid/black purfling strips .
Check the fit of the end trim with the purfling on each side
(the black line should be on the inside) in the channel, slide
until the wedge tightens the pieces .
When the fit is perfect, glue the purfling and end trim in place
with Bind-ALL . Clamping should not be necessary . After 24
hours drying time, trim the ends to match the routed binding
ledges . Level the end trim flush with the guitar sides, using
a sharp scraper blade tool (pictured) .
Separate end trim from the ivoroid blank using a razor knife
(set the heel cap aside for later) . Clean up the cut edges with
a file or block with 120-grit sandpaper . Be careful to keep the
pre-routed shape, lines straight, and edges square .
With the tailblock facing up, secure the body using the waist
clamp screwed to your workbench .
Cutting the channel for the end trim: Center the tapered
plastic end trim at the end seam of the guitar, about mid-
way from top to bottom, with the wide end toward the
soundboard (see the blueprint, upper left) . Outline the
end trim onto the guitar body . Then measure out 1/32"
from those lines to allow for the additional thickness of the
purfling on each side . Score this line with sharp razor knife
and straightedge, gradually deepening it with several passes .
Installing the end trim
In these pictures a routing template was used, but it’s not necessary to get great results.
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