Binding and Purfling

To rout the binding channels, we used a router similar to the other one, only it's mounted on arms that keep the base parallel to the table top. The guitar body is resting on a platform that is adjustable, so you can adjust the up-facing surface of the guitar to be parallel to the table top too. Then the router will make nice even, square channels for the purfling and binding to go into.

The top purfling is applied first... it is bendy and easy to apply, and the only really tricky part is matching up the ends. Then it is necessary to go through and clean up any glue squeeze out to prepare the channel for binding and the other purfling. These have to be bent... and this is done in the same press in which we bent the sides. They are not a perfect match to the curvature of the guitar, but close enough that one can press and glue into the slot.

The ends have to be very carefully matched up so that the seams are as tight as possible... this is very tricky indeed. And it is a messy process to squeeze in glue and use the strapping tape as clamps to hold the binding in place. Doing the purfling and binding essentially took all day long and many of us stayed late. And right now, the guitar looks a mess... with glue smears and ugly strapping tape everywhere. But tomorrow, we will be filing off all that crud and reaveal the beautiful detailing underneath.

BTW for those who are interested, the binding is maple, and the purfling is different combos of b-w-b strips.

Also BTW - in the picture of the end wedge above, I'm not "giving you the finger". I'm holding the binding in place... the seam in the binding is above the wedge along the centerline, but you can barely see it... which is the point. Of course, it took me probably an hour at least to get it that way. But it is gratifying when it works.