Official Luthiers Forum!

I am getting to the point where I need to route the edges for the binding. I haven't picked up the proper tools for this yet, and was wanting to get some feedback from the forum here before making my choices. I am making a mandolele with a flat-top rather than carved.

What is your prefered method for routing the edges in prep for the binding? Where did you find the tools that you use (if it was recent enough to remember )?

I have access to a full shop, but it doesn't have some of the specialty stuff I need to complete my mandolele. Keep in mind that this is my first build, and while I want to do things correctly with the best tool, I also can't afford to set up a professional shop quite yet!

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--Leanu--

my favorite router is a ridgid , it mounts to most binding machines and is connected by 2 bolts and is very secure. The depth adjustment is on the front and easy to work with.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I rout free hand using a Bosch Colt laminate trimmer with the StewMac router bit and bearing set.

the ridgid is similar to the bosch but the base square , my colt is rectangular . Most any laminate trimmer will work . Avoid Harbor freight , lower cost China units often have way too much run out and they don't have the heat treating down. I have seen HF throw bits and collets crack.
Bosch and Ridgid are decent units , I have used both.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I also like my Ridgid.
It's a good idea to put a strip of masking tape over the micro adjust wheel so it can't accidentally change depth during a pass...

Good idea. noted.

I like the VS Colt so much I have 3 of them. Keep one in my binding jig, one in my circle jig, and one loose for everything else.

Mike