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Is it best to cut binding or purfling channels first? Opinions please. Roby

I have read some of those special binding router bits can ride into the binding channel and cause problems, so maybe in that case it's better to cut the purfling channel first.

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

For me it's binding channels first and then purfling.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Thanks for the replies i should have said i'll be using luthier tool co hand held binding cutter.

I just use regular router bits.I don't use special bits with bearings but rather a hand held jig that registers against the total width of the side. One hand steadies the guitar and one hand guides jig. A bit touchy on the nerves, but works for me. I based my reply on what I do.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I just looked at the luthier tool company's hand held binding jig and the $200 plus price. Looks very well made and no doubt has to cost that to make a profit. Mine is very similar and I've used it from day one. Made from wood scrapes and cost me nothing.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I do binding first so that the purfling is a smaller and therefore hopefully cleaner cut.

I have the luthiertool jig. It's expensive but considering that it is small, takes up less space, and weights little the shipping on that is minimal. Also it is very well made and while I can certainly get away with using my own homemade one out of wood I don't think I'll get the adjustibility that this unit has. If I had a full machine shop I'd certainly make my own for sure. It costs much less than Stewmac or LMI's binding jig for sure, when shipping is added. Luthiertools was nice enough to include a free carbide downcut bit along with the jig.

_________________
Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

I do not use the same binding & purf
combo for every guitar.
So I always cut the binding ledge first the the purf.
Because even though I test the cuts on scrap wood
sometimes on the guitar they come out a few thousands
different.

Mike

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Mike Collins