Router bits for binding?

[WhoFan]

OK guitar makers out there.... I am thinking of trying to make a tele body with binding on the top edge.... Along the lines of an early 80's Shecter ala Townshend style..... I've made a few teles before but never tried the binding... Is the router bits for binding from Stewmac for this work my best choice? Is there a better or cheaper tool sold by someone else?

Any tips would be great

WhoFan

 

[Megon]

Re: Router bits for binding?

Please tell me that there is someone out there that digs Nonpoint, i dont want to be th only one on the face of this earth that thinks their flippen awesome...And no one I know likes them

Anyone....

 

[theodie]

Re: Router bits for binding?

OK guitar makers out there.... I am thinking of trying to make a tele body with binding on the top edge.... Along the lines of an early 80's Shecter ala Townshend style..... I've made a few teles before but never tried the binding... Is the router bits for binding from Stewmac for this work my best choice? Is there a better or cheaper tool sold by someone else?

Any tips would be great

WhoFan

Thats what I use. Its the router bit kit that comes with assorted bearings!

 

[Stratman]

Re: Router bits for binding?

Purchase your router bits at WOODCRAFT.com

Use a Plunge Router with a set depth and a roller bearing.

Have the router travel forward so that the bit is cutting into the wood (Clockwise), while your moving in the opposite direction (e.g., moving into not against the cut).

 

[theodie]

Re: Router bits for binding?

For standard router bits that is a good choice. This is however a speciality item and the Stew Mac Binding setup is very good! BTW, I am very picky about router bits!!!!!!!!!

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Router bits for binding?

For standard router bits that is a good choice. This is however a speciality item and the Stew Mac Binding setup is very good! BTW, I am very picky about router bits!!!!!!!!!

Ya looks like the stew mac one is the way to go... Think i'll buy the complete kit... But need some more tips Theodie..... Which size of binding would be the best for a tele top? and which cutter bearing is the right size..

I'm also picky about my router bits.... I have bought some cheaper ones from a Canadian Chain called Canadian Tire when i was first starting out and they were dung and dull out of the box... i bought a few Freud straight cutter ball bearing bits and they have lasted me for ages and are still sharper then the cheaper ones when new....

 

[Rstlessone]

Re: Router bits for binding?

Hey, If your in Canada, try Lee Valley for the speciality stuff. They have a web site. Also try Busy Bee tools. These two have help alot in various projects for me, if your in the Toronto area there are within travelling time, if your further out they do online sales.

Hope it helps.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Router bits for binding?

Hey, If your in Canada, try Lee Valley for the speciality stuff. They have a web site. Also try Busy Bee tools. These two have help alot in various projects for me, if your in the Toronto area there are within travelling time, if your further out they do online sales.

Hope it helps.

Thanks.... i'm just outside Toronto and i used to visit those stores all the time.. Have not in the past little while as i have slacked off making guitars... But want to get into it more this summer. Those tool stores saddly do not sell the special bits for the Body Binding or i'd go there tomorrow... Thanks anyways..

 

[theodie]

Re: Router bits for binding?

I will get back to you with answers soon. I can look at them and know what to use but, I cant remember the spcs off the top of my head right now! I will get back to ya!

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Router bits for binding?

I will get back to you with answers soon. I can look at them and know what to use but, I cant remember the spcs off the top of my head right now! I will get back to ya!

Cool

Thank you...

 

[theodie]

Re: Router bits for binding?

This size will work well and its easier to work with, 040" x .250" x 65"

The bearing sizes are self explaintory.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routing_bits/Binding_Router_Bit_Set.html

Also, get these items,

Heat gun or hair dryer (heat gun is better of course)
You want to use the heat gun to soften the binding so you can mold it around the guitar. Basically you want it to take shape of the guitar. If not, it will be glued under tension and you will have VERY bad results!

Binding tape

Binding cement

Cabinet scraper and burnisher

Also, practice on a peice of scrap wood first to get the feel of it. This will also tell you if you are using the right depth of cut and the correct bearing.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Router bits for binding?

This size will work well and its easier to work with, 040" x .250" x 65"

The bearing sizes are self explaintory.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routing_bits/Binding_Router_Bit_Set.html

Also, get these items,

Heat gun or hair dryer (heat gun is better of course)
You want to use the heat gun to soften the binding so you can mold it around the guitar. Basically you want it to take shape of the guitar. If not, it will be glued under tension and you will have VERY bad results!

Binding tape

Binding cement

Cabinet scraper and burnisher

Also, practice on a peice of scrap wood first to get the feel of it. This will also tell you if you are using the right depth of cut and the correct bearing.

Thanks for the tips... man you'd think the binding would be made to mold around on it's own... never heard of the heat gun use before... thanks for that tip!

WhoFan

 

[theodie]

Re: Router bits for binding?

Thanks for the tips... man you'd think the binding would be made to mold around on it's own... never heard of the heat gun use before... thanks for that tip!

WhoFan

Got to use a hair dryer or heat gun!!!!! Its mandatory!!!!

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Router bits for binding?

Heat gun.... check..... I have never done much scraping work either..... If i understand right, after you glue in the binding you use a good high quality furnature scraper with a nice sharp edge and scrap the binding flush with the wood on the tops and sides of the binding..... Could you not also rout the binding to fit bretty much flush in the first place?

 

[theodie]

Re: Router bits for binding?

You can but, you wont get it 100% on the money all the time! Its best to leave it a hair high and to scrape the excess! BTW, you should not have to use the scraper on the sides! Just a bit of possible sanding to the sides of the guitar! We might only be talking about .005 though!