Ok, forget legally, its just about binding.
Last guitar I cut my own binding and purfling, which was fine, but they were thick a bit less detailed. This time I ordered veneer to make my binding and purfling with. This is the only semi-finished wood I’ve used so far and I’m feeling a bit guilty. The veneers are either .020″ or .030″ thick, which would be tough to cut myself with the equipment I have. At least I’m laminating it all as opposed to buying it pre-done, which is harder in some ways, and probably easier in others.
The easier part is that I can attach the side purfling right to the binding, therefore being able to bend and install it at the same time. Purfling for the top and back still has to be done separately.
Here is how I did the binding for the flamed maple guitars.
I had some 1″ thick flamed maple left over, so I cut it in half, leaving approx 5/16″ high by 1″ wide x 32″ long strips. The grain in this was flat, which is perfect because when cut it from the side it shows the quartersawn face which will have the most flame. Then I cut strips of veneer (.020 black, .030 white and .020 black) and laminated them to the bottom of the flamed maple, essentially making a sandwich.
This is where I used a heat and water proof glue as opposed to hide glue, as these will be bent later. Then I planed each side flat and cut .080″ wide pieces on the bandsaw. This left a planed side on each piece. Then I did the same till the sandwich was all cut.
This was definitely fun. I never really knew how all that detail was done before I started investigating. I’m keeping this pretty simple and standard on these. The hard part is getting all the purfling to line up properly and mitering around corners, etc… thats where the challenge will be.
I’m gluing up the binding for the cherry guitar now. Then I just need to make purfling strips for the tops, backs and rosettes.
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MaterialAlchemy 