How To: Binding and Purfling

Binding can look clean and crisp if done correctly. In this video I run through my binding process and go through what is necessary to make them clean and tidy. Mixed in are some tips and tricks I've learned along the way.
Hope you Enjoy!
-Zach

[@CMRWoodworks]

Great info! My first two binding jobs were less than satisfactory 😅 And I forgot to sand/level the sides before cutting the channels on my second build, so there’s that, haha. Thanks for all the tips!

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

You are most welcome. It is amazing how easy it is to forget things when you are focusing on a new task.

[@treehouseguitars]

Totally! And unfortunately we all have to build our first few instruments to make the next “better” ones.

[@bearded_rigger]

Great video, Zach! Looking forward to seeing more of your process.

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

Cheers, Ricky! I hope this helps demystify “clean binding”. :) -Zach

[@jcnmarquess]

before start to glue I advise you to apply a bit of shellack in the soundboard, when you take off the tape without nothing, in the soundboard, sometimes you push small amount of wood .. what is not good. to be honest I do the shellack befor open the Chanels

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

Yesss, great tip. I have been doing the same for the last couple years. I found if you still have thickness sander lines on your top the fibres don’t get pulled up with the tape, but I usually don’t at that point. Shellac works great for this 🙌🏻

[@GuitaraddictsWorkshop]

I find it so hard to bind an instrument. Always have uneven thickness binding. My new Stewmac binding jig helps but on my last instruments I didn't flatten my sides prior to binding. Seems so obvious to me now what I did wrong!

[@treehouseguitars]

Haha, yeah we all have those moments! Hopefully this video helps you get great results! :)

[@markgrimm3564]

hey zach are you wash coating the top sides and back to prevent the glue going into the grain if so what are you using to seal it to prevent it 'I've been using 1lb cut shellac just curious what other people are using or doing

[@treehouseguitars]

I don’t usually do that, but it’s a good idea. When I have done it in the past it has been with shellac also.

[@Bernardino25]

Nice jig 😊 where you get them?

[@treehouseguitars]

This one I actually got from a guy named Bernard Doth many years ago. I’m not sure if he still makes them. Josh House of House Guitars may still have a few available, thats where I would start.

[@markgrimm3564]

zach can you tell us where you are getting your rocklite binding

[@treehouseguitars]

Yes! I have ordered mine from Wood to Works in the past, but they have been out of it. Apparently it had been difficult to get Rocklite these days… which isn’t good because I’m almost out of it!