How To Cut A Binding Slot On A Guitar Body And Look Good Doing It!

Recently we have gotten a number of questions about binding. Specifically how we cut the little slot or rabbit. What tools do we use, where did we get them… you know stuff like that?
We have used many contraptions and combinations of tools over the past several years and finally settled on the rig I’m fixin to show y’all in the video. Stop reading and start watching, it’s easy and fun!
Open Builds… openbuilds.com/
Ridgid Laminate Trimmer… amzn.to/2DPQxIT
StewMac Binding Router Bit… amzn.to/2Qpw4vI
Patreon Page…www.patreon.com/user?u=7149947
Website… www.texastoastguitars.com/
Facebook… / texastoastguitars
Instagram… / texastoastguitars
Our handmade guitars are like a classic hotrod. They are both engineered to kick ass! Serious players can tell the difference. when you strap on a Texas Toast Guitar you know you have something special right at your fingertips. With the classic lines, clean lightweight designs, attention to detail, fit and finish and TONE TO THE BONE… built by guitar players for guitar players.
If you stand out in the crowd… your guitar should too.
Texas Toast Guitars is an independent guitar shop and this channel is a place for people with common interests to come together and discuss their mutual hobbies, toys, and opinions. All are welcome.
Original score: Electric Boogie Dawgs
Artwork: Paul Shellooe
DISCLAIMER: Our videos are strictly for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of any acts depicted in these videos is solely AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work with power tools should be carried out by trained users. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your property resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. We do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. These videos are free to watch… Please notify Texas Toast Guitars if anyone attempts to charge for this content.
By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
In the instance we include copy written material it is done so with consent of the owner. In the rare instance we include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.
If anyone has original music they would like to have featured in a Texas Toast video let me know.

[@lesblack413]

Aussies say: ' Ca pilliary action.. you say ' cappiliary' action. All good, great video11

[@aandc2005]

Matt you did a great job on that guitar I want to thank you so much for making it for me and actually double thanks for making the video also!!👍😊😀😎😷

[@74dartman13]

Thanks for showing how you guys do this. I like your contraption...it works good! Seriously, I was just thinking about how this is done, only about an hour ago. Second time tonight that I thought about something on my guitar project, and a video popped up on the same thing! Timing is perfect tonight!👍😎🎸🎶

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We aim to please and please to aim... whatever that means. Now get binding brougham

[@74dartman13]

@@TexasToastGuitars 👍😂

[@scottman-cl4jm]

Matt, Awesome binding contraption*** I dig it.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Scott, how you doing homes?

[@anaphylastiks]

I'm trying to DIY something. Want to router binding slot into a curved top thin body. It's an Ibanez s521mol (Incase anyone wants to know) This idea has given me ideas. Using a dremel and some contraption like you guys have. That could follow the top and edge curves perfectly if built correctly.

[@YoureNowOnTV]

I learnt so much from this video. Thanks TTG 😀👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad to hear it!

[@BoudreauGuitars]

Love the setup!

[@Ibaneddie76]

I know I wish I would have just built my own instead of buying the super shallow stewmac version.

[@barefootmode]

Excellent video!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching my friend, glad to hear you enjoyed it

[@dougdeeper2537]

Love the BBQ guitar in the background! One of my favorite TTG builds!😀

[@TexasToastGuitars]

There is a matched set... looking for the right band

[@ralcustomguitars6402]

Well have to make one of these soon! Thanks Great video!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

it's easy and fun hahaha

[@johnmeehan4518]

Thanks for the awesome tips Matt. Got my Open builds parts yesterday and the assembly is going well. Making that guide doughnut today.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Cool man, thanks for watching John, you are going to look good doing it too

[@johnmeehan4518]

Works like a charm, but no bungee.

[@jvin248]

I had a body I didn't plan on binding until after it was all CNC cut ... so I got a large bearing to fit the trimmer bit I had and fixed the z-axis on the cnc with a board and clamp and manually ran the body and the router in x-y like a hand-held pantograph to cut the binding slot all around. The subsequent gluing of flamed maple binding had it's own challenges though ...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style, using a CNC by hand, I think you just made a pin router... I use mine without the pin all the time.

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

Beautiful top,great video as always

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Lots more on the way too

[@toby1kenobe]

aw, really wanted to see you actually bind it! interested to see how the binding follows the contour relief cut.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I still haven't bound the guitar... maybe I'll do another binding video

[@toby1kenobe]

awesome!

[@scottestes7768]

I always wondered how they did the binding on arm contours. Like on my Revstar 502T. Love that guitar.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Scott, good to hear from you, hope you are doing well brotherman

[@salort2934]

I want to put binding on my tele, what size bit and bearing do I need? And also one not too expensive. It's for a 1 time job. Thanks!

[@j-mo2453]

That’s my go to job box router and I love the cheap little beast. Nice fixture. It’s not high tech, but it’s still tech and resourceful. I have a feeling if you’ve came up with this and you came up with copy carver, you’ve came up with a pin router fixture and I just haven’t seen it yet. Lol

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We have lots of pin router fixtures

[@aandc2005]

Matt looks great!!😀

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks brotherman, I think that quilt is going to pop, I'll police up all the scrap bits so you can test colors too

[@aandc2005]

@@TexasToastGuitars ok thanks!😀

[@Ibaneddie76]

Cool video, I already have the stewmac binding jig and they fail to mention that its only really good for binding acoustic guitars. I have to fidget with it and it's a pain in the ass to get inside the horn area on most guitars. I don't know why they built it so shallow I'm going to bug them about it maybe they will change the design, I'll go on that site you posted and get the parts to extend the stewmac version thanks for posting that. Oh yeah is that a hippie wood top I see hanging in the back round haha.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I'll bet you could modify the StewMac unit to work with horns. Especially if you know a guy like Brain Surgery Kevin. As far as hippie wood goes... probably LOL

[@johnstorace1967]

I feel like I need to make you a robust bracket for that rig.

[@Icybones000]

Thought I would here about binding, bot your shop and tools.

[@aandc2005]

I never knew acetone was the glue for binding...always thought tightbond 2 or 3...will the acetone keep it in place as tight as glue would?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Alan, I wasn't going to do a video about the binding but I think I will now, lots of people have asked. I'll probably just set up the camera and do it. Of course, you know me... I'll be yack yack yacking while I'm doing it so I can answer questions like this one. I have to do it anyway so I might as well do a video :)

[@aandc2005]

@@TexasToastGuitars ok sounds good to me!

[@Disco58]

Love the cheap DIY setup! Binding question: Is binding always plastic, or do you ever use actual wood? Why, or why not? I think it would look awesome to have the body and binding stained different wood tones.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Disco 58, you can use wood, plastic, celluloid or what ever turns you on. Back in the old days when I was at Roberto-Venn we used wood binding that we made on home made thickness sanders. PRS dos a cool thing where they mask off where the binding would be and they get a really cool binding that isn't really binding. I'm sure you have seen it and know what I'm talking about. Thanks for watching brotherman

[@Disco58]

Thanks Matt; that was something I've been wondering about. I do love the look of stained wood! And love the work you do; your videos are awesome! And it's Michael, by the way. 'Disco' was my call-sign in the Navy, like Maverick or Goose, 6/58 is my birthday..

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style Michael

[@JackKapral]

Hey Matt! How do You glue that kind of thick vineer to the guitar body? How do You 'curve' it?

[@JackKapral]

Ok, i've watched another video and i know now :D

[@darrylportelli]

I think that half-spehere sub-base for the router can easily be made with a 3d printer ☺️

[@kentipton1203]

Nice build this will be the next thing I build.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

They are really handy. I was supposed to go to New Mexico this weekend and that fell apart so I'll be in the shop maybe even doing a little painting if you know what I mean

[@aandc2005]

and binding :)

[@kentipton1203]

weekends here....time to get painting. Christmas is right around the corner and I got a gift to give.

[@aandc2005]

@@kentipton1203 any relation to Glenn Tipton?

[@kentipton1203]

why yes...he is my idol.

[@UrquidiGuitars]

So I can't get that contraption at Stew Mac? Did you designed the whole thing?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I don't think you can get that from Stew Mac at this time. Please see the video description for where the idea came from

[@UrquidiGuitars]

@@TexasToastGuitars thank you.

[@Chip_57]

Can you route a binding on a guitar body that is already finished or will the router spoil the edges? Is there a workaround that you know or anyone knows of?

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

Well done. It’s a PITA to run a camera, narrate, and do stuff. I know all too well. 👍🏻

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It sure is but the hardest part these days is coming up with good ideas for videos hahaha

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

Texas Toast Guitars you’re doing a good job though. I just like seeing what y’all are building. Every project is a little different.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Cool man, always good to hear that people dig the videos. I got lots of ideas for new stuff just looking for a few spare minutes to get them done.

[@TheCWHatton]

Should have used that mahogany to make a kick ass 15 piece guitar. Discerning viewers would love that. Cheers from the Great White North!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hahaha, yeah I think they would totally dig it. We have a new scrap wood project coming up that is sure to please everyone

[@Souldoubtrocks]

What is the best way to get rid of edge contour on a tele if I don’t have a shaper?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I recommend getting as close to the line with a band saw then using an edge or spindle sander.

[@Souldoubtrocks]

@@TexasToastGuitars thanks man. Love the channel. Let’s grow the show.

[@patrickbrady8326]

What is the cutting height of the binding bit Matt?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Patrick make sure to set your router bit depth to the same height as the binding

[@patrickbrady8326]

@@TexasToastGuitars Thanks Matt for your help I haven't done any binding yet but before I get started I know what to do. Thanks!

[@Damaged262]

I can't think of a more wise group of ppl to ask about these paints so here goes. I have a can of Touch 'n Tone that I love the green of, a great red by Deruato and some clear coat by Krylon ColorMaster. I plan on repainting a really cheap Chinese guitar I bought for the hell of it when I started learning about fretting. $67 and it's almost there, but I hate the blue paint, though it's not terrible, I figure it'll make a proper surface to practice a burst on. I'm a cancer survivor and Army vet, so cash is profoundly tight atm, though the Army has nothing to do with my poverty, that's all the cancer, having lost 2/3rds of my tongue, I can't exactly get back to sales or retail management. (when they replace your tongue meat with under chin skin and the hair grows wild until the radiation finally kills it, that's a weird place to live, literally, fuck me, I'm drowning in hair that suddenly grows 20 times faster than it did in a beard!) Anyhow, am I better forgoing these sprays and just getting the car paints? Will they stay soft like they seem to on my pickguards as I've used them or is there some sort of catalyst that will stiffen them up. I thank you for you time and your opinions. When I can get back to a somewhat normal income, I'll be joining your pay channel, I'm just a bit screwed at the moment.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Damaged262, I'm not sure of the makeup of those paints so you will need to do either, some research (I hate doing that) or do some testing (much more hands on and my speed) to see if the paints will work with one another. It has been my experience that anything in a rattle can will stay soft for a long time regardless of the type of paint used. That doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try and see what you come up with. Having said all that once you get to the point that you can get a small, or even a large, set-up to use automotive paints the world will be your oyster. It isn't the most cost effective way to go but it isn't the most expensive way either. I would also urge you to give oil finishes a try. They aren't as glossy and don't come in as many cool colors but they are pretty neat. I would direct you to a place called Wudtone finishes. I have used some of their stuff and it was neat. Keep me posted brotherman

[@Damaged262]

@@TexasToastGuitars Thanks for getting back so quickly. I gave it a lot of thought last night and I'll be doing just as you suggested. I got to thinking about a scratch plate I painted with Krylon. It was off of an Epi that had cream plastics but the triple ply was stark white and I always hated the look of that. I ended up replacing it because the paint never did get hard. I even dragged it out last night, 5 years later, it's still soft. I'd decided to wait until I can swing some auto paint, but now I'm going to take a look at those oils. I'm normally not impatient but I made the mistake of hanging the guitar in question where I can see it all day and now it mocks me.

[@mursicman]

Отлично!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I had to look this up, thanks for watching my frined

[@davidcamilli170]

He knows his stuff...And God he looks good while doing it! And I'm not even gay...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

HAHAHA thanks man

[@Dreamdancer11]

if i had the tools to make a binding slot.....i would just fill it with epoxy mixed with fluorescent powder....would look white during the day and during the night it would glow green or blue....

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sounds great, maybe we will give it a try sometime

[@Dreamdancer11]

@@TexasToastGuitars i think it ll look great.. it certainly works for fret markers...

[@steveredenbaugh9058]

Hiya Matt...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hey homes

[@flapjack413]

5:22 lol.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Pretty funny right?

[@donaldfaulk2968]

that is slicker than owl shit!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have heard that before

[@100amps]

Ha ha. I thought I was the genius to invent the Openbuilds binding router jig. Ah well, not a genius after all. Or maybe we both are! Yeah, I'm going with that. I haven't figured out how to rig up a bumper curvy top-rest thing for mine yet, it's a different mount than yours.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style and your willingness to use the same technical style terms I do. You can figure it out brotherman, I used my drill press as a lathe to make the plastic curvy bit.

[@100amps]

The drill press lathe is a great idea. My Bosch Colt trim router doesn’t really have any mounting points near the bit after I take the base adjustment housing off. I’ll figure something out. A buddy has a 3D printer so i just need to design something.

[@growing_indica2779]

Matt would you sell me a copy of the revolver templates :)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sorry my friend I don't have those

[@salmonline]

Poplar seems to be the wood now.

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

salmonline it’s so weird. I always thought of it as poor man’s alder. It’s soft and easy to work with, being only a little tougher than basswood. Fender used it a lot in the 90s as an alder substitute.

[@salmonline]

I first saw it in furniture factories in Hickory, NC. They've been building frames out of the stuff for decades if not longer. It's pretty cool wood. The color variations can be very attractive.

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

salmonline my old 90’s Jazz Bass is made of the stuff. Has good tone. It just shows abuse easy like Basswood and you gotta watch out for stripping out screw holes a bit(like with basswood). I know it grows super fast and I think that is why it’s hot right now. More sustainable wood than others.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I think that if poplar wasn't so green it would be way more... popular. We use it all the time and it is a great wood. Now, I have some REALLY cool 1 piece alder body blanks that I would be happy to sell for lots more than a similar sized hunk of poplar.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Here in Colorado we pay about a buck more a board foot for basswood than poplar. I think most of the guitars Chris plays these days are poplar and my #1 bass has a poplar body too

[@salmonline]

OK. So I saw the first part of the promise in the title..........

[@salmonline]

Seriously, though. That is a very cool tool that I am going to build for myself. Thank you, very much.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

One of the most important rules is to always look cool

[@jsullivan2112]

Do not attempt this "how-to" video lmao. I'm gonna answer several questions I've gotten, but don't do any of them. Hahaha!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Now yer getting it

[@danabbate4623]

Shhhhhhhh... You used a CNC company for the parts for this.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We love CNC machines and use them all the time, for everything