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here's an easy question - does side purfling have to be bent?

I have some bwb planned and haven't really thought about it before (#1 had no side purf) - you'd think i'd know that this far into the build!

I think it depends on how tight the bend is going to be.
I have some b/w/b/w I'm using for a rosette and it needed to be bent. The advice I got was to go slow and easy but,-SNAP!
However, the purfling bend around the bottom of the guitar is gradual enough that it seems to be no problem.

I got my channels routed last night and am able to hold the purfling on the body all the way around, so it looks like heat isn't necessary. I was worried i'd be mid glue-up and have something snap! Seems like I'll be ok.

Is there any benefit to wetting the purf before installing? I might benefit from some swelling, plus it might bend easier?

Darren, I've been wanting to do side purfling too. What size do you use?
The purfling that I have for my current build will not work because of its height. Where'd you get it, and is it only available in black and white?
Bob

Bob,
it's lmi's 'fine' .60 bwb. Grizzly has maple/black purfling if that's what you're looking for.

darren

I know the "horses may all be out of the barn" by now --- but to get that frame effect, I have always used the bindings that have the side purflings already laminated to the edge so all gets bent at the same time . Tricky miterring the tail wedge but doable.

Thanks Ken,
will consider that next time around.

Usually, the glue you use (if its titebond or white glue) will cause the swelling you are looking for. If you are using CA or something else, not so sure.

I now seal the purfling and binding channels top and back all the way around with lacquer. Care has to be taken not to mix the lacquer with side/back wood dust and resins then inadvertantly getting the now colored lacquer on the light color soundboard (a mess!). I use a combination of Duco and CA to attach the trim. Using CA is a big change for me, but this method makes using single strip multi layer purfling a breeze since laminating the layers is actually done last by drizzling CA between the layers after they are in place. I have a tutor in the works -- this method saves time and"tape"

kencierp wrote:I now seal the purfling and binding channels top and back all the way around with lacquer. Care has to be taken not to mix the lacquer with side/back wood dust and resins then inadvertantly getting the now colored lacquer on the light color soundboard (a mess!). I use a combination of Duco and CA to attach the trim. Using CA is a big change for me, but this method makes using single strip multi layer purfling a breeze since laminating the layers is actually done last by drizzling CA between the layers after they are in place. I have a tutor in the works -- this method saves time and"tape"

Ken, if you take a shop towel and alcohol and go over the sides and back really well, then put on the lacquer, would you reduce the chances of getting dark dust on the top enough to make it worthwhile?
Thanks,
Bob