Binding Machines

[DavisLee]

Looking ahead a few steps, while building my first guitar (the StewMac dreadnought), am really considering purchasing a universal binding machine, doing it by hand like they demonstrate in the video looks very tedious and could potentially trash all the work up to that point. I do plan to make many guitars, both steel string and classical in the future so don't mind making the investment in good fixtures and equip but at the same time need them to be flexible to different guitar models.

Thoughts as to the Fleishman binding machine and router versus StewMac's True Channel Binding Router Jig versus any other universal binding machines you guys may be familiar with?

[tippie53]

Here is a link to the Fleishman. I used about every one out there and this one is as good as it gets. I do suggest to use a ridgid trim router. They are one of the better units out there for this machine. There are 3 parts to the video. I have removed the spring from the unit as it was more a pain than a help.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lan2pKWE1Do

[Darryl Young]

You have a few choices:

1.) A handheld unit that depends on your ability to keep the router parallel with the sides.

2.) A unit that holds the router stationary and parallel to the sides (but free to move up and down) and you move/rotate the guitar to feed into the router.

3.) A unit that holds the guitar body stationary with the sides perpendicular (cradel) and another unit that allows the the router to move in 3 dimensions but holds the router bit perpendicular to the sides. The router is then held in hand and moved around the stationary guitar body.

I've not used all of these but in general:

- Option 1 above is cheapest and least accurate

- Option 2 above is middle of the road expense, is accurate, but maybe awkward (at least initially). If you build a lot of guitars, probably not an issue but if only one per year or so you may not use it enough to get comfortable with it (subjective and dependent on personnal skills).

- Option 3 above is the most expensive, accurate, and most folks would consider it the most intuitive method.

Twists on options 2 and 3 could mean you must use a ball bearing set from StewMac or LMI (or not if setup slightly different) so that can be an additional $100......but using a bearing could mean a more consistently cut channel.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Davis,
I used a hand held with a jig for the first 4 guitars and it worked okay, then I built the tower version machine. It makes it much easier and more accurate. You can make it for a fraction of purchasing one already built. John's machine is the ultimate if you want to go out.

Kevin

[DavisLee]

Thanks guys for the suggestions...John, I'm seriously considering the Fleishman binding machine & router on your website and noticed it comes with the Ridgid router versus the Porter Cable brand that you say in the video you found to be your favorite, any comments regarding how these two brands compare? Also, I'm assuming that for the $425.00 the binding machine comes with the Blues Creek Guitar Cradle shown with it in the photo? This binding machine also looks like it will be very adaptable to various guitar shapes too (i.e. steel string and classical) correct?

[tippie53]

the vids were shot before the Ridgid machine was out there. I do like the ridgid , It is a better design match for the machine. Yes the base carriage is included with the binder.
thanks again

[DavisLee]

Thanks John. I haven't seen the machine, the spring you removed, what was it's intended function and will the machine I order have it left in there optionally?

[tippie53]

I think the original idea was to help with the weight of the trimmer or to keep it from dropping . I found that it was often in the way and it was more of a problem than a benefit so it is gone.

[DavisLee]

Thanks much John, I'll be ordering today!

[justrfb]

Hello All,
I am about to order a trim router and am looking for some suggestions. From this post, I understand the Rigid is the router to get... What are my options for router bits. I see Stew Mac has a binding router bit and bearing set. I can't justify any type of machine right now so "hand held" is the way I am going, at least for right now. Could someone point me in a good direction. I see router base "doughnut" but I can't find it available anywhere... Thank you.

Sincerely,
Rich