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I had problems on my first two guitars with the binding ending up thin in some areas. I changed my approach and sequence of steps for leveling the sides and installing the binding and have had no problems since.

Most importantly, for me, I get the sides absolutely dead flat so that all the sanding of the sides is completely done before cutting the binding channels. If you don't have to do anymore sanding of the sides after the binding is installed and the binding channels are cut properly, it's pretty much impossible to sand the binding too thin.

Early on, I used a scraper but I found that I get better results (flatter) using a block of 3/4 plywood with adhesive-backed sandpaper on it to level the sides everywhere except the waist. The block is about 3" x 7" so it spans the side from edge to edge while sanding and it makes the side dead flat. I use a piece of PVC pipe with adhesive-backed sandpaper on it for the waist. I also thoroughly crosshatch mark the sides with a China marker pencil so I can see if there are any low spots that still need to be sanded out (like in the photo).

I install the binding about 0.002" proud of the sides. That makes it a quick job to level the binding to the sides. I use the sanding block and pipe to level both the top and back bindings to the sides at the same time so that ensures that the bindings get sanded only until they are flush with the sides and no further.

There are other ways to do this that work too, but this is what works for me.

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

it's taking a rest.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Now that I'm on to a second body, I was considering using the neck from this one. Having time to calm down after this mistake, I'm reconsidering fixing it and going ahead finishing it. The neck is already fit to this with a dovetail so, I can't see any reason not to complete it along with #2. I have to at least see how it sounds and plays. I also need to see how the EM6000 comes out. So I have one little area that I may be able to carve a little deeper and add a piece of rosewood or, just paint the spot to match. I'll get some pictures next time I'm in the shop. See what you think.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Guitar #1 has a neck.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Looks good!

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Very nice, congrats on the marriage!

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

It's such a good feeling

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Making progress on the bridge this morning.



I noticed 2 dimensions.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

That's looking great Hutch. I sure do like the Stewmac tool for locating the bridge. Makes it very simple for me. They sure are pricey now though at $86.99. I paid about a quarter of that or maybe a 3rd way back when. https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-a ... ddlematic/

I just lay short pieces of nails to find the right spot by tuning the 2 e strings. Of course have rig up a jig for cutting the slot on the finished guitar. I really don't like that t part. I'd rather finish the bridge off the guitar but I don't trust measuring.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!