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I've had a difficult time getting any gaps on the top between the spruce and binding to look good. I have one spot where the router tilted and there is about a 1/16 of an inch gap. When I use PGA and saw dust it always looks too dark. Any suggestion?

Thanks
Richard

IMHO - Rout it off and do it over, and use a wider purfling. 1/16" is too big. I find that much of learning to be a good woodworker is realizing sometimes it just isn't good enough and has do be done over.

With a gramil you might be able to cut a purfling slot without removing binding, but this is riskier.

For small gaps, good old burn-in stick in clear or amber is by far the most invisible gap filler. You could try this first and see if it is acceptable to you.

Do-over.....

A burn in fill could work, though not my first choice for spruce. Try some pine famowood. Make sure its the solvent based stuff and not the water based. Won't make it look like it never happened but will make out look pretty darn good.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Routing it off and starting over is the best bet.

If you do want to try and fill it, I would do it like this.

Use some of the cutoff spruce. Cut slivers that will fill the gaps making 100% sure you orient the wood grain the same way before you make the slivers. If it is end grain that needs to be filled then make the slivers from end grain, etc. Glue them in with LMI white, it will dry clear.

If it is mostly side grain you should be able to get it pretty darn good.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust