Making a sharp-edged razor file for binding channels
Issue 207 January 02, 2014
Bad news: the binding on this old Gibson is crumbling to bits.
Worse news:that binding is the only thing holding the body together!
Dan Erlewine's plan is to replace the binding bit-by-bit, so the top doesn't fall off.
By grinding a new edge on a razor file, he creates a tool for cutting crisp square binding channels without a router.
About the guitar in this video: This Gibson L-4 from 1951 appears to have seen years of playing in Nashville honky tonks. The top has gold stick-on letters that spell "LEFTY LEE."
- Crumbling, off-gassed binding gives up the ghost
- The Plan: replace it with an exact match that won't need finishing
- Using a sanding belt to grind the edge of a Razor File
- Hand cutting a sharp, square binding channel
