Binding questions

[KRamone27]

What kind of glue do you use to laminate the layers and what length of binding is enough for a Mosrite style body? The binding from Stewart-Macdonald comes in 65" lengths is this enough?

[dubtrub]

No glue at all. I use MEK, or otherwise known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone. It's available in the paint section of any Ace Hardware, Lowes or Home Depot. It is a liquid like acetone but they are NOT the same. It's the same stuff that PVC water pipe sprinkler system glues are basically made with to join pipes together only MEK is clear and thin as water.

When I assemble binding, I laminate all three layers at the same time moving along inch by inch keeping all the bottom edges pressed securely against the wooden table top of my work bench to make a neat even edged single strip of three ply binding. MEK simply melts the pieces together as you go along holding it in place for about ten seconds before moving on. I use a 1/4 wide bristle artist brush to apply the MEK. It may seem messy at first but as you get the 'hang' of how much MEK to apply it get's neater and easier. Any screw ups can easily be sanded out.

The 65" lengths are plenty long enough for a guitar body.

[KRamone27]

Awesome, thanks for the info Danny. It's not the two part primer/ glue stuff is it?

[mark1]

Just a heads up here.If you have never worked with MEK be very carefull! I worked with this and other chemicals like it for over 30 years.Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.The fumes can make you pass out, give you a BAD buzz and a heck of a headache.Also MEK is VERY flamable.Please be carefull!

[KRamone27]

Thanks Mark 1 I'll be careful if I do this.