Prep for cutting channels

[Dave Bagwill]

I found this 'tip' somewhere, haven't tried it, just passing along for comments; the picture is from the same web page:

"I then trim the top and back in preparation for the binding channels to be cut. Before I do that I mix a little water with yellow glue and coat the areas of the top. When this is dry, it acts as a sizing hardening the soft wood in the summer grain so it has less chance of tearing out"
https://geigerschooloflutherie.wordpress.com/page/2/

[John Link]

I don't think I would ever "soak" yellow glue into a top. I'd be afraid it would show unless a lot of top were removed to get rid of it. But I've never tried it.

Soaking with shellac is a different matter. Seems safe.

[ken cierp]

Ditto -- John, matter of fact I think its a bad idea making a mess to prevent a mess?? The major factories in the USA alone produce about 800 guitars a day, they avoid the supposed problem, by simply using the "proper sharp" bits. $.02

[John Link]

Yeah Ken, sharp bits, like Porsches, there is no substitute.

[Daniel P]

Sharp carbide spiral down-cut bits are a pretty sure thing - without the risk of staining the top.