MIMF

Pulled the popsicle brace and replaced it with a smaller maple plate and ready to glue the back on. The sides had moved a bit so I placed them in my enforcer jig then glued it up. I ran the body through my binding cutter to even up the ledge and took about 5 thou extra in both dimensions to get a clean edge. Sized the new binding on a MacRostie Binding Trimmer to get it exact size. Then I glued it in with Canopy Glue, which is a new (for me) glue that will allow bonding of plastic to wood using a water based glue. I am really excited to find this glue because it should help me in my search for that elusive binding replacement technique that doesn't require finish touchup.

Binding replacement is turning out better than I hoped. A bit of polishing should even out the deglossing of the finish.

One interesting thing about the Canopy glue is that it sets up in about 4-5 hours so that allows a cleanup of squeeze out with a damp rag before the glue is really hard. I may go around the edge of the binding and seal it with some GluBoost to deal with a few small gaps.

Looking very good. I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one whi has to deal with binding gaps. No matter what, I always find some.

This is the first I've heard of a PMTE brace. I assume it's to stabilize the bridge plate area. Just what is it?

Yes, it strengthens the bridge plate laterally to minimize the dreaded hump that ultimately developed behind the bridge. I followed Mario's design where a center laminate of epoxy graphite was placed between layers of spruce to minimize wood creep over time.

It's kind of timely that you posted to this thread because I just finished this guitar last weekend and delivered it to my client. It turned out pretty good. The top was still ugly even after a refinish, but the tone was nothing short of amazing. One of the best I have heard, which I can only attribute to the braces getting scalloped.

Fine looking job - your usual great work!
I like that jig you made to align the sides and back. I will have to copy it.

That's some beautiful craftsmanship on the kerfed lining.

Thanks.

Very nice work. I have a nice Harmony on my bench for an x-brace conversion. You gave me some ideas.