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I've not used any of the purfling cutting tools before, so I'm not sure if this is what I need.



I'm building an electric that'll be finished in cobalt blue lacquer. I want to create a double purfling line on the top, and a single line on the sides. Would the above tool create thin channels into which I could lay the purfling (each knife creating its own channel), or is it simply for scoring the outside lines of a wider channel that would then be chiseled out?

I /ve had one for scoring I would give it 5 out 10. I found a better purfling/binding cutter. all brass for abt 22$ plus shipping from china on e- bay seller type binding/purfling cutter . I had to sharpen the 2 cutters. I find it easier to use and the thin blade seems to cut a more even line

Thanks for the info, Ernie. I was needing to know, though, if this tool (or one like it) will cut a channel that is ready to for a single purfling line, or is it only used to score for subsequent chiseling?

Ok, so never mind. I followed Ernie's advice for ebay and found one of the dremel attachments for less than 1/2 price of Stewmac. I know Stewmac puts out high quality stuff, and the one I ordered was frfom China, but as simple a device as it seems to be, I figure there can't be many ways to screw it up too badly.

Famous last words...

Pretty sure it's the latter. Problem will be a chisel small enough to clean the channel. It's easier, when chiseling to go ahead and cut your purfling ledge before installing the binding. If you are going to break in shell or thin wood pieces, use a teflon strip to leave a groove between the binding and another purfling line or between wood or fiber purfling lines.

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Waddy

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There are many ways to do this purfling/binding thing . I have chisels, hand routers , lam trimmers etc. One needs to find a way to do the job , that best suits their inclinations , romanillos uses only hand tools , hates routers , I use both elec an manual tools. Keep practicing till you nail down the techniques that get the results your happy with.

Don't get much simpler than this idea:



I've since made them with a bit more substance and of course you can use a single bevel cutter. The advantage is that the purfling cutter is pre set, which I guess is also it's disadvantage.

Michael that's nice and simple. Do you clamp the blade on with something?

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

They are glued with CA. I then started to use single bevel blades (homemade from old needle files) and used CA and a few windings of cotton. You can contour the foot of the purfling cutter to match the tightest curve, usually the waist. My latest ones are near twice the width of those shown in the photo. They work well but then again why wouldn't they. It's just a blade held in some type of holder, just like many simple woodworking tools.

I see. I have several wood blade creations but none of these. Simple and in my experience the simplest solution is usually the best solution

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"