@lemonshoes

I think if you installed binding on a non radius fretboard and then tried to radius it the binding would probably get damaged. For installing undercut frets on a radius FB my steps would be.

Plane the FB edges and taper to size then remove the binding width on each side by planing, or whatever method suits you.

Glue the fretboard using Mark’s method of drilling small holes for locating pins through two fret slots, making sure it’s centred on the neck.

Glue the binding and level it with the FB top.

Finish the neck level with the binding 

Install under cut frets.

Im sure other people will have a different way and there is bound to be a video on the site somewhere.

@lemonshoes

Forgot to say, if it’s your first build undercut frets are hard to do and it’s easy to spoil the binding. Are you planning to cut them to length first or file the edges after installing. 

My thinking on the process was something like this:

Route binding channel

Install/glue binding on the neck

Use fret tang nippers for cut the excess binding height above the fretboard to get it relatively level. Then sand/file the binding to get level with the radius of fretboard. (this is the step I was worried would potentially mess up the radius on the fretboard)

Measure the frets to size, undercut frets slightly so the tangs don't cut into binding. 

Use a bit of glue on the remaining tang of each fret and install them. 

Level, dress file frets

This is my first build, yea. So I guess I'm a bit worried I'm taking on too much, but I'd like to learn how to do neck binding... If I fail the first time, well, there will always be another neck to build , lol. 

@lemonshoes

To route a binding channel there has to be a reference point for the router guide bearing ot a straight edge to work from, so I don’t know how you would get this unless you finished the neck first. I’m sure that Mark has demonstrated how to do this on his utube channel. I will have a look and see if I can find it.

Sorry if I was a bit unclear about that. The fretboard would be on the neck when I route the channel. The neck would still be flat on the sides, i.e.,  not carved yet. So the side of the neck would be the flat reference point. Is this the wrong way to do it?

there is bound to be a video on the site somewhere

@rocknroller912

Good one mate 😉

@lemonshoes

Its not the way I would do it, but you should get some more opinions on here before starting. There are some very experienced builders on here who use power tools a lot and I mostly use hand tools. 

@lemonshoes

the last time I did it I did the fretboard as is and cut the slots and basic radius. Put onto the neck taper template and cut the shape. Then while on use a router bit to cut the same template shape but in by about 3-4mm. 

I can’t remember if I took off the template to glut the binding on or kept it on but used pins as clamps then sanded the binding to the fretboard and did final radiusing befor fretting. It  was under @markbailey showed me but it was a few years ago. I wanted to try it but too much of a faff...😃

You can see a little in this build vid from 0:06-0:36. Hopefully this is of some help?

@lemonshoes

If you’re taking out the full membership then Mark will keep you right about the correct steps. It’s worth it not to waste any materials.