Source for BWB Laminated Wood Purflings (LMII replacements)

[Mike Conner]

My supply of laminated wood purfling material is dwindling, and I have not found a replacement source for some of the former LMII sizes, specifically:

Black-White-Black 0.030" thick total (B 0.010" - W 0.010" - B 0.010"). I Refer to this as 10-10-10

Black-White-Black 0.025" thick total (B 0.010" - W 0.005" - B 0.010"). I Refer to this as 10-5-10
- This is handy for creating rosette rings with Zipflex. The Zipflex I have is approx 0.075" thick, and bordering both edges with 10-5-10 fits rather conveniently into a 1/8" slot with just a little tweaking with small chisel or sandpaper.

StewMac appears to have the 0.060" thick BWB, the other common size I've been using.
[url] https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-a ... d-purfling [url]

I like my design so far and hoping I can find alternative sources for these sizes.

[Bob Gramann]

When LMI ran out of the purfling I used before they closed, I contacted Gurian Instruments (https://www.gurianinstruments.com/) and they made a batch for me. I had to order in quantities that used whole veneer sheets. I might have a lifetime supply and it didn’t cost very much. Aside from having to do all the dealing by email, they were easy to work with and I got exactly what I wanted. What you want may not be listed on their webpage but they can make what you want anyway.

[Mike Conner]

Thanks Bob! That sounds like a good alternative. I'll follow up with them...

[Mike Conner]

So, I've been in contact with Gurian.
- Their fiber purfling is available from RC Tonewoods and Allied Lutherie if smaller quantities are desired.
- They cannot make the B/W/B 10/05/10 - they do not have the 0.005" thick white material.
- They do make the B/W/B 10/10/10 - 54 pc quantity and $1.25 each for 34.5" strips. (Allied is $2.40 for the equivalent).
and 20/20/20 - 36 pcs quantity and $2.00 each (Allied is $3 for the equivalent)
- They have a $200 minimum cumulative order - I think my order will qualify

Waiting to hear back on shipping, taxes, delivery etc.

[Bob Gramann]

I got the 20/20/20 in 64”lengths, I think. It goes all the way around with no joint, not that the joint is difficult. A descending scarf is invisible.

[Mike Conner]

Same for me, 64" is preferred for the same reason, and I did ask if that was available.

I make my own curly maple or walnut edge bindings 0.060 thick, 0.250" wide in about 34" lengths for mostly practical reasons. That means a joint at the tail end, but not difficult to do well. I can deal with 34" purflings if necessary.

[Mike Conner]

So, I've ordered, paid the invoice via credit card, and my order has shipped via Fedex.

57 B/W/B 10/10/10 x 0.100" wide 34.5" long $1.25 ea, $ 71.25 total
79 B/W/B 20/20/20 x 0.100" wide 34.5" long $2.00 ea, $158.00 total
Shipping & Handling $ 29.91
Total $259.16
Delivery est. 10Sep24.
Taxes are not specified on the invoice, perhaps included in the S&H?

Should be a lifetime supply Considering the per piece cost of $1.91, I'm satisfied with this purchase, and blessed we are able to afford this "bulk" order.
//mike

[Bob Gramann]

Often, sales taxes aren’t charged on a business to business deal. It is assumed you will collect tax when you resell. Some of my suppliers charge me sales tax, some don’t. I do charge sales tax on everything I sell and remit to the state quarterly.