Repair of '74 Martin D-18

[Barry Daniels]

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.

[Barry Daniels]

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.

[Bob Gramann]

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.

[Chris Vallillo]

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?

[Barry Daniels]

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.

[Barry Daniels]

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.

[Clay Schaeffer]

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.

[John Scime]

That's some beautiful craftsmanship on the kerfed lining.

[Barry Daniels]

Thanks.

[Randy Davidson]

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