Stewmac Kit Question

[Rdeane]

I have been looking at the Stewmac kit, and from their description and photo I can't tell if the binding channel is already cut into the top and back plates. For those of you who have made a Stewmac kit recently, can you tell me if these are already done, or can I make this kit without binding?

I like the unbound Gallatin style, so it would be great if they are uncut.

[Br1ck]

From my recollection when I was kit shopping, I don't think the channel is cut. I do think that is the best kit out there right now. Building an unbound mandolin will greatly simplify your build. Binding is easily the most difficult part of an F style build. In fact, having the headstock binding channel and the scroll part of the body channel CNC cut was the reason I went with Arches, alas no longer available.

But do call them before you order.

[Walt]

My Stew-Mac kit was 15-ish years ago, so things might have changed. But back then the binding channels were definitely not already cut. The top and back plate were slightly oversized, so you could just sand them flush to the sides if you like the no-binding look.

[MikeEdgerton]

The instructions mention cutting the binding ledges.