Cutting Thin Binding Strips

[Gordon Bellerose]

As the tiltle suggests, this question is about how to cut thin strips of binding material. for sound holes.
I bought a piece of white binding material that is 12 inches by 2 inches, by .080 thick, from LMI.
I need to cut it into thin strips, and am wondering which is the best method.

[David King]

Gordon, if you have a circular fret slotting blade and a tables saw I try that with a "feathered" or rolling hold down device. The plastic may melt and immediately gum up the blade. If that happens I'd try a thin kerf blade on a bandsaw.
Ideally you would set up a fixed blade slitter contraption with replaceable blades and pull the strips through repeatedly while advancing the blade depth. I've seen such a device, it probably used mat cutting blades as used by art framers.
http://www.amazon.com/Logan-270-Cutter- ... B000YQLUS6
Here's a promising DIY vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWo2BRLHY_g

[Barry Daniels]

Keep it simple. Use a steel straight edge and a sharp utility knife. A couple of spring clamps to keep the straight edge stable helps. It may take 5 to 7 stokes to cut through the binding strips.

[Gordon Bellerose]

Thanks guys. I had thought of all the above methods, I just didn't know if there was an easier way.
That is a pretty inventive little cutting jig the guy in the video made; I just don't know if it would be strong enough for hard plastic.
I'm going to try Barry's simple method first. If I have to go for stitches or large bandages, I may try something else.

[David King]

One thing that helps keep a straightedge from sliding around is to stick some PSA sandpaper to the bottom.
You can also thin and polish the tip of your blade to reduce the cutting resistance.

[Gordon Bellerose]

All good tips. Thanks for helping.