Got the binding all scraped off on this one. No catastrophes, just a lap full of fine plastic shavings. You can see my homemade scraper. A bit of final touch-up to the stain, and this will be ready for a proper oil-based finish.
This one went through a long and torturous build process over almost two years. All I can say is don't believe the "advice" you find on talk_ass. However, in the end, it turned out to be a pretty nice instrument.
Such a simple idea, yet it makes a world of difference in finishing. StewMac - feel free to copy this design, I've copied enough of yours!
Sanding blocks are 1/8" neoprene foam (mousepad) glued over 1x2 & 1x3 scrap pine, with 1/4" roundovers ( makes 3/8" roundover with padding. ) Use waterproof contact cement. The large block is sized for 1/4 of a standard sheet of sandpaper, and will also take half of a 1/3 sheet piece. Small block works well for details, inside horns, etc. The neoprene grips the sandpaper exceedingly well, wet or dry, and has just the right amount of 'give' for very fine sanding.