Some of tips for anyone else who might also be crazy enough to consider cutting their binding channel by hand:

- tape up the working face of the timber that the cutting face of the tool runs along – it’ll save any small scratches or timber bruising
- be sure to work AWAY from the grain, not into it – makes for an easier job of it and prevents any accidental over-cuts or tear-outs
- make sure you've got sharp blades (which they should be when new and be careful of them) ... otherwise you may as well use a butter-knife
- take your time with it and enjoy the “zen” of repetitious motion – it’s not a quick task and trying to rush it will only result in a shitty job