Are you using a screw down fretboard extension system?

[ken cierp]

Good subject Dave, lets start another thread -- I can't tell from Kevin's comment if we have really addressed what he was after??

[Kevin in California]

Well I was hoping someone was using a screw system...anyone out there??????

Kevin

[ken cierp]

I did not show you, I guess a "new system" but it works, simple to fabricate very easy to install and uninstall. Does nothing more then eliminate the need for glue. What criteria are you using for evaluation and consideration? There are all kinds of way crazy complicated "systems" which frankly have no value add. As an example one guys has a bunch of metal parts that required a routing fixture for the neck and the body and an added block glued to the upper bout, I think its available on eBay. If this is the kind of system you are looking to do I'll dig through my files and see if I can find some of the links.

[Kevin in California]

My thoughts have been toward the simple.....possibly one, probably two nylon threaded studs attached to the underside of the fretboard extension, dropping through supported holes(from underneath) secured with nylon nuts/washers. I realize that not much holding power is needed, and although fairly easy access to the nuts is needed, these will rarely, if ever be taken off. However, my thinking is of course so that the bolt on neck is truely removeable without having to "melt the glue" under the fretboard to get the neck off. I can't imagine this would effect tone by enough that I would notice a difference as this area of the soundboard doesn't vibrate much anyway, correct? Just enough of something to attach and hold down flush to the top, no matter what/how much the top may move over time due to humidity, temp, etc.
Am I on the right track here?

Kevin

[ken cierp]

I like the idea of the nylon screws -- I went with the metal because I had no confidence in the epoxy holding them permanently. When building RC airplanes I tried the nylon-epoxy combo and it would always fail -- not to say it can't be done, perhaps the wrong glue. Some makers use the minimalist approach and only apply a bead of glue just off the perimeter edge of the FB extension, a compromise that holds tight and an easily separated glue joint.

[Dan Pennington]

[quote="kencierp"]As an example one guys has a bunch of metal parts that required a routing fixture for the neck and the body and an added block glued to the upper bout,

Ken
This guy is Luthier Cool Tools
luthierscooltools.com I bought some of his Bolt On Neck Kits and the routing template. Nicely made stuff. I tried it on my neck joint mock up when I was trying a couple of methods, but I settled on the FB glued down to the neck extension when I make a neck from scratch. This mock up helped me a lot. I was free to try new stuff without fear of ruining a good neck and body.
I used the LCT router template to cut the channels (sorry, no photo) and then chiseled the center out to try something else.


I've got a couple of ready made necks from Hanalei Moon. When I decide to use those, I'll use the Luthier Cool Tools kits. Nice bolted down finger board extension system with very good instructions.
I've used the router template with modifications for a jig for slotted heads.

[Dave Bagwill]

Did you have a template for the mortise, Dan?