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Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2015 6:58 pm
by John J
I cut the taper for my fretboard (slotted wenge fro LMI) and had to figure out how to do the radius. I finally mad up a jig based on various other diy stuff around. I had purchased some 7" radius blocks earlier so I used some mdf to make a channel the same width as my sanding block. Then glued some 1/8" plywood strips that matched the fretboard taper to the bottom, keeping the centerline of the the fretboard true. Some elbow grease and 80 grit sandpaper and I am very pleased with the results.

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2015 7:22 pm
by Dave Bagwill
Good idea, John!

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:02 pm
by Kevin in California
Coming along great. Nice nice job on the back strip and end wedge.

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:47 pm
by John J
Wenge fingerboard with pearl dots. Wenge headstock with pearl logo. I had my first real test with the neck set. Not entirely sure what happened but my angle was off on the body. Had to do some fine tuning on both the heel and the top to get it where it's acceptable. That also pushed my nut location back so I'll have to have it seated on the slope. Learning with each step. Just starting finishing and it's looking awesome. I love the bloodwood bindings against the maple.

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2015 9:06 pm
by ken cierp
What set angle was machined on the neck? The flat sawn neck is interesting, did you make or buy that? I've seen slab cut necks on electrics (Fender's) can't say I have ever seen one on a hand made acoustic.

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:07 pm
by John J
ken cierp wrote:What set angle was machined on the neck? The flat sawn neck is interesting, did you make or buy that? I've seen slab cut necks on electrics (Fender's) can't say I have ever seen one on a hand made acoustic.
I purchased the neck on eBay. It came with a 2 degree shoulder. I followed your instructions with the mega mold. I think where I goofed up was when I glued the back on I pushed the neck block out of square to the top.
I'm going to try making my first neck for my next guitar.

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:45 pm
by ken cierp
when I glued the back on I pushe the neck block out of square to the top
Good observation -- that can make a significant difference in set angle, matter of fact I have actually reset classical guitar necks by loosening the back and tipping the neck block a little. Kind of like cheating but it works, with a Spanish heel it saves a lot of grief.