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Tapering the neck Thickness
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=56339
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Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Tapering the neck Thickness

Further to my post on tapering the headstock. Because I started with Benedetto's book for my first guitar, I've always tapered my neck with a Safety Planer to the correct taper and thickness prior to carving using a simple jig. Staying away from the centerline while carving results in correct thickness for me. I know many others use a rasp etc. at the 1st and 10th or 12th or so fret to establish taper between the two points. Anyone else doing it like Benedetto with a safety planer?

Author:  DennisK [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

I do it by hand plane after cutting the scarf joint but before gluing on the headstock and heel block. But I leave 1/16" or so to be carved off after the fretboard is on and radiused so I can feel the overall shape and thickness.

Author:  Jim Watts [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

I do it with the safety planer too.

Author:  meddlingfool [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

I used to do it with the safety planer as well…

Author:  J De Rocher [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

I used to do it with a safety planer, but switched to simply cutting it on the bandsaw. Much faster, way less messy, less intense, and plenty accurate.

Author:  Pat Foster [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

Bandsaw for me too.

Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

I made templates for my neck profiles and rough cut close on the bandsaw and do final shaping with the Robosander. The neck keys in via the truss rod slot. The Robosander sands about 1/32” proud of the template so the jig compensates for that.

ImageIMG_1162 by Terence Kennedy, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1163 by Terence Kennedy, on Flickr

Author:  Clay S. [ Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

I taper the face of the neck using a power jointer, similar to the way you would taper a table leg. I do that after gluing on the peghead. For slot head classical type necks with scarph joints it can move the scarph line to the "chin" area which I think looks nicer than having it on the back of the peghead.

Author:  Colin North [ Mon Feb 05, 2024 2:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

Safety planer here.
It's a bit messy chip wise, but I use a shower curtain to catch them and most of the debris just falls on the floor when i shake it off.

Author:  ballbanjos [ Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

Bandsaw for me.

Dave

Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

Clay S. wrote:
I taper the face of the neck using a power jointer, similar to the way you would taper a table leg. I do that after gluing on the peghead. For slot head classical type necks with scarph joints it can move the scarph line to the "chin" area which I think looks nicer than having it on the back of the peghead.

I flatten the face and top of the headstock with my jointer but Safety planer for the backs.

Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

Colin North wrote:
Safety planer here.
It's a bit messy chip wise, but I use a shower curtain to catch them and most of the debris just falls on the floor when i shake it off.

I have an old bleach jug cut out to accept chips and then into the 4" dust collector hose. Gets most of it but yeah, it can be messy.

Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

ballbanjos wrote:
Bandsaw for me.

Dave

I laminate most of my necks so bandsaw for sure to cut out the profiles of the laminates but still an 1/8" or so extra left just in case. The Safety Planer takes care of the rest. Just what I'm used to. Makes it easy when carving as I leave a pencil mark down the center and leave it intact while carving which leaves the neck thickness exactly how I want it.

Author:  Robbie_McD [ Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tapering the neck Thickness

meddlingfool wrote:
I used to do it with the safety planer as well…

What do you use now?

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