Official Luthiers Forum!

Im working on my first build and its that time...yes truss rod installation. I have been all over the internet trying to find out exactly how to cut the slot. Let me clarify, Ive seen alot of stuff about curved slots (im using a single action rod) but I also see that the 50's gibsons used straight slots. I cant figure out exactly what kind of slot im supposed to use, and if i should use a curved, i have no clue how to do it. please help! -Alex

I prefer to save making a jig by using a double action rod, but there's resources out there. Here's a discussion and some resources on the telecaster forum: http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-de ... route.html Some good links there. But again, you only need to do this if you're dead set on a single action truss rod. Hope it helps.

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http://www.tinyhouseandland.com

IMHO a curved slot rod is much better than straight.
If you are cutting it in from the front as opposed to the rear, an easy way to do it is as a series of steps, using a router table setup.
First cut the slot to minumum depth all the way along
Then add 1mm to the depth of cut and cut to the section of neck that needs that depth , etc until you have a series of steps down to maximum depth at the centre of the curve.
Blend the bottom of the cut together with a thin chisel.

perfect!! Thanks for the help!

Not convinced of this...can you tell me why you think so Jeff?

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Dave
Milton, ON

Well, only talking single acion here, and simple tension rod gibson or fender style not the martin style rod in a chanel, but the pull of the rod through the curve is going to act like the cable of a suspension bridge in providing a more effective straightening force.
And the curve gets the rod closer to the back of the neck in the middle where it can be more effective rather than trying to compress the whole neck.