Official Luthiers Forum!

I see how I can use a spreader like my guitar spreader when you glue either the top or back first but when you go to close up the box, all I can think of is stick ~ 3/16 x 1/2 cut a hair long like a go bar.
Any other thoughts, the 2.5 " tenor hole being tricky to get ones fingers in.
Also with a bolt on neck similar to guitars are there any special considerations or can one get there fingers in there OK.

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Mike McNerney

Yep....that small hole presents some problems. I use spreader sticks like that. Mine are just 1/4" dowels cut to length. If you bend well, you really shouldn't need much spreader action after the back is on
I use bolt on necks too. I can get a bolt in there with some patience. Put the bolt and allen wrench in the body. Put the bolt on the allen wrench. Pick up the bolt with tweezers and use your fingers to get the treads started. I usually just use one bolt and one dowel pin to attach uke necks

I use a furniture bolt from the outside and a tee-nut on the inside.

Bob

Quine, thanks that all sounds helpful.
unkabob, I was considering something like that too & maybe dress it up with some goldleaf
cheers

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Mike McNerney

Drilling the bolt hole can be tricky.
The bolts that I use have a chamfer (radius) between the head and the shaft. I split the heel on a mandola by not allowing for the extra material when drilling the bolt-hole. All the force of the bolt was on the radius, like a wedge.
I use 1/4-20 bolts.

My next mandola will likely use a dowel as well.

Bob

I do the back first then remove the spreader but leave in the form. Never had a problem.

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Michael F Smith
Goat Rock Ukulele
http://goatrockukulele.com

I use a machinests threaded dowel pin screwed into the insert in the neck to locate the hole in the heel block this done to get the neck coplaner to body before drilling the bolt which leaves a pin mark located on the heel block to drill a 6-32 bolt.

I posted these pics in the past.





I don't use spreaders with a tenor uke. I have no problem reaching in thorough the sound hole to get the bolt started. It is located about 1" from the top.

Michael