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Classic-guitar neckblank machining sequence (Part Three)
I use a dedicated miter-fence extension bar on my table saw, with a well-squared stop- block clamped to it, to facilitate the subsequent slotting steps. Note the following: a) a saw blade that cuts a .095-inch (.24 cm) slot has been chosen. That seems to be the ideal slot size to properly accommodate a .080-.085-inch (.20 to .22 cm) side with a residual curve in it. I had to try a series of different saw blades, of varying sizes, until I found one that gave me the desired kerf. b) the saw blade must be tilted to the right
until it is 89 degrees to the table surface. I've trimmed a piece of
scrap (shown beside the blade) to the correct incline and then aligned
the blade to it. |
The workpiece is held with one hand firmly against the miter fence extension bar and the vertical stop block so the slotting cut is made right at the third line--while with the other hand, the fence and the workpiece is slid across the spinning blade, effectuating the cut. The blade extends about 1/2-inch (13mm), or just shy of the centerline at the heel-tip root. |
Another view of the blade about the slot the heelblock. |
After the slot is made, the workpiece is simply flopped over so now the shaft, and not the heel-tip, rests against the miter-fence extension bar. The workpiece is also pressed up to the vertical stop block as it is slid past the saw blade, completing the machined neck blank. |
Another view of the final slotting cut. |
The heels are ready for final hand shaping, the bulk of the waste having been removed by the saw, enabling a refined and symmetrical final product |
![]() One of those neckblanks ended up on this finished Cocobolo classic guitar |