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A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double wedge.
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Author:  Colin North [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double wedge.
Being as I am just developing my hand tool skills, I was a bit apprehensive (read breaking out in a cold sweat) as it came to cutting the slots for the sides in my neck, as I have already put several hours of work cutting head shape, tuner holes, slots etc. and waiting for glue to dry.
Having taken a fancy to the double wedge idea for the slots, two saw cuts each side, parallel and straight and in the correct place made me nervous. A router was out for me - having just routed headstock slots I knew there was altogether too much to go wrong, extremely quickly.
Remembering the Veritas Dovetail Saw Guide, I did the home made jig thing with rare earth magnets and thin sticky UHMWP.
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And a bit apprehensively did this
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And was able to breath again.
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Author:  SteveSmith [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 7:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double we
Well done! I'm about to cut my first mandolin neck joint so I understand the apprehension.
Author:  Michael.N. [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double we
I used to do the single wedge. Now I've gone back to the 2 mm (or whatever) slot. I think if you had put a metal shim in your first saw slot, then cut right next to it, you would be done.
It's the metal shim that makes it easy. Previously (and many times) I had tried wood veneer and it never turned out good. I think that's why so many turned to the wedge system. Try it on scrap, a bit of Pine.
Of course they all work, no wedge, single or double.
Author:  Colin North [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double we
Michael.N. wrote:
I used to do the single wedge. Now I've gone back to the 2 mm (or whatever) slot. I think if you had put a metal shim in your first saw slot, then cut right next to it, you would be done.
It's the metal shim that makes it easy. Previously (and many times) I had tried wood veneer and it never turned out good. I think that's why so many turned to the wedge system. Try it on scrap, a bit of Pine.
Of course they all work, no wedge, single or double.

Yes, but even getting the first saw slot was still a problem, mirror image to other side, square and 4 degree (in my case) back angle, for my hand skills anyway.
And I would be frightened for my saw (kerfed teeth) with a loose shim, so it would have to be attached to the blade (I suppose steel and rare earth magnets would be a solution)
I'm a babe in arms comparing my hand tool skills to yours!
As I develop, things will improve (I hope!)
Author:  Mike Collins [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 9:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double we
Colin;
I always cut my side slots before-tuner slots/head/tuner holes.
That way if I made firewood ;I know right away!

Mike
Author:  Michael.N. [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 9:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double we
Colin North wrote:
Michael.N. wrote:
I used to do the single wedge. Now I've gone back to the 2 mm (or whatever) slot. I think if you had put a metal shim in your first saw slot, then cut right next to it, you would be done.
It's the metal shim that makes it easy. Previously (and many times) I had tried wood veneer and it never turned out good. I think that's why so many turned to the wedge system. Try it on scrap, a bit of Pine.
Of course they all work, no wedge, single or double.

Yes, but even getting the first saw slot was still a problem, mirror image to other side, square and 4 degree (in my case) back angle, for my hand skills anyway.
And I would be frightened for my saw (kerfed teeth) with a loose shim, so it would have to be attached to the blade (I suppose steel and rare earth magnets would be a solution)
I'm a babe in arms comparing my hand tool skills to yours!
As I develop, things will improve (I hope!)


It's not that difficult. First thing to do is to knife mark it. Make sure that's right. Then I use a very fine Tamiya model makers saw (great little saw), going all around and deepening those knife cuts. Do the same with the big saw, a little deeper. Then cut the slot proper. You can use a guide. That's it. if you get that right your home dry. If you get it wrong, convert it to a wedge (I've done that before!).
Author:  Colin North [ Tue Apr 14, 2015 11:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A day in a life -Classical side slots in neck, double we
Good idea Mike, would have cut down on he nerves!
Micheal. thanks for the encouragement. I followed (delcamp) a couple of threads you posted in including including one on this operation (with John Ray's suggestions. Very clear cut - oops_sign)
I normally use a marking knife for all critical cuts, chiseling a start for the initial sawcut.
Also bought a Tamiya model makers saw on your post recommending it, as I find the push style modelling saw a bit awkward sometimes.
Super piece of kit, as are all Japanese saws seem to be. The one in the picture I bought several years ago during a visit to Japan, Hard point. Only replaced the blade for these cut, not bad for a DIY shop buy.
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