Bandsawing the Neck

[schnarf]

I'm going to be bandsawing the neck of my guitar tomorrow. How will I cut on a straight line? I've considered using a metal straightedge as a guide, but was wondering if there's a better way which I haven't thought of. Thanks!

[lucky1]

Edited September 19, 2004 by lucky1

[schnarf]

So basically freehand the line, then sand it down using a straight sanding block? Okay.

Also, you mentioned a miter. I have a miter box as well, would this help?

[lucky1]

Edited September 19, 2004 by lucky1

[lucky1]

Edited September 19, 2004 by lucky1

[schnarf]

Schnarf,

A tapering jig may not be worth the trouble of building for an occasional neck when freehand and sanding is pretty easy to do.

Okay, I'll go with that; it seems simple enough to wrap my brain around.

Thanks a lot for your advice!

[litchfield]

tablesaws are great fot rough cuts.

[Devon Headen]

Just make sure you remember that the blade is round, and the cut on top isn't as far as the cut on the bottom. I messed up a neck because I didn't think about that. Luckily it had just started, though.

[SonofaMesa]

Another thing to consider is that bandsaws rarely cut straight. In that I mean that the blade is not setup perfectly and one typically has to hold the piece being cut at an angle for the cut itself to be straight.

Im thinking of making a jig for the tablesaw for my next guitar.

[Guitarfrenzy]

Why not use a template you made or bought and trace it out? Then cut outside the line as close as you can get without crossing it, and align the template back up with double stick tape to hold it. Then using either a robo-sander or flush trim pattern bit, finish it up nicely. Basically use the bandsaw to get it in the ballpark and bring it on home with router or guided sander. Pretty easy and highly accurate this way. But you can do it however you want.