I'll bear this in mind for the next neck - my mother-of-pearl inlays arrived today, I ordered them a few days before - and I don't have any copper pipe or access to a pillar drill, but I might see if I can rig something up later to have a play...
Today's work on the neck. Virtually all carved out with drill and sanding disks, which is a first for me (though this is only my third neck built from scratch).
I must say the results achieved so far are far more pleasing than the first 2 necks, and about 90% faster and easier.