Official Luthiers Forum!

How do you folks initially cut and then clean up the slots when doing a slot peg head ?
appreciate any comments and advice
jack

Router with guide bushing and a template is one method. Drill holes at each end, a good sharp chisel to remove the wood between and a good sharp round over rasp to slope the exit end is another. In this day and age most use a router bit with guide bushing and template to guide the router

If you intend to make a few then this is the best tool there is, from Luthier tools.

_________________
I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thanks Michael and Colin for your replies; I have been using a hollow-chisel mortising attachment on my drill press but I am not 100% pleased with the result... . I guess I'll look into a router jig as both of you suggest.
Other than LMII and Luthier tools , are there other jigs you know of commercially available?
Thanks again,
jack

I too use Chris's jig from luthiers tools. Simple the best. Beautifully machined. Works with well with a laminate trimmer with a template guide.

_________________
Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Does that also have guides for drilling for tuner rollers?

I use the LMI jig (for classical guitars) but this looks more adjustable.

_________________
Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Yes
The jig is used for both the routing of the slots and drilling the tuner holes.
Almost idiot proof.
you can switch the bushings to drill for both classical tuners and steel string

_________________
Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

I cheat...

Very clever Haans
Thanks for sharing!

Todd, where can I pick up a set of these "mad skills?"

_________________
Evan McCartney

I would love to have the luthier tool jig, it looks great, but until then, this is how I've done mine.


First drill your tuning holes, I just use a cheap doweling jig, layout my positions and drill them one at a time. Then drill a hole at each end the width you want your slot.


Get brave with the jigsaw and a fine tooth blade.


Even things out with sandpaper on a stick, cut your ramps with a rat-tail file.


And there you have it. Being as everyone I've built has been a slot-head, that jig sure looks good!

Joe

Nothing wrong with your way, Joe. Works as well as any other method.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

David, in your photo of the routing of the slots, am I seeing that right that you are using a top bearing pattern following bit to the plexi template? Yow! How do you do the plunge (other than the obvious "very carefully" answer) w/o having it rip all over the place? Or is it done with a small bit?

Also, I'd think that Robbie O'Brien's drill rod type cut out method would work well here too.

I've been doing them with a pattern and follower guide and a 1/4" carbide end mill, but I always disliked the round corner ends for steel strings and the carving them squared off is always a PITA since it is end grain. I think I've just been converted to the "Haans bandsaw method". Very Clever!!

Alan D.

I agree with those that think Haans method is very nice. I'm certaintly going
to try it.

Haans, I'd also like to see some photos of how you attach the peghead to the
neck, if you're willing to share. I'm thinking I want to move away from the
"standard" 15 degree bevel-and-flip technique.

_________________
Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Gene, here's the whole toot...
viewtopic.php?f=10117&t=21868

The routing is done with a straight bit and a template guide bushing. This enables me to make the cut in a series of three
"plunges". Since my machine has a release lever allowing the movement, I don't even have to take it out of the guide fixture.

Many thanks to all replies and to the different photo's of different fixtures and/or methods of work. I'll probably get a router fixture .... maybe by years end, but in the meantime I've learned lots from Joe and Haans, as far as 'non-fixtured' methods go.

Many thanks for your time and effort,


Best regards,
jack