Official Luthiers Forum!

I am getting prepared to do my first dovetail neck reset. I have searchrd the archives, googled, and read Frank Fords tutorial...But before I start, I have a few questions for those that have experience. The glue is titebond original, I know because I just set it yesterday and am not happy with the fit. I have a small gap that is barely visible at the rear of the heel, about 1/8" long and les than .001", nonetheless it is there and I am able to see it. (Not visible in a picture)

My questions are ; How long should I expect the steam to take to soften the glue(titebond original), and do you prefer to drill one hole or two at the 15th fret?

Thanks, Chuck

_________________
_________________

why are you resetting ? Is the angle wrong ? A slight gap at the heel is not a bad thing. The joint area is the critical point. Martin will hold the heel off the body a touch. A .001 gap is nothing but if you resetting you take off the extension first . I will drill 2 holes at the 15th fret adn angle slightly to hit the air pocket. After the extension is free I go after the neck block. It can take 3 to 8 minutes to open a joint. Be careful of steam burns and finidh damage.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Thanks John, the neck angle is right on and so is centerline. I don't think I was clear enough on my description, The .001 gap is on the side at the rear of the heel, about 1/8" long, hardly visible, but it bothers me. Maybe I am too picky, but I did not notice the gap until I checked a couple hours after clamping, I have to get the light at just the right angle to see it.
What temperature do you use for the fingerboard extension on titebond?

Thanks, Chuck

_________________
_________________

You are taking at least a small chance that will create a bigger problem than you have now. Top seams have been known to separate, fingerboard extensions can cup and split with the heat, all manor of things can go wrong, even with experience. But if you just can't live with it, best of luck.

_________________
It's not the miles ahead, it's the stone in your shoe


In Markham,Virginia

It's quit-while-ahead time.

You can consider means to hiding it, such as filler or resetting the heel cap. But this is exactly the kind of thing that looms very large-- for about a week. My suggestion is to let it mellow for at least that long before doing anything.

Unless the rest of the guitar is 100% perfect, in which case a dovetail reset will be child's play for you.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

.001 I don't have a feeler gauge that thin my set starts at .002, rub a little hide glue into the gap and wipe off the excess no one will notice, not even you after a few weeks. As stated above you can do more damage with the neck removal the the small gap.

Fred

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Thanks Jon, Howard, and Fred. If the guitar was for me, I would definitely do nothing (this is only #8). But other than this .001 gap (I use a standard sheet of copy paper for my gauge, which can't hardly be forced in) there are not any other imperfections, at least that I can detect. But, I have no experience in neck removal, so I may just be farther ahead to try and fill it with hide glue or finish....I'll take your advice and let it mellow a few days.

Thanks, Chuck

_________________
_________________

I removed a neck 2 months ago to replace a top and even though it turned out GREAT the time and energy for your .001 gap issue would make me stare at it and ponder for about 1 dark beer and then forget it.
Kent

_________________
Wood Creations by Kent A. Bailey
EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE, CARVING, LUTHIER, ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK AND DESIGN

http://www.kabart.com

Thanks Todd, I did check it with a feeler gauge, and .002 will not go in, then a sheet of thinner paper which I could almost force in, so my guess was .001 or thereabout. After sleeping on it, I think I will just fill it. Thanks for all suggestions and thoughts.

Chuck

_________________
_________________