Official Luthiers Forum!

Conversion to a hanger-bolted or bolt/threaded insert butt join or stub-tenon joint seems like a plan. A 5/8" hardwood dowel reinforcing the heel addresses end-grain fastener withdrawal weaknesses, and leaving the lion's share of the remaining tenon might help with alignment prior to getting the fretboard on the neck. All low-tech, small shop techniques which can be accomplished with the tools likely already at hand.

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We have become a civilization that elevates idiots, prostitutes, and clowns. Am I still to defend it? Yes, for its principles. Yes, for what it was. Yes, for what it still may be.

-Mark Helprin, The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story, A Love Story (A Novel)

Another way to guard against inserts in end grain pulling out from overtightening is to inset the insert in the heel and use a small hole saw and Forstener bit to cut a long grain plug and matching recess. For easier alignment I would cut the recess first and use the center spur divot as a guide to drill the hole for the insert.

Well, a truly 'floating (I.e., unattached) would be as rational as a boat with holes cut in the bottom to let the water out.

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Peter Havriluk