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What do you guys think about strictly bolt-on necks with no mortise/tenon? Do you have to inset the heel on a bolt-on or does it sit right on top of the sides? Has anyone used the kit from luthiers cool tools?
Thanks a bunch

Right on top of the sides is fine you do not need to inlet anything. My only dislike about a true butt joint bolt-on is that you have the oversize tolerance of the bolt hole to deal with. This allows the neck to yaw a tad until the bolts are drawn tight. This requires that you continually check and adjust alignment till you have the neck torque down. Structurally it is perfectly fine.

Yup, just butt it up against the sides. I've used this for years.

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David White, Toronto

"All my favourite singers can't sing."

Hi Edward, I have constructed a couple of guitars based on the information from RM Mottola. Really straight forward and a real sinch to fit and do a reset when the time comes.

See this link http://liutaiomottola.com/construction/Bolton.htm

Dave

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Dave

Remember, to always plant trees under which you may never sit.

So its best to keep the heel beefy for the inserts? Also is it safe to use a smaller neck block?

I can't answer about the neck block, and I don't use this design, but I'd recommend installing a dowel through the heel, from the fingerboard to the heel cap. This strenghtens the heel and gives the inserts something to thread into that's not end grain.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

That sounds like a good idea, some use that in a tenon/mortise as well right?

I've done only 12 butt-joint bolt ons. The first few were trouble finding workable dimensions. The rest have been fine. You don't need a particularly big heel. Enough for a half inch thread or so. I wouldn't skimp on the block, though. I learned that the hard way, too. The joint is strong with a thinner block, but the top dips without that support. I'm trying to figure out how to repair it.