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Ok, I'm really struggling with wrapping my head around this. I've watched Robbie O'Brien's video several times and studied the plans until I'm half blind. Here are a couple things I just don't seem to get.

1) On the plans it calls for 2 - 3/8" Fiberglass Rods x 5/8" long. Yet on the detail for Item 5 the placement of these rods calls for 1/4" diameter holes and 3/8" deep. Am I missing something here? (See pic)

2) What is the purpose of these rods? Alignment? I just can't get their function.

3) I've made the plexiglass template for routing the tenon. How does the jig work to align and cut the mortise?

4) I couldn't find the aluminum channel (item 8) as specified. Would 1" x 1" alum angle work and if so what modifications are necessary.

5) Wish this set of plans came with a "Step 1, buy the materials list ((and references as to part # and where to get!))...Step 86 and now you have finished routing both the mortise and tenon".

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Bobby Masten

Don't feel bad: if you have the same set of plans I have, those are some of the worst I've ever seen.
And I've been reading plans for 30 years.

Good luck. I posted a few questions here about them, got no helpful response and tossed them.

Bobby

I think those rods should be 1/4", and I believe they are to fit in the truss rod slot to center your neck in the jig.

Bob

I agree with Bob and I don't think they need to be fiberglass. 1/4 " round rod, or even wood dowels will work. Also, a wooden spline that will fit the length of the truss rod slot will work.

I wouldn't say they are the worst drawings I've ever seen, but they sure are missing some important details. Being a former machine designer I was able to figure it out and make it work.

Sorry no one answered your questions Runamuck.

Yes, those rods are for alignment of the neck and utilize the truss rod slot to do it. I beleive the Martin style truss rods require a 3/8" slot and most others require a 1/4" slot. My guess is Michael just couldn't decide on which to include for the drawings and forgot to change one or the other. Also forgot to give details of what it's for.

As was mentioned, they don't need to be fibreglass, they can be wood doweling or just a spline that fits the truss rod slot snug.

Yes, you can use angle instead of the channel (I couldn't find it locally either, and I used 3/4x3/4 alum angle). Also, I think the plans call for the channel to be to short, so before you cut the angle, measure. Actually, I'll measure mine (won't be for a few days though sorry) if that will help.

The jig is not used for cutting the mortice. You'll have to figure that one out on your own. There are lots of previous discussions on cutting body mortice jigs, but you'll have to search for it.

Looks like it would be a good idea for someone to make a video of using the Woolson neck jig......or at least some pictures.

Any other questions just ask and I'll try and help out.

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