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The truss rod slot in my kit-guitar's neck is shallow by roughly 1/32". I need to remove at least that much material so the truss rod doesn't try to hold the fretboard off the neck. Add another 1/32" for the shim between the truss rod and the fingerboard. I found an Amana 'dado clean out router bit', which has a ball bearing that could guide the cutter so as to not inadvertently widen the slot (router bit is 3/8" in diameter, the slot is 7/16" wide), to deepen the slot, running it up one side and down the other of the truss rod slot. If there's an alternate idea that doesn't involve a router and will end up with solid truss rod contact in the slot I'd love to get enlightened. I have great respect for Porter-Cable's ability to overdo the widening thing if I don't have some kind of guide. According to Amana's dimensions, I'll have 1/16" of the bearing riding on the slot edge as I massage the slot bottom.

Thanks, folks. Very much.

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Peter Havriluk

What you are planning will most likely do the trick.

Where did you get the kit from? I was wondering because I was thinking if it was me I'd give them a call before I bought a tool that I may never use again. Seems like they ought to make the neck work for you on their nickel.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

post pics

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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

Not inexpensive, but exactly what you need.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.a ... 1182,48945

Good luck

Steve

Go the safer route. Get an appropriate width SHARP chisel and scrape it to the correct depth.

"Go the safer route. Get an appropriate width SHARP chisel and scrape it to the correct depth."

+1

Thanks, folks. I'll see about putting a chisel to work.

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Peter Havriluk

I agree with a hand tool approach, but without a burred edge, I'm not sure how well a sharp chisel will perform as a scraper. I made a round scraper for deepening truss rod channels from an old screwdriver having a hardened steel shaft of appropriate diameter. Cut off the end with a hacksaw, file the end smooth, put in vice and burr over the edge by striking end with a hammer. Presto, round scraper with own handle. Quickly deepens channel on the draw stroke. Not suitable for all truss rods over entire length, but will do the lion's share of the work for most.

Tim,
Hold a sharp chisel at an approximate 70-75 degrees to the surface and pull towards yourself. No burr required. I'd guess that after ten strokes or so on a mahogany slotted neck you could easily get 1/32nd out of the slot.

Best regards,
Tom

I did, and that's just what happened. Nice way to work around a non-problem. Thanks!

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Peter Havriluk

http://www.theunpluggedwoodshop.com/wp- ... ogue-3.jpg
Surely everyone has one of these tucked away in their toolbox.........???
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I have a small one and a very useful tool is is.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"