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How many cut the headblock mortise before installation vs. after closing the box on a non cutaway flat top?

Why?

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I do it after.

Bob

I dont always do things the right way,but, I dado out a piece long enough to give me multiple blocks,cut to length then either cap or fill the bottom.
I have been trying to make up extra pieces whenever it requires a special set up.
Hopefully, one day the bulk of the parts will be roughed out and it won't take me 8 months to complete a project.

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

Always after. Takes about 10 or 15 minutes with a very simple jig and a pattern makes router bit. I do use a big router. I've never done it the other way but it would suck if the mortice didn't land right where you wanted after the box was closed.

I make the block a bit longer then required. Drill holes vertically either side of mortise location to fit two finish nails. Cut off where I want bottom of mortise. Cut mortise in longer section. Glue back together using locating nails. I have not had a problem in over 40 guitars with offset location. Just a bit of care in glue up required.
Tom

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

I've done it both ways but you do have to be careful with layout if you cut it first. Now I have a jig so I cut it after.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Before. I don't like using routers, though I have a nice PC 690. I drill it out with Forstner bits then clean up with a chisel. Quiet that way, though it takes longer.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I was taught to make neck block with mortice before gluing to sides. Very touchy gluing in correct place. You have to allow for some adjustment so neck and FB line up afterwards. This approach works with making laminated neck using three similar pieces of flat sawn wood with middle piece being tenon.
Like everything else in making a guitar, the geometry has to be right when everything goes together. I would like to build jig to rout out mortice after closing box.


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This is way I learned to make a three piece neck.


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I cut the mortise and drill for the bolts first. I do have a jig for cutting the mortise after the body is assembled but it it easier for me to do it first.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I did it before at first, but now really like doing it after. Easier to line up and with a couple jigs the mortise and tenon fit very nicely and right where you want them. When I did it the Cumpiano way I never liked the way the binding wasn't fully supported behind the mortise.

Kent