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I'm about to rout the slot and just wanted to confirm I am on track before doing so. ???

I just finished my truss rod router slotting jig. Same as John Mayes video. With #1, I have spent far more time building jigs than building guitars. I look forward to the rewards from of jig building on future builds.

I'm using a standard martin style "single action" truss rod for a 14 fret dread with adjustments from the sound hole.

I was going to route the slot 1/16 deeper to allow to allow gluing on a 1/16 capping strip of mahogany.
The truss rod slot will run up to 1-1/2 inches from the nut location.

This all sounds simple. I just have a few questions because that's how I am

1) Do I just drop the truss rod in the slot dry or glue epoxy it in?
2) John says "You don't want the truss rod to touch the FB, so we glue on a cap". Why not touch FB? Is a cap recommended?
3) The truss rod slot will run up to 1-1/2 inches from the nut location. Why 1-1/2 inches?
4) Should the truss rod fit the slot tight, snug or loose?
5) On future builds should I use a double action truss rod?

I know there is probably a dozen ways you folks do this. That seems to be the way for everything and thats GREAT!
Videos and books are great but they don't answer all the questions.
That's why I love this place Thanks

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Rick Hubka
Chemainus BC Canada

Thanks Todd

I can see now that not adding that 1/8 shim to my jig would have created mistake number xxx on this first build and this would have been a BIG mistake. I doubt the neck would even go on proper had you not pointed this out.

I'm sure glad I listened to that little voice in my head that said "Ask before you cut the slot Rick"

Thanks a ton.

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Rick Hubka
Chemainus BC Canada

I need to learn to listen to that voice booming in my head. I always seem to cut first and ask questions later.

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins