There are several examples in this thread: https://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=50059&hilit=tail+block+jig. (The one that's used on a router table give me the willies though.)

Reading a thread on neck block construction and see that a CNC machine is employed to fashion a consistent neck block to use on all guitar designs.

http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/view ... 01&t=51428

I'm curious as to how many use a CNC machine to create such things and what kind of investment in time and dollars this adventure takes.

I can't see myself ever going down that road with limits on space and learning curve but am interested in standardizing SOMETHING in my builds.

...and if not CNC how does one create parts and pieces consistently?

Is there another method for consistent part creation? Jigs? Setups?

And what parts does one start with? Neck blocks seem a natural but other parts?

I took the Fox course in 2004 and as mentioned he had great jig systems that utilized the table saw, belt/disk/edge sander and router table/robosander that pretty much covered the bases as far as making parts. He did espouse the philosophy of parts making to acquire an inventory for future builds.

I do that to some extent but it does feel like factory work after a while so after three or four sets of braces, head/tail blocks fretboards etc I have usually had enough.

I have thought about CNC frequently but at 4-6 guitars a year have not been able to justify the time and expense. I can make the parts pretty fast with the conventional jigs. Maybe someday. I have a luthier acquaintance that has offered to help me get started.

I use a CNC and a 3D printer a lot to make jigs and molds. Necks, fretboards, and some inlay too. But it really isn’t an efficient machine for most things.

First is the immense learning curve. I’ve been using the machine and learning the CAD software for ten years, and still struggle. I think if I was using it daily as a part of a real production outfit I would have it down in weeks. But it’s like playing the guitar, you can have all the music theory in the world but you won’t play half as well as someone who busks 6 hours a day.

Second is the setup time. It isn’t like a table saw where you can set the fence, cut a piece, be on your way. It can take me hours or even days to draw something in CAD, figure out how I’m going to hold the part and cut it, destroy three blanks because I got some parameter or hold down wrong, and finally cut a useable part.

So I get a lot out of my machines, but there is a lot that a good jig and a more traditional tool can do better even if the CNC could theoretically do it too.


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Curious Terence, do you shape/create your neck blocks with jigs? Routers? Etc.?

Is there another method for consistent part creation? Jigs? Setups?

Kind of self serving but you could always outsource to someone like me. I make a lot of standard parts for medium volume builders. I have one client that orders about 25 heels - yes heels, not heel blocks or necks but heels - for his classicals about twice a year.

For something like a heel block though there's little reason to go CNC. I do make them as an option for my neck customers and if I had to guess, I'd say maybe 10% or fewer orders for necks include a CNC'd heel block.

Thanks Andy, and I love the possibilities your services offer, just haven't found anything yet that is consistent enough in my builds nor requires CNC, but who knows.