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I've been looking at the plans for the Woolson neck fixture and figure it could be modified so it can also be used to cut the slot in the body.

The other option being to cut and drill the headblock before gluing up the rims.

I know that theres plenty of people here who use this jig so I thought I'd ask opinions as to which option you use and why.

I find the idea of using a jig to cut the slot attractive but the fact that it isn't included in the design makes me wonder theres a goodreason not to do so !

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Richard

I've only done this a few times, and not with the particular jig you mention.
Machining the headblock before assembly requires a level of precision that I don't manage very often. It is not that easy to get the headblock glued to the rims exactly on center and in the right vertical position as well, especially once you have cut the slot so your normal 'index mark' is gone.

I cut the slot after the rims were assembled, lined, and trued on the soundboard face. It seemed to work well with a plunge router and 1/2 inch spiral bit and moderate cuts.

That said, I'm thinking about moving away from the mortise and tenon and going to a straight bolted butt joint in the future.

John

I'm actually in the process of creating a woolson type jig that should be able to switch between the mating dove tail or M & T templates to cut both the tenon and mortise from one jig, by just popping template off and switching. I'm guessing we are 1 maybe 2 months out for production. It will not be exactly like the woolson jig, but very similar. I just gave the idea to my partner, and I'm letting him run with the ideas, so not sure what I'll get. You will know when they are for sale. I was thinking around $175 for both templates, and the complete jig. But we won't know for sure until all is done. Good luck on yours!
Tracy

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

[QUOTE=LuthierSupplier] I'm actually in the process of creating a woolson type jig that should be able to switch between the mating dove tail or M & T templates to cut both the tenon and mortise from one jig, by just popping template off and switching.
Tracy[/QUOTE]

I think there are a lot of folks here who would love to buy one of those!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

i cut the mortice and the tenon(dovetail vesions) using the same jig, simply interchange the templates. the "dovetail" joint is a mortice and tenon joint, just a bit more complicated version than the straight mortice and tenon.

the woolson jig is very adaptable to the purpose.

Hey guys, just to be clear, this is a Charles Fox jig. I only made, what I thought was, a small improvement/modification.
But to answer your question: sure you could cut the mortise in the body with it. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, the StewMac templates come in sets of mortise and tennons. All you would have to do is find a way to securly hold the body in the jig and then return it back to 90 degrees. Then you are in buisiness.

Thanks for replying guys.

I think it should be easy enough to adapt the jig to hold a guitar. On the other hand I can imagine its pretty nerveracking routing the slot in a freshly finished body.

Terken. I like your idea for routing the unfitted block . Definately be a lot less nervewracking ! I cut my first by hand and got it lined up OK - just always felt it was more by luck than judgement !

I guess another option is to look for a way to ensure the headblock is correctly lined up.

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Richard