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I just finished the first slot head using the Luthier Tool (http://luthiertool.com/index.html) slot head routing jig recently acquired.
It was wonderful! Easy to set and adjust, fine tolerances and, following instructions, it produced smooth, accurate slots in the headstock.
The only miniscule glitch was the knurled adjusting knobs on either side were just a skosh higher than the face plate that the router rides on...but I was using a VERY wide base on my plunge router. A quick run with a file around those knobs brought them down below interference...basically knocked off just the tips of the knurling.
Kudos to Luthier Tool Co. for a well designed and constructed luthier tool!!!!

Thanks for the review Hank. I've been thinking about building my first slot head and was wondering how to jig up for it. Ain't it great when a tool really does what ya want?

Hank
How does that compare with the LMI slot head cutting jig?

I concur...I have the same jig. I've used it on 2 slotheads so far and it worked flawlessly. If I can use it anyone can.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Hey JJ, How bout a picture or two of those slotheads?

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

I agree Hank, great tool! I made 2 beautiful slot heads, and then ruined the necks!!! Now that we are moving I won't be using it for a while, but I think it is a great tool, and I can't wait to make another great looking slot head.

Jeff

[QUOTE=John Kinnaird] Hank
How does that compare with the LMI slot head cutting jig?[/QUOTE] John I have the LMI jig and have a review here.
http://rcefaluguitars.com/jigs_fixtures_page5.htm
It worked well but has it's drawbacks. Certainly not as slick as the one from Luthier Tool CoBobc38614.9622337963

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The LMI tool is nice, but it only does one side at a time and then must be repositioned (flopped over) to the other side and re-aligned for the second slot and set of tuner holes. The Luthiers Tools unit acts like a parallel clamp and opens/closes like a drafting compass...both sides move in and out (opposing threads) to bring it into alignment with the straight sides of your headstock. All tuner holes are drilled in one process. The slot templates are removable and, if you buy the total package, ie: cuts both steel and classical headstocks and drills for tuner shafts, then you can do anything. If you desire a different shaped slot (wider, different interior corner curves, etc. they will cut those to your specs (as I understand).

Photos...I'll try to get a couple tomorrow (heading to a granddaughter's 2nd birthday in Oregon on Wednesday). The peghead won't be ramped yet, but you can get the idea.

It may seem a bit pricey to some, but for a full time luthier who plans to offer slot head (or the option?)on their instruments, I think it would pay for itself, especially after the frustrations of trying to make your own "precise" slot head jig. Been there, tried that and did waste a lot of time and birch ply in jigs that really never lived up to my expectations.

John...Here are the parlor twins showing results from the Luthier tool jig.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

JJ that is nice
Now I notice that those corners are a little squared off, which I also like. what kind of router and template follower and bit size did you use on this, if you don't mind my asking

John

John...I'm on the road right now and can't remember all of the details. I used a PC router. I followed the manufacturer's recommendations...I think it was a 1/4" spiral bit with a ??" template follower. I'll let you know that dimension when I get back home. Perhaps Hank has the instructions handy.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Thanks JJ
   I am thinking I want to go this way.

John

Router bit data:
A quarter inch carbide spiral bit is common. The first cuts (4 in my case) were done with a 7/16" template guide. This leaves about 1/32" of wood to clean up with one final pass with the bit at full depth and using a 3/8" template guide. Minimal sanding touch up is needed with this procedure.
Since JJ added pics, I'll skip it. "You see one slot head, you seen 'em all".

Now all we need is a brainless way to put the ramps in.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Actually I saw Barry Dudley's shop this past weekend and he is working on just such a jig. In essence it slopes the router into the slot and cuts a sort of squared off ramp. Pretty nice I'm thinking.

Brock...Unless I'm missing something, forming the ramps seems pretty brainless to me. I hog it out with round files and and then fine tune it with various grits of sandpaper wrapped around a dowel rod. Certainly not as fast as a router would do but effective nonetheless.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com