Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi All,

I've been a member here for a little while, just haven't posted. I've thoroughly enjoyed this site and have learned an immense amount!   

I'm in the process of my first build and have what may be a naive question.

How snugly should the mortise and tenon joint fit, laterally speaking? Is it typical to allow a little bit of "play" for fitting and fine tuning?

Thanks,

Pete

I generally make my mortice and tennon using templates that give a snug, but not tight fit. If yours is loose you could shim one side or the other with peices of veneer. The M&T is not really necessary, it only makes allignment easier.
I hope this helps.

Al

Hi Pete from anoth new guy. I agree with Al, make it easy to slide together but not where it rattles.

_________________
Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Hey thanks guys,

That was my first thought, but thought I'd ask anyway. Getting a little concerned about the joint, if you couldn't tell.

Thanks again,

Pete

Pete,
   I've always liked a good snug fit when using a mortise and tenon neck joint. I like it to need a little pressure to seat it and then a little work to get apart. If you do leave as much as .005" the joint will slide in nicely with little pressure, but a thin glue application, if you're planning on gluing it, will snug it up as the tenon absorbs the glue and swells slightly.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars