Shaping Fingerboard Ends

Timbuck · Dec 27, 2009

I wondered how others go about shaping the ends of fretboards..I clamp them in this simple jig set-up ...and glide around with the router.

And here's a batch I did this morning.

Sven · Dec 27, 2009

I carve away with a knife. But I don't build as many as you do. I can try to remember taking a pic doing the next one. One question, do you taper the fretboards before slotting?

Sven

Timbuck · Dec 27, 2009

Sven said:
One question, do you taper the fretboards before slotting?

Sven

Hi Sven..Seasons greetings...Yes! I taper before slotting..the setup I have can slot the fingerboard with, or without, the neck attached.. it can also slot straight into the neck without a fretboard...I've a pic of it somewhere.
A ha! here it is...I made it out of a scrap bandsaw table..and an old B&D drill as a motor to drive the kerf saw blade.

This is the indexing bit

And the underside already attached to the neck.

erich@muttcrew.net · Dec 27, 2009

Timbuck said:

:drool: sixteen fretboards, one nicer than the other. Is it Christmas, or what? Oh yes, I guess it is

Sven · Dec 27, 2009

Oh I remember, I've seen your setup once on the cosmos. Really smooth, and you shouldn't listen to the crazy people that want you to sell kit ukes. You should listen to me and sell me a kit workshop! With your jigs and machinery, I could do an extreme build in what, 2 hours?

Yes, seasons greetings an' all. Any chance of you going to Hollesley 2010?

Sven

Flyfish57 · Dec 27, 2009

I've been using a small drum sander, but I like the bevel a lot so I might give your method a try! Thanks for posting
~Stephen

luvzmocha · Dec 27, 2009

Timbuck,

Do you build with a dovetailed neck?

thanks in advance,

George

jerickson · Dec 28, 2009

Timbuck, your way looks like it works great for you. I use a spindle sanding bit in a drill press sanding station. Of course the fingerboard is in a jig to make sure the fingerboard doesn't shoot across the room!

Timbuck · Dec 28, 2009

luvzmocha said:
Timbuck,

Do you build with a dovetailed neck?

thanks in advance,

George

Yes ..It's the main reason that started me building ukes..I wanted a "Martin" but I couldn't afford one..I like something to get my teeth into, so I thought "I'll make myself a copy of one" (c/w Dovetail neck joint and all the other features) I purchased the "Scott Antes" drawing of the Style 1..and went from there..I was a Toolmaker by trade and I was used to working with metals and plastics and such, so working with wood was new to me.
My first uke wasn't too bad and I still play it it can be found here http://www.ukulelecosmos.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6839 but I thought I could do better, and that was 2 years ago..and I'm still endeavouring to make one that i'm completely happy with from start to finish.

Pete Howlett · Dec 28, 2009

Aren't we all trying to get it right? I'm working on a style 1 signature mahogany at the moment. It's been grain filled and I'm really please with results so far - nice classic chestnut brown!

Shaping Fingerboard Ends

Timbuck

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Sven

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Timbuck

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erich@muttcrew.net

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Sven

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Flyfish57

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luvzmocha

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jerickson

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Timbuck

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Pete Howlett

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