Neck Fitting Jig

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klr

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I built a jig to make fitting the neck easier for me.

20200103_173559-1.jpg

I took a piece of 3/4" x 12" x 30" and cut two 2" strips off each side and screwed it to the remaining piece. I joined it to the factory edges because they were straight.

Then I marked a center line and cut out a window.

Here it is with the body installed: Mark the center of top and put on the centerline of the jig.

20191228_193702-1 (1).jpg

Do the same thing with the neck and tighten down the neck alignment fence:

20191228_193825-1.jpg


Then I clamped the bottom of the jig in my bench vise with the uke on the back side. To use, just lift the neck slightly, insert sandpaper, and then hold it down on the sandpaper and against the alignment fence and jig. Floss until happy.

20191228_194209-1.jpg
 

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  • 20191228_193825-1 - Edited.jpg
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Nice connection. Where there is a will, there is a way... My only suggestion is cut off the end of that screw sticking through before it cuts your hand (picture 4). Blood on an uke stains badly.
 
sequoia said:
My only suggestion is cut off the end of that screw sticking through before it cuts your hand (picture 4). Blood on an uke stains badly.
Click to expand...

Good point. ...and replace the finishing nails on the sides with some dowels or round-headed screws.
 
mike_tatt said:
Thanks for sharing this.

I've just fitted my first neck today - a jig like this would have made my life a whole lot easier ! ! !

I might just 'recreate' this for my next ukulele :)

Cheers
Mike
Click to expand...

You're welcome, Mike. If you do make one, please let me know how it works for you and if you make any improvements.
 
Thanks for the jig idea, klr.

It was fun to build. I added hold down clamps to hold the neck in alignment when adjusting the fence.

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Very nice!

Those are some good improvements. I'm looking forward to seeing your results.
 
Hi,
Seem's to be a very useful tool. Is it possible to see a video of how it works? i'dont arrive to understand and i had some troubles with this step...
Thanks a lot,
Raphaël
 
Rbee said:
Hi,
Seem's to be a very useful tool. Is it possible to see a video of how it works? i'dont arrive to understand and i had some troubles with this step...
Thanks a lot,
Raphaël
Click to expand...

No video, but I have some pictures of the process. Here are the steps I followed.
  1. Draw centerline on neck and body
  2. Position body in jig, align the centers. Move the jig's tail stop into position and secure it in place. Secure body very tightly to jig with large rubber bands. Body must not shift in the jig while sanding.
  3. Position neck in jig, center aligned, with heel just touching the body. Engage the neck hold down clamps. Move neck fence into position and secure it in place.
  4. Double check that the body and neck are perfectly center-aligned while holding the neck against the neck fence. Disengage the neck hold down clamps.
  5. Insert a strip of sandpaper between neck and body, abrasive side facing neck. Use one hand to push neck against the fence and body, then use the other hand to pull the sandpaper strip out of the gap. Clean abrasive residue after each stroke. Check neck-body-jig alignment frequently. Continue sanding, one stroke at a time, until neck fits with no gaps.

Everything aligned, ready to start sanding:
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I made some mistakes.

This biggest mistake was using the wide strip of sandpaper, as shown in my previous posts. I think it's much better to use a strip narrower than the width of the neck, so you can easily avoid sanding the corners.

Here is a picture I took showing the problem caused by using a too-wide sandpaper strip. Notice the corners of the neck were sanded too much, almost beveled away from the body.

Because of this mistake, I had to take off an additional ~0.5mm from the neck to close that small wedge-shaped gap.

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Great pics.

I agree with using a strip narrower than the neck. Also- I don't insert my sandpaper much past the heel. If you do the heel can get sanded down too much.
 
Last edited:
Thanks a lot!!! i understand and it will be very useful!
thanks for pics and the idea :)
 
Great thanks!
Work really nice and easy to use :)
Banc_calibrage_1.jpg
 
Last edited:
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