Fabricating a template is arguably the most difficult part of the process, as the template must be correct the first time. If not correct, the neck will never fit correctly in the pocket.
Tip: Make your template out of 1/4-inch hardboard. The advantage is that this is a “voidless” material. For example, plywood is inconsistent when cutting into it while hardboard is consistent all the way through. In addition, hardboard allows easy fabrication in a thin 1/4-inch application.
Where to get hardboard?
Answer: Hardboard should be available at your local lumber yard. (Yes, it is true you can buy it online, but you are better off buying from the lumber yard, else you will have to deal with “art supply” hardboard which may not be available in the size you want.)
Warning: When cutting hardboard, the dust created is toxic. Wear a protective mask when cutting this material and be sure to be in a well-ventilated area.
Here is how hardboard is cut to form a template:
Neck sitting on hardboard to be cut. Two scrap pieces of hardboard on either side. The neck itself is going to be used as the guide to create the template.
Clamp holding scrap pieces to neck, glue applied to hold scrap pieces to larger hardboard on bottom.
Clamps added for additional pressure.
Once all clamps added in, neck is then removed.
Excess glue wiped off.
Up next, template creation continued!
Where are the rest of the build steps?
You can view them all here.
