Neck Cradle Jig
Source: Repair Tools and Jigs
Tools and Materials Required:
6/4 Hardwood
Leather or Cork Sheeting
Leather or Wood Adhesive
Band Saw, Jig Saw or Scroll Saw
Fine Back Saw
Sandpaper 100 Grit
Sandpaper 220 Grit
Some Small Tools to Make:
What we have decided to do in come up with a list of guitar repair tools that are possible to make by the guitar repairman him or herself. These are not difficult tools to make and they all serve a very useful purpose.
Neck Cradle:
The neck cradle provides support for the guitar neck while the guitar is resting on its back facing upward. If made properly, it will securely support the neck without need to worry the guitar will “squirt away” off the work bench.
Use: It is used mostly to support the guitar neck while completing fingerboard work, fret work, nut work, headpiece work and neck work.
How to Make It:
This tools is quite easy to make. If you have some 6/4 or 8/4 hardwood stock lying around you are basically all set. Just layout the dimensions on the wood block and cut with your favorite saw(s).
It is easiest to use the Band Saw for this type of work as you can free-cut the angled side, but hand saws will do just fine as well.
Next do your final shaping with a Low Angle Block Plane and sanding sticks, or you could use a Stationary Belt Sander for this work too. The Belt Sander works especially nice for the neck contour portion of the jig – so you can get a nice gradual curve here.
Now you should chamfer all the corners of the jig about 1/16″ or round the corners to prevent any accidental damage to guitars you may be working with.
The curved neck portion of the jig should be lined with leather. Be sure to use a good Leather Adhesive for this. If you do not have access to any leather, then line it with some sheet cork to cushion the guitar necks and prevent them from damage.
The Final Finishing Touches:
Finally, if you decided to use an exotic wood or dark hardwood for this project, put a coat of Linseed Oil on the jig. This will darken the grain, make it look very professional and protect it from dirt and glue.
Tags: guitar making tools, guitar tools and jigs, how to make a guitar, luthier tools, neck cradle jig
