Routing Neck Dovetails, Part 2

by Roy Woltz

Originally published in Guild of American Luthiers Data Sheet #162, 1980



Here is the simplified method of making dovetail neck joints with a router and dovetail bit.

First, figure the depth of the guitar body at the heel. Mine are usually 3 3/8", so I make the dovetail 3" long. It will taper about 1/4" to the inch.

The female jig is designed to be used with a holding mold attached to a table. The mold must be fastened to form a 90° angle to the table top and to bring the heel surface of the body into such a position that the jig can be extended over it. The body is put in the mod with the soundboard facing out, and is held in working position with the wedges and rubber bands.