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Neck Joint Routing Template for Fender
Routing instructions
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i-1120
Updated 03/06
The neck pocket routing template is for solidbody guitars with Fender-style, bolt-on necks. There are two template sizes included: the smaller shape is for guitars, and the larger one is for basses. Both the guitar and bass routs are shaped for necks with radiused heels (Strat, Jaguar, P-Bass, J-Bass). The guitar rout is not intended for use with Telecaster-style necks (which have a square heel).
Instructions
Draw a centerline on the workpiece. On this centerline, measure the length of the neck pocket and mark that point. Align the template to that point and use a sharp pencil to trace its neck pocket shape onto the workpiece.
Use a 1/2" bit for most of the work, and use a 3/8" bit for the rounded corners only
Don't try to use a 3/8" bit for the whole job: the miniature bearings on a 3/8" bit are not rugged enough to withstand "hogging out" that much wood, and they may break down.
Don't try to cut the depth in one pass
The depth of most neck pockets is 5/8". Trying to cut to this depth in one pass is not practical -- it is risky and difficult to control. Using your 1/2" cutter, the maximum depth you should cut in one pass is approximately 7/32". This means cutting the pocket will take three or more passes.
With the cutter bit raised for a 7/32" cut, the ball-bearing will be also be raised above the surface of the wood. You'll need to raise the template on shims to meet it. The template should be centered and clamped above the workpiece on 3/8"-thick shims. The shims put the bearing in contact with the template while the bit makes the cut below it. A small machinist's square, or any square-cornered object, will help you align the raised template with your line on the workpiece.
The template is oversize
The Neck Pocket Template is oversize by approximately .040" to allow for variations in neck width and finish thickness. Compare your neck's heel to the template, and measure the gap with feeler gauges. If you want to reduce the size of the neck pocket, you can do this by changing the diameter of the ball bearings with tape. Wrap masking tape around the ball-bearing to equal the measurement indicated by the feeler gauges. The increased diameter of the bearing moves the cutter away from the template, so it routs a smaller neck pocket.
Remember, the finish will add thickness
A typical neck finish is about .004" to .006" thick. Since you're working with unfinished parts, keep in mind the addition of a finish and allow for this thickness on each side of the neck pocket.
Rout in a series of side-to-side passes
Start the router bit at the treble side and cut across to the bass side. Rout the pocket with a series of treble-to-bass passes, cutting flush to your pencil line on the sides and end. The 1/2" bit will leave a little wood in the two rounded corners.
As you set the router for a deeper cut, the bearing will drop below the template and lose contact with it. It's not necessary to lower the template shims; instead, reposition the bearing on the cutter shaft by using pieces of tubing as shims. (Cutter bits from Stewart-MacDonald include low-friction tubing for this purpose.) A short length of tubing positions the bearing, while a longer piece keeps it from riding up toward the router. Leave 3/4" of shaft exposed so that the router collet can grip the bit securely.
Tip: Many builders prefer to use extra bearings on the shank. With a stack of four bearings, the cutter bit contacts the template at all heights.
After you've gained enough depth for the bearing to contact the newly-routed neck pocket, the bearing will guide on the wood itself. At that point, the template is not in use, but don't remove it before using it for the next step: shaping the corners.
Shaping the corners with a 3/8" cutter
Switch to the 3/8" cutter to rout the corners. Use the 3/8" bit with care, and only for this corner shaping—its delicate bearing won't withstand heavier use. Two bearings are supplied with 3/8" cutters from Stewart-MacDonald. Use both bearings stacked together to distribute the load and stress over a wider area.
Creating a larger pocket
It's rare for a neck to fit too tightly in the template, but if it does, you can create a wider neck pocket by cutting oneside first, then moving the template to cut the other side. Position the template away from the centerline equally on both the bass and treble sides. The template must be unclamped after the treble side is cut and repositioned to cut the bass side. Align these off-center cuts slowly and carefully!
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Neck Joint Routing Template For Fender
Ball Bearing Router Bits
Double-stick Tape
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DEPARTMENTS
