Guitar Neck Scarf Joint, How To Measure, Cut And Glue.
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- I make a scarf cut and join for a guitar neck. The video is in 3 parts. In part 1, I show how to measure and determine the starting position of a scarf joint for a guitar neck build. 2) Then I make a scarf joint jig for the table saw and make the actual cut and 3) Then I setup and glue the scarf joint.
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nice! i just watched this after messing up my 15` angle cut on a compound mitre saw. lol shit
Anyone feel free to correct me, but I believe I see a mistake in terminology that is common with these joints. What is shown as Method A, is actually a Reverse Scarf Joint. To the best of my knowledge, all classical guitars have headstocks made with this technique. The Method A - Method B schematics reveal which gives a greater bonding surface - the Reverse Scarf.
wax paper, the luthier's secret weapon.... great video!!
+Boudreau Guitars
Wax paper and MDF are probably some of my favourite and most used accessories in the shop. Thanks for the comments Ken, I really enjoy your videos.
you can use that or even cheaper good old scotch tape, which offers even less attachment to glue.
I have an early model Jackson Rhoads guitar and the headstock is broken. I , being new to repairing guitars, used epoxy and Gorilla glue to try to repair the break. How would I successfully repair it? I was thinking about removing the fretboard and separating the scarf joint and rebuilding that part of the guitar? Either that or use a band saw to remove the broken portion of the neck and use a sander and Sharpie to remove it. Trying to maintain the same angles and original neck dimensions.
Hi Allen, it's not an easy question to answer without seeing the specific headstock break point. I suggest you join my Facebook group (called Project Electric Guitar) and post some photos and describe the issue and the friendly people of the community will help you find the best way to solve it. Here's the link if you're interested facebook.com/groups/ProjectElectricGuitar/
So impressed! I watched many videos regarding the making of a scarf joint. Nothing is as clear nor simple than your demo. Thank you!
Thank you, I appreciate your comment!
You should check out David Fletcher's scarf joint sanding jig, it will save you a ton of time truing up your scarf joints.
Thank you very much for this extremely detailed and well organized video. I believe I now have the scarf joint "how-to" pretty much wrapped up! Thanks again!
Extremely informative! I have been afraid to do scarfs (mainly sticking to strat type headstocks) but I think I'm going to give this a go
I've built 3 mandolins with scarf joint head stocks. They can have a central rib configuration that is different from the neck center rib and can be stunningly beautiful. Not only that, but it is a superior way to make the wood grain way less prone to breaking if the head ever gets a traumatic fall or something like a damaging injury. Give it a try -- it's worth the effort. Les Paul models are very easily broken because it takes too much effort to make a scarf jointed head stock attachment. The grain direction is wrong. A good glue, like Titebond, is stronger than the wood, but do not use hide glue. Hide can melt if an instrument is left in a locked car in the summer with windows rolled up. Really good luthiers will use scarf joints, most, if not all the time.
This is a precious video. Thanks.
Thanks
by far the most helpful video i have come across for cutting a scarf joint, thank you for the clear instructions!
method A seems like it would produce a stronger glue joint, just because there is more gluing surface area??..
Very good tutorial...I just got your newsletter today...was actually researching how to determine where to make the cut.
Thank you, I'm glad this was helpful for you.
Instead of sanding that second phase, have you considered clamping the two pieces on the jig and going back through the table saw again?
I make cigar box guitars and I used this method to make a jig yesterday and cut several necks and headstocks very successfully. We have a big saw at work so I could do the 3" headstocks in one cut. This is a game changer thank you.
Glad to hear it Buz! Thanks!
Thank you for this tutorial; this has been very helpful for my first build.
Glad that you found it useful
im glad i came across this video! been planning a guitar neck build and this was perfect to learn from!
Glad it's useful!
Thank you! I will be using this method as I tried chop saws, band saws and handsaws. This is the most accurate and once I set up my jig, it will be the easiest.
Hey Bob, this jig does a very good job at cutting a scarf joint. Good luck!
Two piece necks look cool. I first saw them on Abasi guitars and they were really wild, but I like yours too. Reminiscent of how a plain maple top can be really nice
I was reading the comments of some of these guys about where their scarf joint ends up being on their guitar and was looking at the scarf joint i the guitars that I bought in the late 90’s from a certain company and looking at it from the low e string side (bass side) of the neck the joint part that touches the back of the fretboard is at the second fret. And the back side of the scarf joint that the thumb touches is almost at the nut. The only reason I can think of why it ended up that far forward is because of the thickness of the wood, like it was thicker when glued together and then trimmed down after it was glued maybe? The glue joint actually broke and I glued it back together but trying to get parts to fix it back up and get her back to being played.
Really straightforward explanation. Very nicely executed joint.
Thanks Andrew!
Any reason to use the router to reduce the thickness instead of a thickness planer? Snipe?
thanks for a great idea, i plan to use a router to plane the angle cut with a jig
Please whats the name of glue you used, and are there other options of glue?
no video on carving the guitar neck?
Maybe in a future video...
I think you could just cut the base at the same angle as the fence and clamp the neck blank to the fence.
How come you made 3 passes to cut the scarf joint instead of just one pass?
Just curious
Because my blade was dull
I dont know why, but scarf joints scare me.
Hi, this calculate method is only for 13° angle headstock?
Yes, these calculations are for a 13° angle headstock... but they should also be okay for other angles. If doing Method A, make sure to add more than 1.75", for example 2.5" or more, to be on the safe side. For Method B, don't subtract more than 1.5", for example 0.75" or even less.
+Project Electric Guitar Thank's
Just had a quick question. Why not do the cut on your sled in 1 cut instead of three? Also why 3 sanding methods? You would think especially the oscillating sander would accomplish a perfectly flat result. These aren't criticisms! I am genuinely trying to learn. Your results certainly look perfect!!
You embody the phrase "Cleanliness is next to godliness." You precision with measurements, cuts, dust free, and double check in order to achieve perfection are exemplary. Well done and thank you. You are like a diamond cutter on would. I can think of no better way to do it. I'm inspired.
Wrap your cauls with shipping tape, no need for the wax paper
Good idea! Thank you.
This is very interesting. I have learned a lot from your video. Thank you.Thumbs up! Subscribed to your channel.
Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying my videos!
Thank you for that, a clear and concise explanation.
Thanks and you are welcome.
Well, i tried this, and i don't know what I'm doing wrong. I made the 13 deg angle jig. Measured 6.75 in from tip of headstock to nut. Added 1.75in as per method A. When i flip the headstock, it's 3in too short and the neck is lengthened by that 3in. The angle matches perfectly with another neck i have. So, the jig must be right
This video helps me to understand the degree of the headstock. I'm just getting into building my first Guitar and I have video of my design and Blueprint desaing. Question Can I make it 20 or 25 degrees?
Clear, informative, and relaxing :) Thank you.
thank you
You're welcome
Man, I wish I had your tools?
😂😂 it's one of those situations where you can decide between buying a $2,000 guitar. Or spending $2000 on tools to build one. 😂😂
Is your formula for doing scarfs based on the 13 degree headstock? If so, what would the formula be for a 10 degree headstock?
@Project Electric Guitar I followed you instruction to make the scarf-joint, method A. I can't say it didn't worked because it did, but I noticed that sometimes the glue joint line stay under the nut area and is quite annoying and not so nice aesthetically. I take the measurement of the headstock and add the extra space, usually even more than needed, but the scarf line keep being in an odd position. Any guess?
would a mitter saw be a better power tool for the job
if you put the base on the side of the fence you can have a stiffer base and have more elevation...just saying
Thanks for the idea Rick!
I would post a picture of the one I built a while back it has a 15 degree angle...but do not know how in a post here...mite be helpful for others as well....
Method b would be great with a valute.
Excellent video. Thank you.
Glad you like it
I made the same basic scarf jig for my band saw.. I've made a couple scarf joints on the band saw that I am happy with..
I’ve done scarf joints both ways. I prefer to glue on top because fret board will cover where the lumber meets and make it a stronger joint when fretboard is then glued on. But I have never encountered a problem either way
Do you have Facebook id??
i glued my neck blank together on the floor, lol. this whole clamp and table setup looks clean
A really helpful video with lots of very useful tips...thanks
very very helpful, thank you!
Thank you and you're welcome! :)
thanx....great video. i'll do a scarf joint today.
+ranisolo You're most welcome, good luck with the scarf joint.
may i ask why you used that angled jig instead of just cross cutting it with the blade tilted at the desired angle?
Hi, Watched most of your videos.Really great. One question, though. Could you use a band saw for this operation... Thanks Tony
Thanks Tony! Yes you can use a band saw for cutting the scarf joint. However you should expect the spend some time cleaning the saw blade marks... Always try it on a test piece first.
Thanks for that..... much appreciated.
You can. You might not get as perfect a vertical angle so it may take longer sanding it square, but it works. You can also use a good Japanese saw and cut it by hand in the same time as setting up a saw.
Love this video!
This was very helpful!
Awesome!
i plan on doing mine with 5 piece laminate..two outside pieces are one piece .the middle piece is method b and the pieces between are method a
Thank you Sir
Great lesson
Glad you liked it
Question, why not use a mitre saw instead of that crazy jig ?
Great vids! Thank you! May I ask you why most liuthers prefers scarf joint over one piece headstock/neck construction? I mean for angled headstock which method is the best? Does one piece gives more resonance? Thank you!
A scarf makes a stronger head-neck construction. In case of one-piece the short grain of the headstock is more vulnerable.
That pencil trick is really clever. Definitely trying that later. Thanks!
Glad you found it useful!
That's an old trick autobody Painters do also, first they prime , then they get a different color primer and sporadically spray it and sand it off.
Большое спасибо!
What type of circular saw blade use for it?
really nice router jig. great work.
Thanks. It's a very useful jig! I have a video for it if you're interested in building one (ua-cam.com/video/eaqSR9ARLhY/v-deo.html)
11:16 nice router thinning jig
Thanks. I have a separate video on how to make it ua-cam.com/video/eaqSR9ARLhY/v-deo.html
Thank's
On your schematic, isn't the length "D" for method B, labelled 9.5", in error? That's the same as method A
As i understand it: D and the angle are the same four A and B. But wit B you end up with a shorter heads tock than B. With method B a few inches disappear under the fretboard.
how thick is the walnut? an inch? 2 inch?
It's 3/4"
What type of bit did you use on your router to reduce the thickness of the head ?
It's a simple straight router bit with a flat bottom, it's probably the most standard router bit amzn.to/2OfWBKB
Franko S I use a plunge router that I can micro adjust to take off minute amounts of material. The bit is a 3/4" straight bit, a Porter Cable bit, if not mistaken, but mine is dedicated for this one purpose and is not used for anything else. I can also thickness the head stock piece to the precise thickness instead of running it thru a planer and risk chipping out curly maple chunks. Plus, using double sided tape, I can router plane smaller pieces of wood without a snipe disaster, or something on that order. Once you have a lovely stock piece, you don't want to screw it up by some method that could ruin it. Cheers, friend, and good luck. Bob. ( an amateur luthier in Montana )
thank you! this video helped me a lot!
Nice work. Tnx for posting.
Thanks. Thanks for commenting :)
How can i rout the scraf with hand router
thank you most help full.
You're welcome!
Is there a way to glue it so you can make a neck valu? or do you need a thicker piece of wood?
luketama1. I thickness my head stock piece to about .520" or about .525". You know? Where the tuner posts can come thru a sufficient amount. Make a "dummy" mock up first with holes to determine if the thickness is satisfactory. Subtract the thickness of any veneer you choose, cuz that will be added later. For example, .425", with a veneer thickness of .100". Cheers, my friend. Bob
Very Nice work.
master.!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Paul!
Nice work!
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and for explaining so well all the procedure. I learnt a lot. May I as what computer software do you use to do all your drawings ? Kind regards.
Thank you. I use Inkscape for drawing, it's a free, vector-based drawing software.
Thank a million once again. Excellent video.
What type of blade is that? Thanks!
+elbenaso It's a finishing-blade with 60 teeth.
+Project Electric Guitar I'm about to build my first guitar and your video has helped me a lot. I'm going to buy an einhell 2025 saw but it comes with a blade with less teeth than yours, is the thickness of the blade also important to do the job? thanks
+elbenaso The blade is not so important. Building a solid jig, properly clamping the neck stock into the jig and pushing it through with good technique is far more important. I strongly recommend doing a few practice cuts with cheap wood before cutting the more expensive neck wood. Either way, expect to spend some time cleaning the scarf joint after the cut.
If you have more questions and want to join a community of guitars builders, then come join the Project Electric Guitar Facebook group. Myself and many others can help you out with more answers. facebook.com/groups/ProjectElectricGuitar/
+Project Electric Guitar thanks a lot for the info!
+Project Electric Guitar I've sent the request to join the facebook group
I don't see the point of scarf joint. Why wouldn't you use like a 5 piece neck with an carved tilt back headstock? It is like a million times stronger then scarf joint. Just my idea, idk.
will this work for a steel string acoustic ?
Yes, I don't see why it wouldn't
please don't take this the wrong way I appreciate anyone who takes the time to teach others how to do things like guitar building. I just see a few safety issues with the jig you built, the sled should have a rail that rides in the miter slot to keep the work piece from twisting and causing a potential kickback for one. If it was just you showing people how you do it it wouldn't be a big deal but since you may be teaching someone who may not have the same amount of experience with a table saw as you I think safety should be paramount when making these videos. I use a miter saw to cut my scarf joints or I'll just free hand them on the band saw and use a jig I built to sand them perfectly flush.
Again not trolling your video I've actually learned some cool stuff from you and all of the other YOU TUBE luthiers. Thank you for the cool videos.
It is a bit of annoying to see "safety" platoon all over.....yes, he forgot to put a guide, he didn't turn on the dust collect, he is not wearing a mask, and he is not using a kill switch, nor solar pannels to save the environment.
It will be stupid to add in every video "don't try this at home", and waste 2hs explaining what could go wrong. He is not saying how it's done. Is just how HE is doing it. It's his life, his safety, and is not his business if you don't know how to use a table saw and then cut your hand and then accuse this guy because he did it also on youtube and nothing happened to him.
He made a good point. Kickback is a serious potential problem, and newbies do come to You Tube looking for How To videos.
U working for OSHA or what ?
Better cut with bandsaw.