first try at dovetail neck joint

[Dan of SC]

This is my first try at a tapered blind dovetail neck joint. I have a pretty good book with photos and directions, but I'm having a problem it doesn't cover. I routed the joint till the neck was about 5/16" proud of the body, then stared working it down with sanding sticks. I've got it down flush with the body, more or less, but one side of the neck is higher than the other, in other words it has a little twist. If I take wood off the dovetail on one side, it swings the neck in that direction. Taking wood off the shoulders adjusts neck angle, but where do I remove wood to straighten the twist? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Danny Gray

[LouieAtienza]

Originally Posted by Dan of SC

This is my first try at a tapered blind dovetail neck joint. I have a pretty good book with photos and directions, but I'm having a problem it doesn't cover. I routed the joint till the neck was about 5/16" proud of the body, then stared working it down with sanding sticks. I've got it down flush with the body, more or less, but one side of the neck is higher than the other, in other words it has a little twist. If I take wood off the dovetail on one side, it swings the neck in that direction. Taking wood off the shoulders adjusts neck angle, but where do I remove wood to straighten the twist? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Danny Gray

It just means either your dovetail or mortise is slightly twisted. Whichever side is risen up, you'll have to take some material off the dovetail on that side from the top tapering to zero at the bottom of the dovetail, and on the opposite side take material from the bottom of the dovetail to zero at the top. Do very little at a time and keep checking.

[Dan of SC]

Thanks Louie, good description. I'll bet back after it!