PBG neck pocket query/body glue recommendations

[Chuck]

I'm thinking about a scratch body build and using a PBG neck - just wondering if anyone has compared the PBG neck heel with the stewmac neck pocket routing template? Is it a fit? I know I could make my own template, but grabbing the stewmac one would be easier and useful for future builds.

While I'm at it, I'm thinking about a pine scratch body using 2x4s glued together. Just wondering what glue people have used? I've used Titebond III in the past but it's probably a bit of overkill and a hassle to source. Any suggestions?

Cheers
Chuck

[wokkaboy]

Hey Chuck, sounds like a cool project. How much are Stewmac charging for a neck pocket template including shipping ?
I'd recommend making your own template as you will learn a new skill, save money and probably get a better fit depending which PBG neck you purchase.
Note the tele and strat neck heels are slightly different, the strat is more rounded and tele is squarer.

I used the standard Titebond red label glue, should be available from good hardwares.

[FrankenWashie]

+1 on DIY Chuck. I have done this for rerouting the FrankenWashie neck pocket it's not hard to do.

- If you buy the StewMac ones, use them as a master and fabricate in MDF. The standard SM ones are only about 1/4" thick so you either have to chock them up, or find a really short router bit to get the bearing to run on it, one slip and it's cactus anyway.
- Use 1/2" MDF, more stable and cheaper than ply and easier to work than Acrylic, treat the edges with Thin CA glue to harden them for multiple uses.
- Hog out your base material first and use the router to clean up the profile, especially if you are only equipped with a palm router or laminate trimmer.

As far as glue, again I go +1 on what Woks said, for all of the laminating on the FrankenWashie, EXA-1 neck bond, neck laminating and subsequent headstock laminating, I just used standard red titebond, you don't need to go fancy.

[Chuck]

Thanks guys, I've made plenty of templates in the past but I figured a stewmac perspex one would be a worthwhile investment if I were going to use it a bit. You're right though, it's not that hard making them! And I like the idea using thin CA to harden the edges. As always, great advice!

Re the glue, I've struggled to find Titebond in local hardware stores - it's always involved a trip out to Carbatec (which can be dangerous with so many cool other things to potentially buy!). I'll definitely switch to the red label one though as it's significantly cheaper.

[FrankenWashie]

Ah yes, Carbatec. An institution that I have banned myself from for the next few months. Sadly they have a rather good online store as well.

[stan]

The main reason for the red Titebond is that the joint is super strong, but can be steamed apart if need be - probably a good idea for a neck joint