The Deluxester Prototype - Sonic's foray into repeatable scratch builds

[Sonic Mountain]

Thanks guys, haven't touched the blanks yet as I've been wrestling with the fingerboard.

It only took 4 goes and about 8 different rigs to finally get it setup right.

So I've persevered with the Tassie Oak, because its easy to get and cheap. Getting it down to a reasonable thickness without springing $500+ for a thicknesser was a bit of a challenge. I ended up using some aluminum right angle and mounting it directly to my router table to make sure it was as flat as possible. Dressed one side, with the router, then flipped and dressed the other. I just held it in place using the superglue and masking tape trick .Board ended up just on 8mm thick from approx 12mm as it came from the big green shed.

This setup is also exactly wide enough to put my radiusing block in so I can remount the finger board in there and do that a bit down the track.

Anyway some pics. I'm happy with it. The slots are not quite at finished distance, I'll wait until I've added the radius and then give them a final run through with the kerfing saw.

I'm so happy and relieved to be at this point now as being able to successfully make my own fingerboards has been a bit of a road block for me to this point.

[Hardcoretroubadour]

Looks great Sonic, i might have some bits of QLD maple sitting around if you are interested.

[Sonic Mountain]

Cheers man, I'm going to keep going with this fretboard for now, but I'll keep that in mind.

[FrankenWashie]

Nice Work Bro!

[blinddrew]

Good work!

[McCreed]

Nice SM. Necessity is the mother of invention!

I know I mentioned this in a previous thread but, a Safe-T Planer in a drill press would be perfect for thicknessing your fretboards.
They're wide enough (2-3/4") that you could probably do them in one pass*. Mine was $75 delivered Express.

*edit: I had originally stated 3" - I just double checked and the cut width is 2-3/4", but probably still wide enough though.

[Sonic Mountain]

Yeah I saw that, I'll probably grab one at some point, but I'm quickly running out of budget at the moment so pinching every possible penny.

So... real heart in the mouth stuff today, I cut my truss rod channel. Apart from a very small wobble at the heel end during the initial pass, I'm pretty happy with it.

Now I just need to locate my fingerboard with some pins so I can start cutting the neck shape out. But not today.. I need a lie down after this

[FrankenWashie]

All the prep and fixtures in the world do nothing to abate the nerves when you fire that router up.
Doesn't matter if its a little palm router or a big plunge version, once its spinning up, I am always on edge. Especially on TR's and PUP routs. Kudos mate!

[Hardcoretroubadour]

Living on the edge sonic, love your work

[Sonic Mountain]

Hmm.. so I think I've goofed. I have the truss rod upside down.

I can route down the 'step' at the adjustment end, but that's how I was envisioning it would be retained in the slot once the fret board goes on. Am I missing something?

If you look in the 3rd pic down you can see the step I included.

I might have to glue in a 'stop' at the adjustment end I think, to make it a reverse of what I have here... does that seem right?