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bolting on a neck - Red Alert!

The CBGers lament: Given it all to do again, I'd do things differently, but here we are.

I've got my fiddle neck ready to install but just screwing it into the block, from either inside or outside, is too difficult. Drill can't reach into the tiny space, or drilling at an angle is too hard without a proper drill press -- and even then.

What kind of fastener am I looking for here? Like maybe one that screws into the heel of the neck and then bolts into the box? What would something like that be called so I can find it? Is that not a good idea?

I worry about screwing anything into the endgrain for long term hold, but here I am.

Open to any and all ideas!

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Permalink Reply by Joe Scislowicz on August 17, 2009 at 9:58am

I would drill a hole into the box from the outside of the box. Use the hole, and put a screw through the hole to mark on the neck where you want to match the neck. Beautiful neck you the way! I used the connectors with the screw on one end and bolt on the other. 1/4" should work well.

Joe

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on August 17, 2009 at 10:27am

All is well. Glued in a dowell, redrilled the hole, reset the threaded insert (still crooked, argh!) So I just now glued on the fingerboard and touched up the finish. I"ll bolt on the neck tomorrow and string 'er up! But first have to toddle over to the music store and buy a bridge.

What have I learned? I think the threaded inserts go in best with a power drill with a drill bit with a really wide paddle. I think you can get nice level torque that way and they'll go in straight.

Also, folks, patronize your local little hardware store. If they have a great wall of obscure parts, keep them in business by buying from them whenever you can. Just try to find a threaded insert at the Home Despot! Har!

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Permalink Reply by Paul Doug on August 17, 2009 at 2:12pm

Glad it worked out, anxious to see the finished product.

Diane said:

All is well. Glued in a dowell, redrilled the hole, reset the threaded insert (still crooked, argh!) So I just now glued on the fingerboard and touched up the finish. I"ll bolt on the neck tomorrow and string 'er up! But first have to toddle over to the music store and buy a bridge.

What have I learned? I think the threaded inserts go in best with a power drill with a drill bit with a really wide paddle. I think you can get nice level torque that way and they'll go in straight.

Also, folks, patronize your local little hardware store. If they have a great wall of obscure parts, keep them in business by buying from them whenever you can. Just try to find a threaded insert at the Home Despot! Har!