Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom Drommond on November 19, 2015 at 1:37pm

Were it mine, I'd dip it in hot water and let it soak for a minute or two.  Then I would set it on a flat surface and stack a flat piece on top, plus a bunch of weight and or clamps.  I'd leave it for a week or so and see what happened. If it had an angled headstock, I'd make a block to set it on that had the angle and allowed it to be clamped flat and straight.  

The twist may be in the grain structure and part of how the tree grew. It's worth a try, but I'd most likely start on a new neck with flat stock that was properly dried.  CBG neck is so simple that it's almost a waste o time to mess with it. I build mine from red oak I get at Lowes. I don't use a scarf cut.  I make mine more like a stratocaster or telecaster neck.  Couldn' be easier and no worries about a busted headstock.  YMMV

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on November 19, 2015 at 1:44pm

Sounds like the wood was milled when before it had dried properly and twisted as it dried out.  You could probably wet it and straighten it, but most likely it will just go back with time. Make a new neck out of a straight piece of wood and use this one for smaller pieces like as head stock "ears" or such.

Permalink Reply by QGolden on November 20, 2015 at 12:53am

That is a frustrating problem, and as Duck said, likely results from the processing of the wood. I have tried to straighten stock before, (not for necks) and it always is an exercise in futility. I frequently have to square up stock for projects. Once you learn how it is easier then making a neck. If you still have enough stock left on it to mill it again to square it up you can do so. Jointer is best, table saw will work, hand plane can be used as well, (and is a skill that you would be proud to master).