Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by wormil on September 20, 2012 at 7:17am

A dowel would work or you could use 2 dowel screws (lag on one side, bolt threads on the other). If you go with a dowel I wouldn't use a "tiny" one, I'd go 1/2".

Permalink Reply by N. Smith on September 20, 2012 at 7:29am

I meant a dowel In addition to the bolt, just big enough to stop the turning. Thanks for your answer, I will look into dowel screws as a possibility

Permalink Reply by wormil on September 20, 2012 at 3:25pm

I guess I assumed too much in my reply, what I meant was you could use a 1/2" dowel in addition to whatever fastening method you've chosen or you could use 2 dowel screws.

Permalink Reply by Habanera Hal on September 20, 2012 at 7:38am

A locating pin wouldn't hurt, but if your fretboard is going to overhang the box, there's no need to worry about the neck turning.  I've used a Mainland neck with jusy one bolt and it works fine.  The only issue I've had is bowing of the box.  Be sure to reinforce the soundboard with bracing.

 

Permalink Reply by N. Smith on September 20, 2012 at 10:18am

Nice looking Uke! what kind/how much bracing did you use?

Permalink Reply by Cigar Box Strings on September 20, 2012 at 7:40am

I bond my fretboards directly to the top. I use that bond to prevent the neck from twisting. Just a 1/4-20 bolt and glue between the neck and box.

Permalink Reply by N. Smith on September 20, 2012 at 10:22am

I did that for my first build and I agree, that neck isn't going anywhere! But for this build I think I'm gonna stick with just a bolt though.

Permalink Reply by J-Peg on September 21, 2012 at 1:50pm

I just completed my first cigar box uke (my first build of any kind actually.)  I used a bolt on neck from Mainland.  It tried to turn with the bolt a little at first but it wasn't too hard to hold it in place until I got the bolt tight enough to keep it still.  I think on my next build I'll probably put the neck and box together temporarily first thing (before I put the fretboard on the neck.)  I'll make sure the neck is turned right and then run a small screw from inside the box into the neck.  Then take it back apart and proceed with the build.