When to cut the top for the neck dovetail joint?

[johnnparchem]

I have the rim, back and top ready for gluing. The top currently is not profiled for the dovetail joint. I am wondering if I should cut the top now before gluing or after. Most of the photos I have seen have the top cut before gluing. My thought was that if I did it afterwards I would be profiling it right to the heel. Thanks for any insight.

[johnnparchem]

Thanks, That make sense the binding channel will allow me to see what I am doing and make a good start.

[tippie53]

I agree . I like to keep this closed up till the binding channel is cut.