Cutting out the neck pocket

[daviddrazen]

I couldn't seem to find an answer to this question, so I figured I'd ask.

I have a 000 kit from Blues Creek with a bold on neck. I have glued in the kerfed lining and will be working on bracing the top and bottom next. At the moment, the sides at the neck block are covering the pocket. At what point do I cut that out? What is the best way to do that step?

[tippie53]

I use my inlay tool but you can use a dremel or drill a few holes and clear with a sharp chisel

[daviddrazen]

Thanks. Does this happen after the binding and purfling are in? Or before?

[TEETERFAN]

It doesn’t really matter, the binding is easy to trim if you install it afterwards. Cutting out the neck pocket now will allow you to check your neck fitment and help you visualize things.

[BlindBo]

Hey David. I like to cut it out after I’ve routed the binding and purfling channels so that my yarn router bearing has solid wood to ride on as I route the channels around the neck/body joint area. I typically use a small, flush router bit to clear the mortise and top cut out areas and then do any clean up with a sharp chisel.
Hope this helps

[daviddrazen]

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks!