Neck Block Too Tall

[Dan Morris]

The neck block for the Martin-style guitar kit I bought is 7/32" taller than the sides at the neck joint. The tail block is fine.

I'm following the instructions in Bill Cory's book - "Building Martin-style Acoustic Guitar Kits". Plus, I have the construction manual from Martin. On pages 18 - 20 of Cory's book, he describes the process for gluing the neck joint and states. - "The neck block should not be cut down at all." However, he also goes on to say that the blocks should be 1/32" proud of the rims, along with the kerfed lining.

Should I leave the neck block "as is", glue it 1/32" proud of the top, and then sand down the excess 6/32" on the back, when I'm fitting the back to the sides?

My concern is that 6/32" excess on the back side of the neck block seems like a lot of sanding that could put stress on where the block is glued to the sides, if I correct the height after gluing.

[tippie53]

there are 2 angles you need to be aware of
1 1/2 on the top 5 on the back. Yes you can rough trim them . keep it about 1/16 in proud on the top and about 5/32 on the back to accommodate the geometry.
sanding won't stress the joint

[Dan Morris]

John,

Thank you for the advice. Based on what you're saying, the neck block is probably good to go. I'd have 2/32" on the top and 5/32" on the back, with the neck block in the kit. I know the back isn't flat based on the guitars that I own and reading Bill Cory's book, but I'm new at this and I just didn't realize that there is that much of a curve to the back.

These are the subtle "gotchas", that I'm trying to avoid.

Thanks again. Dan

[tippie53]

feel free to ask any question you feel you need to. Also use the resource of you tube. Blues Creek Kit section is there and I also have about 80 vids on building on you tube,. We are all here to help