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I started this kit build two years ago and have put it away several times as I got busy. First of all, I regret now not getting the dovetail version (Stewmac "D" kit)....but as I sanded the rim, I've lost about 1/4" off the top of my neck block. It wouldn't be a huge problem except that I'm thinking the holes won't line up now and the neck will sit proud of the top. Should I plug the holes and redrill them now? You can see the hole where the truss rod adjustment is is almost sanded through.

I think this probably came from me using a 28' dish (which was okay to do according to Stewmac) instead of the 40' and it just took too much away when I sanded. My rim thickness at the neck is now 3 1/2" and 4 5/8" at the tail.

How do I avoid that problem next time if I still want to use the 28' radius? It took the kerfing down the same amount on the ends too. (It seems I saw John sanding the rim on a dish before installing the kerfing once???) The good news is the top fits perfect! but I'm gonna have a problem with the neck joint.

I would not worry now, when it is time to set the neck you can extend the hole into slots if you are off a little or fill them with a dowel and re drill. When you sand a dome on the rims you do end up sanding down a bit to get the top to seat on the waist.

Thanks John. It's gonna be off by about 1/8" so I'll have to do something. I would imagine sanding in the dish the way i did is the best way, but the it seems stewmac's instruction way (to use a board with a 1 1/2 wedge attached would taper the edges uniformly but not create a perfect mate with the sides and top.

I know it's not perfect, but it'll definitely make a guitar. I can't believe how perfectly the top sits on the guitar once I notched the kerfing. It's amazing really how well that worked using the radius dish.

For 1/8th" when you need to fit the neck I would go at the holes with a rat tail file making them a little bigger. I agree you top will fit nicer the way you did it. If you have a 28' dome the body angle for the fret board extension should be close.

before you go any further , set the neck in and see where you are in alignment with the holes for the bolts. I agree it isn't a big deal but it will be easier to adjust the holes for the bolt now than later,