When To Glue The Fretboard?

[Dan Morris]

I will put the frets in the fretboard, before I glue the fretboard to the neck. My question is if it's better to glue the neck to the body and then add the fretboard or glue the fretboard to the neck and then glue the neck/fretboard to the body? The first time I did this, I glued the neck to the fretboard and I was able to glue it to the body, but the curve that the frets put on the bottom part of the fretboard made it difficult to align, clamp, and glue the neck to the body. I'm thinking that if I have the neck all aligned (ACE) without the fretboard, I could glue it in and then glue on the fretboard. I believe that would make attaching the fretboard easier. Thoughts?

[tippie53]

you want to pre set the neck then glue the fretboard on but before you glue to the neck

here is a vid to help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNcbA1P95KE

[Dan Morris]

As a learning opportunity...... Why should the fretboard be glued to the neck, before the neck/fretboard is glued to the body?

[tippie53]

it will make finish sanding the neck a lot easier.
Also I never glue the neck on to the body till the finish is completed. At some point you may have to reset the neck and having a finished neck joint will often show a crack in the finish.

If you glue the fretboard on after you glue the neck to the body, you will find it very difficult to sand the neck. If you try to finish sand the neck then glue it on then do the fretboard , you will see that the finish details can be very difficult in getting clean sharp corners and seamless looking joints.

Setting a neck is an art and part of the luthiery skill set. There is so much to learn and it is true that you may find something that others don't do but may work for you. That is what you must discover.

[Dan Morris]

Thank you for the explanation. It all makes sense. Dan

[tippie53]

we are glad to help
never be afraid to ask a question