Help with this dovetail

[segovia]

What do these chalk marks tell me ?

Any advice much appreciated

J

[segovia]

This is the joint when its tapped up, there isn't much play in either direction

[johnnparchem]

The chalk tells you that where the tenon is in contact with the mortise. It is hard to keep the angle perfect when dropping the neck down by sanding the tenon. The chalk shows you the high spaces. If you lightly only sand the chalk off each check ultimately the whole tenon will pick up chalk. More contact better joint.

[segovia]

Update

I manged to get the neck flush but I have 1/8" above the bridge , is that Ok

Also I can't seem to close the gap on one side, see pics

I have since shimmed it again for the third time but I am thinking of starting again with a new neck

John

[tippie53]

I like a little less than that but you should be good at this point. My target is .093 but I think you may be ok

[segovia]

I like a little less than that but you should be good at this point. My target is .093 but I think you may be ok

Hi John

I have shimmed it again so I am back where I started, the cost of a new neck and shipping is prohibitive so I'll persevere.

J

[tippie53]

the chalk is showing that your angle is getting off. You want the chalk lower on the tenon so it grabs the block and pulls into the block. It isn't that bad but you will be ok

[segovia]

After much deliberation I decided I was going to make a new neck. The key to the success would be matching the dovetail. I set up a test jig and cut a new trial dovetail to check the fit. Apart from cutting too much off the tenon I am quite pleased with the results.

I'll do another test before I cut the new neck


J