How to shape a DIY Kit Headstock

[JustinLev12]

Hi There!

I'm new to this forum and I apologise profusely if there is already a thread on this topic.

I've just purchased my first DIY Telecaster kit and all has gone very well so far. The only issue I have is with the headstock. I need to shape to look like the Peghead from a tele but I have no idea how or what tools I need.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much

Justin

[tippie53]

you can use a band saw or a coping saw and then rasp and sand smooth.

[Diane Kauffmds]

What I would do is make a drawing of the right size and shape for a template. Cut it out, then trace around it on the headplate.

Cut out the excess material well OUTSIDE of the line, using a bandsaw or manual saw, like an Irwin dovetail saw, which is a pull saw, or a Japanese pull saw. Sand the rest of it to the line.

I mention the Irwin, because this has been my goto saw for shaping headstocks, until I bought a small bandsaw. It removes material quickly and almost effortlessly.

You probably already have an image, but if not, I've downloaded one for you.

[Kbore]

Sweet! Thank you, I just bought the same kit from StewMac.

[Mal-2]

Which Tele though? The headstock has mutated almost randomly over the years, as you can see from the multitude of templates in this document. They're not wildly divergent, but you have to pick one or mix and match bits. (I'd go with whatever matches the tuner holes in the kit, personally.)