OK, next job is to make a template for the neck. I have a commercial set of templates in MDF, but I like the idea of more like a Telecaster shape headstock, so it’s time to make and modify a working template.
First I used a pointed router bit to cut a centre line down a bit of 18mm MRMDF I had as an offcut from making kitchen cabinet doors.
Then I drew round the original template, and used a jigsaw to cut close to the line. I didn’t go as close as I see people in videos as I don’t have that confidence, nor a band saw.
Then it was double sided tape to stick the template to the MDF, and use the router to trim to size.
Cutting roughly first has a few advantages. It’s safer as there’s less chance of the bit digging in, it’s less wear on a potentially very expensive cutter, and it’s less “sawdust” being created to dispose of .
NOTE: I was making this out of MDF which has a nasty reputation. I had dust extraction going, and was wearing a dust mask.
I did the initial cut to standard shape then cut out my sketch of what I was aiming for and put it on the new template and drew round it.
I then used a jigsaw to cut the bulk of the excess off, and hit the sander
It was then a job of just trying to get initially to the line I had. then when that didn’t look right, gentle shaping
It’s not quite right yet, but I want to take a break and come back to it when a little less tired.