I made a new neck taper template/pattern before routing the sides of the neck and heal.

This is something that I've long struggled with.  I've got a workaround/solution, but it never feels like a clever workaround/solution, so ...

Q:  How do people get a straight edge on their templates?

I've typically got an edge "close" on the bandsaw and/or with a long sanding beam, and then run a bearing guided cutter over it using a long piece of aluminium box section to guide the router.

Is there a better way?

I use one edge of the sheet of MDF for one side and then a strip of sticky 80 grit on a flat piece of MDF and rub the other edge to get it straight and flat....

Is there a better way?

@tv101 I just used one edge of an MDF board that was cut in the factory (it is straight), then mark up for the other edge. I then put on a long aluminium clamp as a guide to run my circular saw down to cut the taper with. I forgot to take pictures of how I made it. 

Thanks @frocesterbill @boo

Half of your methods are similar to mine!  But I should definitely make more use of the factory-made straight edges on the MDF sheets - that’s going to save half the job.

I prefer a router with guide bearing to a circular saw for the second edge and then a long sanding beam to make sure it’s tidy.

😀

Thanks @frocesterbill @boo

Half of your methods are similar to mine!  But I should definitely make more use of the factory-made straight edges on the MDF sheets - that’s going to save half the job.

I prefer a router with guide bearing to a circular saw for the second edge and then a long sanding beam to make sure it’s tidy.

😀

I prefer a router with guide bearing

@tv101 Yeah I’ve done that before too, the router is a good option. 

I see you have been busy today with the like button. Hahaha...... 

I've got a track saw - only the Titan one from Screwfix but it does cut a straight edge - can get 1.2m if I am careful......

@boo

see you have been busy today with the like button. Hahaha...... 

@deej and I had a little challenge going,  He went to the pub.  I won.

🤣

@forcesterbill Yeah I’ve looked at tracksaws before and always though they were a bit expensive. Is it now just a circular saw on a track or is that just me? Is the Titan one any good? 

Is it now just a circular saw on a track

Mine is just that @boo.  The problem I have with it is that the track tends to wander.  It’s supposed to have non-slip material on the base, but it doesn’t seem to be very non-slippy.

Either that or I’m putting too much lateral pressure on the saw and pushing it off line.  I usually sssume user error where I’m concerned!

Either that or I’m putting too much lateral pressure on the saw and pushing it off line.

@tv101 Yeah I had to be careful with the aluminium clamp I used today for moving, especially as it was clamped at an angle. I had to tap in some tiny wedges to help keep it in place. It worked! Unless I ever have enough disposable income to waste on a Festool, I doubt I will buy a tracksaw. 

He went to the pub.  I won.

@tv101 Well, if you snooze, you lose! 🤣

 

@deej and I had a little challenge going,  He went to the pub.  I won.

I think you’ll find @TV101 that I won 🥴....🤣

Well, if you snooze, you lose!

Snoozing had nothing to do with it @boo 

On the straight Earle point I draw the line required (say the neck taper jig) and use something I know to be straight and use the router. I have scrap at the same width as the stock so that you can use the double sided tape and stuck to the bench for stability and route away..works for me.

i tend to use a new piece of MDF for one side so you only have to sort the other side.

once you have one I then do another and keep the original as a master To make more templates. I do this for all templates except for bodies.

Well, if you snooze, you lose!

If you drink, you sink.

😆 

Already sunk then @TV101..

oh and last post was straight edge....edit still not working...

I’ve also been sorting this room out. This is going to be my winter guitar building/maintenance/playing room, I just have to redecorate and seal up the window, all at the same time as building my new Bailey Bandsman (as well as documenting it for everyone’s benefit. 

You got make a mess before something good comes out of it all.