The Scarf Joint

Has nothing to do with neckwear fashion.  The scarf joint is a simpler way to join the head to the neck, than the V joint.  The neck  stock is cut at an angle, between 10 and 15 degrees, then one piece is flipped and glued to the other.  Below, you can see the head piece ready to glue to the neck.

 

scarf jointBelow, two necks trimmed for the scarf joint.  One has glue and has the pieces positioned ready to cramp.

positioned

put em togedder

When the pieces are roughly aligned, the cramp is added and the pieces can be jammed in.

cramp

Cramp on scarf

The cramp is the perfect size for the scarf joint, leaving the gluey oozey  edges clear of the cramp.  The gap in the cramp is the thickness of the head without rosewood lamination.

cramp clamp

cramp clamp

joint and cramp

joint and cramp

The cramp determines the thickness. The thicker part to the left will be planed away.

The cramp determines the thickness

The cramp determines the thickness. The thicker part to the left will be planed away.

Below: planing for thickness of head

planing

planing for thickness of head

planing 2

during planing

Below:  The side is planed square. See the joint quality.

plane the side

plane the side

2 necks

2 necks

The scarf joint, properly done is a really strong joint, a great (humble) alternative to the V joint.

About steve

Luthier in the northwest of the Northwest. Classical guitars, custom instruments, repairs and restorations.
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