Neck Heel Shaping Jig

This router neck heel router shaping jig was inspired by my friend Bryan Luker who passed away in 2017. My take on his jig is considerably different than his, but I got the basic idea from him. The jig holds an unshaped neck in an upright position while the router follows a template and rough shapes the heel. This takes very little time and is a big aid to me in further neck shaping. Most of the photos should be self explanatory. For any questions. e-mail me [email protected] 

The locking knobs on the sliding side movement holders thread into T-nuts. The single DeStaco clamp easily holds the neck down.

Bottom of the jigs gets wax as needed.

Plastic adjustment knobs thread into 1/4-20 T-nuts.

Adjustment arms slotted on the router table

Because my necks have a dovetail on the end before shaping, I need a long router bit. I use a 1/2" shaft x 3/4"diameter  x 2" cut carbide bit. You could use any size  top bearing bit that works for your size. I run the router at about half speed to cut down on vibration. It cuts pretty smooth and is not dangerous as long as you hold onto things and don't get too crazy with deep cuts.

The bearing follows the pattern on the jig. The pattern is mounted to the jig by machine screws that go into brass threaded inserts in the end of the heel pattern. The pattern is interchangeable and I can do any size uke or guitar neck by changing the mounted pattern.