Trimming fingerboards

[AdmiralB]

So now that I have a fingerboard, and a neck sans board, what are the possibilities in terms of methods of fitting? My intention is to get it fitted up, then take it back off and fret it 'loose'.

Tack-glue the board to the neck and use a bearing router down the sides, trimming the ends by hand?
Trace the neck on the board and bandsaw?
Something else?

 

[whoismarykelly]

Terry McInturff has a bunch of info about his neck build process here and he mentions gluing the board on, then radiusing, and then fretting with the idea that this process gives him the most ability to correct for wood movement at each step of the way. Might be worth looking up before you settle on your build order.

 

[3dognate]

I've done it both ways and much prefer to glue the fingerboard and then fret afterward.

But I band saw close and flush trim / double sided tape just like you describe when I've fretted first. don't sweat the flush trim too much.. the neck shaping and final sanding with blend it all in.

 

[AdmiralB]

Much obliged!