I hold the necks in a "Parrot Vise", A unique multi purpose vice that can turn 360 degrees, be turned sideways and hold items that are not square with the use of clever cork lined inserts.
Notice that the vise is not bolted permanently to the work table but to a piece of 3/4 inch plywood which in turn is clamped to the table. This way I can remove it if I need the entire table, or move it elsewhere if needed.
Starting with rasps and sharp carving tools I shape the neck carefully. I find it important to take it out of the vise frequently to hold in my hands, feel and plan the next step, usually an area that requires further removal.
Starting with rasps and sharp carving tools I shape the neck carefully. I find it important to take it out of the vise frequently to hold in my hands, feel and plan the next step, usually an area that requires further removal.
When you are almost there it is time to put away the rough rasps and get the "bow sander" to work. This sander is a wonderful tool for smoothing curved surfaces. Easy to make in your shop, If you don't have one you really should make one. I would be hard pressed to get along without one.
