FINAL ASSEMBLY

ONCE THE FRETS are installed you nip off the ends and smooth them down with this simple rig.  A file is inserted into this maple block which has been sawn to a 45 degree angle on one side.  First you  file the fret ends flush with the edge of the fretboard, Then using the angled side you file a 45 degree slope on the fret ends.  
Notice that the first and the 13th frets have not been put in yet.  A small hole is drilled in the center of of those slots to hold a brad which keeps the fretboard in position for the glueing process which comes next.

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CLAMPED DOWN TIGHT and held in position on the neck by those small brads.  You can put the two missing frets in later and file the ends down with a small file.  Be sure you get this on straight.

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IF YOU DID IT RIGHT the roughed out neck is larger than the fretboard.  Now you carve it into its final shape.  I start with a fine rasp carefully taking the neck to the edges of the fretboard.  Now switch to a sharp scraper to perfect the shape and thickness of the neck.  

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Now for the peg head plate.  I sand a 15 degree angle at the nut end so that it will mate perfectly with the bone nut I will be installing.  Then a thin coat of glue on each side and clamp it on being careful it does not slip out of position when you tighten the clamps.  It helps to put a nut in position as you do this.

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AT LAST it is all together.  Now for lots and lots of sanding to smooth out curves, perfect the edges.  I start with 150 grit and progress up to 1500 before the French Polish process begins.  Finally the bridge is glued on, the tuners installed and the strings attached,  and then she sings.  
I will discontinue this long construction saga and bring this uke back for you to see when it is finished.  Hope you enjoyed watching the process.