Fretboard tapering jig

[Robert Gleason]

I have had several fretboard tapering methods over the years, but have never had I one I really liked. Ideally it would be one that is adjustable to different sizes of boards, but I'm not ruling out size specific jigs. My jigs have always relied to some degree on my hand and eye skills. At 78, I would like to find one that works in a foolproof way, or rather an old fool proof way! Thanks, Bob

[Taffy Evans]

Hi Bob, this may not be what you are searching for, but it may give you some ideas. I use this jig for the opposite reason. I had a stash of fingerboards that had been roughly shaped before I received them. So that I could use them on my fret-slotting circular saw I needed a straight edge, this is how I obtained one.

I hope this gives you an idea, but there are other types out there.
Cheers Taff

[Robert Gleason]

Taffy, Thanks for the tutorial. I was thinking of something similar, but was concerned that the fretboarad edge being sawn would blow out on the bottom because it was not suppoerted on the saw table. Any issue with that? Light cuts to avoid it? Thnaks for your time.-Bob

[Taffy Evans]

Hi Bob, if you notice in the first photo there is zero clearance between the saw and the base that the fingerboard sits on, so breakout is minimal. Also, I treat the bottom of the fingerboard as the surface to be radiused, so any damage is removed then.
cheers Taff

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[Robert Gleason]

Taffy, Thanks. I'll let you know what I come up with. Bob

[Robert Gleason]

Taffy, So, I burned some hours, which at 78 are becoming precious, making 3 iterations of a fretboard tapering jig. They ran the gambit from adustable to size specific. In the end I have decided that the old band saw close to the line and then finish on the edge sander is about twice as fast, and just as dependable , as using a jig. Also, adustment for different sizes is a non issue. Jigs are nice, and required in production situations, but probably not at my production level. So, I have another couple of cool looking jigs to hang on the wall until I cannabalize them, or until my handskills are completely gone. Enjoy your building.Bob