Walnut Stratocaster - Number 8 - Neck Bolt

I decided to use mounting bushings instead of a neck plate for this build. For the bushings I had to counter-sink the holes.

Then I drilled through the body for the screws. I used the drill press for these. I then attach the neck and use the holes to guide the drill bit.

Walnut Stratocaster Or Number 8 - Neck Pocket

Now it's time to move on to the neck pocket.

I start by clamping the neck to the body blank. I use a laser to line up the center-line of the body and the neck. clamp it in place. Then I attach two long pieces and one small piece of wood to the body blank. The wood is placed tightly against the sides of the neck. This creates a perfect routing jig.

I remove the neck. Then drill out excess wood using a 3/4 inch drill bit. I follow that by routing the pocket. Once complete I cut the body shape out, and use a spine sander to clean up the sides.

The neck now fits snuggly into the body.

I placed the pick-guard on these last two images, so that I could see just how it might look. I have not decided to use a pick-guard on this build.