Stewart Golf ukulele kit, Assembly Instructions Manual

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A block of wood can help align the drill bit . Draw a line at a
right angle to give you a visual reference when lining up the
bit . If you measure and cut the wood, you can create a block
that supports the drill bit at the height you need for the hole .
(See photo above; also see our video Part 4 Preparing The
Neck .) A helper can also view your drill bit from the side to
let you know when you have it square to the body .
When you’re jigged and ready, drill the two holes using a
1/4" drill bit . Drill them at least 5/8" deep .
Attach the fretboard
The end of the fretboard will butt up against the front of the
nut . This point may already be marked on the neck with a
pencil line . If not, the back of the nut aligns with the peghead
angle, and the front of the nut is where the fretboard starts .
Put a pencil mark at this point .
Brush glue onto the surface of the neck, and press the fret-
board into place . Align it to the front-of-nut pencil mark .
Wrap the board tightly with rubber binding bands . Check
to be sure the board is centered on the neck . Allow the glue
to dry for 45 minutes .
File the fret ends
Clamp the fretted fingerboard onto a piece of wood with
one edge overhanging . This is a convenient way to file the
fret ends . Use cauls to prevent the clamps from damaging
the fretboard .
Using long strokes with a flat file, remove the ends of the
frets so they are flush with the fretboard edge .
A two-handed grip is recommended: it takes firm pressure
to file down the fret ends—especially at first, while their cut
ends are sharp and uneven .
When you’ve made the fret ends flush, tip your file and give
a slight bevel to the fret crowns . This makes the frets more
comfortable to play .
When the fret ends on one side are smooth, rotate the board
and give the same attention to the other side .
Drill the neck joint
The neck has two 1/4" diameter holes for the dowels that
support the neck joint . You need to drill matching holes in
the body to fit these dowels .
Measure and mark the centers for the two holes . One is 1/2"
down from the top, and the other is 1-1/4" down from the
top . Mark these two locations with a sharp point .
The body mold is a good way to hold the body while drilling
these holes . Strap the body in, and clamp the mold to your
table . You’ll need to place scraps of wood under the body
to lift it enough to accommodate your drill .
1/2"
1-1/4"