Fretboard Alignment Jig/Fixture

A drilling jig that allows you to use 3mm dowel pins to align the fret board blank to the slotting template.

Uses drill bushes to secure the alignment of the drill holes, your 3d printer likely has very good x,y positioning accuracy but the 3d print material is just not suitable to position a drill. Drill bushes are hardened steel bushes sized to push into jig/fixture with a central hole that will guide a drill of the right size. These are not super easy to com by but it’s the right way to construct a template like this for accurate and long term use.

You can find drill bushes from the below links amongst others

https://www.boneham.co.uk/drill-bushes/headed-press-fit-drill-jig-bushes/ph-type-headed-metric-jig-bush-iso-4247-din-172a/drill-id-size-range-2-65mm-3-30mm-ph6-6mm-od-ph6?returnurl=%2fdrill-bushes%2fheaded-press-fit-drill-jig-bushes%2fph-type-headed-metric-jig-bush-iso-4247-din-172a%2f%3fcount%3d20

McMaster carr 96977A150_Press-Fit Drill Bushing with Head

https://www.berger-tools.co.uk/Drill_Bushes/Din172a_Headed_Drill_Bush_Steel_Hardened/

Or search for DIN172A drill bush Ø3.0mm

The jig is located on the end of the fretboard blank by 2 dowel pins Ø3mm x 20mm, these can be set so the fretboard is started at the 0 fret or at increment of 6.35mm 11.35mm and 16.35mm from the end of the 0th fret.

The dowels can be moved to suit between jobs, and are secured by 3 x M4 x 35mm Cap head screws.

BOM
- 4 to 7 off (your choice) 3.0mm DIN172A hardend drill bushes
- 3 off M4 Full nits or Nylock nuts

- 3 off M4 x 35 Cap head socket screws

Assembly – see exploded drawing
Use a drill press, arbour press or tap the drill bushes in with a mallet.

Usage
- Use double stick tape of masking tape and superglue to adhere to back of fretboard blank before use.
- Use the central slot to align to your centre line.
- Use the Dowel pins on the end to provide the correct end length.
- Use a Ø3mm drill with drill stopper to drill 3mm deep positioning holes in the back of the fretboard.
- Use Ø3mm x 6mm dowels to position the fretboard blank on the slotting template.

Standard settings are fine.
Print the large template bottom face down, use a brim if you have warping issues and don't remove from build plate while warm.

The clamp can be printed face down but is best printed with counter bores of the holes towards the build plate.