GUITAR NECK PRESS SYSTEM - With Sliding Neck Support Caul
- Nov 7, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
The system is self contained, incorporating a fret press mechanism and turn handle, mounted on a sub-base, with sliding neck caul.
DESIGN FEATURES
Alignment of the fret and caul.
Offers full neck support, including heel transition.
The neck can fully extend without toppling.
Integrates multiple tools into one solution.
Easily positioned on the bench for optimal use.
High mechanical advantage from screw.
Not subject to high mechanical leverage and requires no anchoring.
PRESS CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
The press features a rectangular oak frame with top and bottom sections connected by aluminium supports. It has a space-saving rhombus base, adjustable feet, and a central caul slider block. The lower oak section's underside is covered with grooved rubber for stability.
NECK CAUL
Made from oak and soft felt, the caul supports the entire guitar neck, including the heel. The felt extends outward to adapt to various neck profiles. The stepped section maintains neck support during fret pressing over transitions and the heel. Two thin rubber strips are provided for additional support under thinner neck heels.
NECK CAUL SLIDER BLOCK
Machined from beech, the caul slider block ensures smooth transfer and alignment of the frets.
The fret is pressed using a single turn of the screw after initial caul seating is made.
As the guitar neck narrows toward the headstock, the neck caul is tapered in height to maintain the fretboard plane, ensuring consistent fretting along the entire neck length.
The neck caul is designed with enough height to accommodate angled headstock clearance, and it also permits the tuners to stay on during urgent partial repairs.
SIMPLE CAUL CHANGEOVER
Wind the screw down, swap cauls and wind back up.
Alternatively, pull the caul and retaining collar downwards to remove both parts from the end of the screw. (The collar is retained on the screw via an internal spring clip).
CAUL OPTIONS:
See separate feature on Pressing Guidelines.
PLAIN - SIMPLE RADIUSED CAULS
10 radii-set of flat section radiussed cauls - 75mm wide:
7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
The cauls have a flat cross section permitting a small amount of misalignment between fret and caul.
GROOVED CAULS
11-radii set grooved cauls - 75mm wide:
7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 18, 20" & Flat.
The press is supplied flat packed and is assembled via two 8mm allen head socket screws.
