GUITAR NECK PRESS SYSTEM - With Sliding Neck Support Caul
Updated: Aug 23
The system is self-contained, incorporating a fret press mechanism mounted on a sub-base with a sliding neck caul.
DESIGN FEATURES
Smooth alignment of the fret and caul.
Guitar neck fully supported including the heel transition.
The neck remains stable when caul is fully extended in either direction.
Easy positioning on the bench for optimal use.
High mechanical advantage screw requires less manual leverage.
PRESS CONSTRUCTION
The press frame is made from oak with top and bottom sections connected by aluminium supports. The base incorporates a sliding caul guide block and is fitted with adjustable feet on the underside.
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 transition and heel. Two thin rubber strips are provided for packing support under thinner neck heels.
NECK CAUL SLIDER BLOCK
Machined from beech, the caul slider block ensures smooth neck movement 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 a horizontal plane for consistent fretting.
The neck caul is designed with extra height to accommodate angled headstock clearance, also allowing the tuners to stay on during partial repairs.
SIMPLE CAUL CHANGEOVER
Procedure: 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.
