Neck Block Grain Direction

[Steve Hinde]

What do you consider to be the correct grain orientation for the neck block for a dovetail joint? I have used laminates to avoid any issues, but to be traditional, a mahogany neck block is the standard right? How about Spruce or even Maple? I know that Spruce is used in violins, but not with a dovetail. I just don't like to see plywood or a laminate in there. It will prevent the possibility of splitting at the dovetail, but separation at the top or back could happen too, if the lamination separates. I have used a variety of mahogany for necks etc, and some of it is quite 'punky', and could be higher in density.
I guess a lamination with 1/8 or 3/16 thicknesses, mixed species made up would be my thoughts as an alternative to cabinet grade or other plywood. What do you think?

[buckhorn]

i take a 3/4in piece of mahogany and glue it together as i reverse the grains ...not typical but i think it gives more strength to the block and tailpiece...swapping grains seems redistribates the stress

[Steve Hinde]

My thoughts exactly. Never dawned on me to use only mahogany both ways in the lamination. DUH. Great idea. I just have a lot of scraps around in rosewood, maple and other stuff I thought about using. I have been doing the mahogany at about 1/4 inch on each side of a high grade plywood. I do alternate the direction for the strength.
One piece would be less work, just concerned about splitting out the inside corners of the dovetail. Not much meat left between the dovetail and the edges of the block radius.

[Dick Hutchings]

I don't see why it's even an issue. With the top, back and sides all glued up it's a pretty strong joint. Have you seen a lot of neck blocks crack?