Stella banjo mandolin

[Lee Gendvilas]

This instrument came to me with the heel in two pieces with the dowel attached to the lower piece. The neck angle was poorly set. The dowel came out of the heel fairly easily. I have cleaned off the glue and plan on gluing the heel pieces together, plugging the hole and re-drilling for a proper neck angle.

 

How should I orient the grain of the plug to the grain in the heel?

 

Thanks and looking forward to your replys.  - Lee G.

[Frank Ford]

I'd say grain orientation isn't significant as long as the resultant neck angle is suitable.  So many of those old critters have neck alignment and straightness issues.  I'd be inclined to stick the dowel back on in the same orientation if I had the choice, though.