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Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
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Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Aug 05, 2010 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
I have a minor issue , After I do my fret install , I set it in my jig and then work the frets down level to care for any high spots . Mark each with black marker and the gently file with a Fine tooth file that reaches the entire length of the fret board. I file in a angle direction and that seems to work well. HOWEVER ! It seems I can NEVER do this without loosening a few frets , and having to go back and use ca to set them and then clean the fret board to remove excess ca . [headinwall]

Suggestions please gaah

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Author:  Quine [ Thu Aug 05, 2010 12:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Maybe your fret slots are too wide??
Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Aug 05, 2010 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Quine wrote:
Maybe your fret slots are too wide??



Maybe , Im buying precut fret boards and mando fret wire . idunno
Author:  Chris Oliver [ Thu Aug 05, 2010 3:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
James, I don't use a file so cannot help you there. I do use sandpaper (120 grit) on the bottom of a plane, for guitars I use sandpaper on my radius block. The sandpaper levels 'em just fine in short order.
Author:  Graham McDonald [ Thu Aug 05, 2010 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
It might be how you are installing the frets. Make sure the slots are deep enough for the full depth of the tang, and then a little bit. File a small bevel along each slot with a fine triangular file, and then run glue into the slot, either PVA or HHG if I have some hot at the time. Hammer or press the fret into place, preferably so the crown sits evenly on the fretboard. I just use an old ball peen hammer for this. It is a matter of practice to get the tang seated in the slot (the bevel helps with this) and the fret in the slot with the least blows of the hammer. Even with a flat fretboard it is useful to have a bit of a curve on the length of the fret, so the ends go in before the middle. Make up a caul and clamp the frets over night while the glue dries, making sure you have pressure on the ends of the frets to keep them seated. Ground down end-nippers are the best thing for trimming the length of the frets back to the edge of the fretboard, and you should be careful doing that not to twist the ends of the frets as you cut them which can loosen them in the slot.

I would be inclined not to level the frets until after you have glued the fretboard to the neck, as that will allow you to remove any inconsistencies at that final point.

Hope that helps

graham
Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Chris Oliver wrote:
James, I don't use a file so cannot help you there. I do use sandpaper (120 grit) on the bottom of a plane, for guitars I use sandpaper on my radius block. The sandpaper levels 'em just fine in short order.


I may try sandpaper and see if maybe its the file teeth that cause to much pulling . Like i said its not a major problem , more of a frusteration than anything
Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Graham McDonald wrote:
File a small bevel along each slot with a fine triangular file, and then run glue into the slot, either PVA or HHG if I have some hot at the time. Hammer or press the fret into place, preferably so the crown sits evenly on the fretboard. I just use an old ball peen hammer for this.

I would be inclined not to level the frets until after you have glued the fretboard to the neck, as that will allow you to remove any inconsistencies at that final point.

Hope that helps

graham


Thanks for the input . I use a ball peen hammer myself , I have never tried the idea of filing the fret slot slightly , usally i dont use glue in setting them . I may try this , it sounds reasonable to me. I used to file them after setting the fret board , however I had trouble holding the mado in place so i went this route easier to hold fret board , however i do usally recheck them after setting the fret board on the neck.

Thanks everyone for the ideas [clap] [:Y:]
Author:  unkabob [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Wudwerkr:
Would one of those diamond sharpening plates do the job without pulling frets?

Just a thought.

Bob :ugeek:
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Good thought !! Might be worth a look thanks ! [:Y:]
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Another glue that's good for frets is fish glue, if you already have it. Frets should tap in fairly easily, if they aren't the slots are too narrow. I agree with Graham, here a curved fret works better on a flat board than a straight fret. Keeps the ends down, so I assume on a radiused board, a fret with a curve in excess of the radius would be better.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leveling Frets After install , Minor Problem .
Thanks for all the suggestions
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