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fret tool
Just happened across this tool on Ebay. Anyone used it?

Looks way too short to actually level things properly.

Nelson, that's interesting. It does seem very short. I think the little flip tool is worth it's weight in gold though. That might even work well with the aluminum angle tool mentioned in this thread?

I think that the idea is similar.

The angle sanding in this thread may actually use the string pressure to keep it aligned. Time to re-read this thread.

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[QUOTE=Hesh1956]


Evan posted a thank you thread a day or so ago and he had just used the method and was thrilled with the results and time savings.


QUOTE]

Maybe this is where we need to look in the Thank You Thread? Any pictures of this in there either?

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That is a cute little tool for elevating the strings. Looks like it would add a little extra stress to the neck/headstock while it's in place though.
I am a little curious how the sanding pad is supposed to be used. Can it be used to address one string area at a time due to the fretboard radius?

To Recap

Rick -
Flatten tool on a piece of marble with self-stick paper. The aluminum L angle is 1/2 by 1/2 by 1/16" and 36 inches long material. (too be cut into short lengths, but no mention of how long)

Evan -
The tool works string by string and between the strings. It's so quick it's scary.

Kevin -
Fret work is so important because it deterines the playability and performance of the guitar in so many ways.

Rick -
Stop thinking about it and just do it.

Evan -
I made a 4" and a 6", yesterday I made a 2 1/2" that was perfect for a rising fretboard extension on an archtop (think last 3 frets). I seem to be using them all and I also thought to use multiple grits for each side of the L.

Evan quoting Rick-
Get some 3M self-stick 220, 320, 400 sandpaper rolls. Stick it on lengths of the aluminum angle. Work under the strings under real string tension. Play the guitar and chase down trouble spots.

Rick -
On the first fret you can pop the string up on top of the nut, but I rarely do this. (that was in response to the lack of clearance on the first fret)

Thanks again to Rick for this idea. This get's back to what you said weeks ago about fretting being so important to building. No more GLO's!   

THANKS RICK!

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Oh yeah, Rick recommends the diamond Fret crowning tool from Stew mac.



A pair of these is 182 USD. 150 and 300 grit.



Then there is this one in three sizes containing both 150 and 300 grit on one tool. $55 each or you can get all three for $150.

Rick, which one? tia

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Dang, I wish I could edit out that pic I posted. This confuses the thread a bit. Sorry guys.

I think those who've actually used the little L angles think the tool is so simple it doesn't warrant photos.....

I'm headed to the hardware store. cya.

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That Pat is so smart.

Okay, just got back from the store current price of a six foot piece is six bucks. The four foot piece is four bucks.

One thing I noticed even sighting down a piece of it four foot long, it bends under it's own weight. Of course that will be minimal on a 6 or 8 inch piece. But I got a laugh looking down the bending six foot piece of material, there is at least a 1/2 inch bow.

KISS, I plan to as well.

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The first file (the solid metal one) is the one I use and I like it a lot, totally worth the cost to me compared to the old style.

As an interesting note, I had that in my backpack by accident when I flew back from Al Carruth's and it only got noticed after my flight from the US to Toronto. Looks just like a utility knife on the X-Ray, have no idea how they missed it in Manchester.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

What Grit Bob?

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