Posted: Apr 02, 2016 1:49 pm
Preparing the fret slots for frets
Next I'll be installing the frets. There is a wide variety of fret sizes to choose from. The height, as well as the width, can be selected. After the frets are installed they will be flattened and re-crowned so the original size will change a bit. I'll be using a medium/medium fret which is a good choice unless something else is specifically desired.
Start by cleaning out the frets slots, removing dust from fretboard sanding as well as any glue that may have crept in from the binding. I use an “exacto” like knife with a curved blade.
This requires a fair amount of concentration, one slip could put a pretty deep scar in the board.
Next I file the top of the slot a bit wider than the fret saw kerf to make it easier to get the fret started in the slot. A gun stock checkering tool is great for this also. Clean the slot when you're finished.
One more time through with the exacto blade to pull out loose debris and it's done.
Next I'll be installing the frets. There is a wide variety of fret sizes to choose from. The height, as well as the width, can be selected. After the frets are installed they will be flattened and re-crowned so the original size will change a bit. I'll be using a medium/medium fret which is a good choice unless something else is specifically desired.
Start by cleaning out the frets slots, removing dust from fretboard sanding as well as any glue that may have crept in from the binding. I use an “exacto” like knife with a curved blade.
This requires a fair amount of concentration, one slip could put a pretty deep scar in the board.
Next I file the top of the slot a bit wider than the fret saw kerf to make it easier to get the fret started in the slot. A gun stock checkering tool is great for this also. Clean the slot when you're finished.
One more time through with the exacto blade to pull out loose debris and it's done.
