Fret end dressing...

[FretFire]

Alright, the neck on my current project will arrive here fretted with the ends snipped flush with the fingerboard, but the ends will not be beveled and dressed. I'm just wondering if these tools at StewMac (links below) are the ideal ones to use, or if someone might have some tips on something else to try.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Frettin...ressing,_polishing/1/Fret_Beveling_Files.html

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Frettin...sing,_polishing/1/Fret_End_Dressing_File.html

 

[rspst14]

Re: Fret end dressing...

Yes, those are the exact tools I use. Use the beveling file to impart a slight angle, then do a final touch up with the smaller file. By the way, those small files are great for filing the bottom and sides of a nut blank.

Ryan

 

[FretFire]

Re: Fret end dressing...

Yes, those are the exact tools I use. Use the beveling file to impart a slight angle, then do a final touch up with the smaller file. By the way, those small files are great for filing the bottom and sides of a nut blank.

Ryan

Excellent, thanks for the words of wisdom. My last question is in regards to the length of the beveling file. Is there any reason NOT to use the 4" file for the whole neck, as it is a great deal cheaper.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Fret end dressing...

Excellent, thanks for the words of wisdom. My last question is in regards to the length of the beveling file. Is there any reason NOT to use the 4" file for the whole neck, as it is a great deal cheaper.

Not really, as long as you're consistent. A longer beveling file makes it easier to put a uniform bevel on the fret ends. If you're careful, you can get away with a shorter file. Just be careful not to overdo it. If you over-bevel the edges, you'll decrease the amount of room you have to bend the E strings before they slide off the fret. If you do that, you have to refret the whole thing.

Ryan

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Fret end dressing...

that is if you bend down...dont most people bend pushing up on thin E and down on thick E?

 

[rspst14]

Re: Fret end dressing...

that is if you bend down...dont most people bend pushing up on thin E and down on thick E?

Yeah, but if your vibrato involves quickly bending the string back and forth, you run the risk of having the outer strings fall off the neck. Over-beveling the fret ends is a definite fretwork no-no.

Ryan

 

[theodie]

Re: Fret end dressing...

Fretfire, Personally I use and like those very tools very much. Same exact ones I use. I bevel the fret ends then, I use the end dressing file to knock off the sharp coners. Works like a charm.

I have used the method that JohnJohn suggests and it works great also but, its not my personal prefference. Different stroke for different folks.
JohnJohn's method will be cheaper for you though.

Good Luck

 

[FretFire]

Re: Fret end dressing...

Fretfire, Personally I use and like those very tools very much. Same exact ones I use. I bevel the fret ends then, I use the end dressing file to knock off the sharp coners. Works like a charm.

I have used the method that JohnJohn suggests and it works great also but, its not my personal prefference. Different stroke for different folks.
JohnJohn's method will be cheaper for you though.

Good Luck

Well, seeing as this will be my first attempt at this, I want to go with the most foolproof option. I suppose spending a bit more cash is good insurance. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[bvc310]

Re: Fret end dressing...

Not to disrespect anyone here,what about grinding the edges of a triangle file with a dremel.For the beveling I always hold a fine metal file in my hand and use the flat between my first and second knuckles to press against the edge of the neck and draw it along.

Same with me John. I prefer to do as much work as I can by hand and feel then by the expensive tools on Stew-Mac.