Leveling tools

Re: Leveling tools

JB_From_Hell said:
I’ve done enough other wood working, drywall, plumbing, flooring, etc... to not even think about trying that.
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I tried it once after seeing this video, but now I just use my quarter round file. Even with the Dremel method, I still had to go back and even up some. PITA

 
Re: Leveling tools

While I don't know much about fretting, it is fascinating to read everyone talk about it.
 
Re: Leveling tools

I guess I should mention that those stainless fret guards that StewMac sells (and can be found elsewhere) are a worthy investment when doing levels, recrowning, and polishing. Be aware that they are about .010 tall, so you can't polish right down to the wood. Most masking tape is only about .007, but it can be abraded by sandpaper or cut by plastic or metal tools.

Also, I dug up an ancient photo of my StewMac workbench with the neck jig on it... It's solid maple. The top turns over - solid maple on one side, and slotted maple on the other for clamps, etc. I've modded it a lot through the decades. Added an extension lamp, mounted a board between the rails to serve as a shelf (added after this picture was taken), and there are 2 plastic tubs to hold clamps, etc.

I like my bench exactly 44 inches tall, and added mahogany 4X4 blocks, and skateboard wheels on the bottom as spacers. Leather pad on the jaws to the vise. It's removeable to install other tools should need be. It's heavy as hell, and very versatile. Cost a bunch to buy it way back in the 80's. StewMac hasn't offered them since the mid-90's.

image4.jpg
 
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Leveling tools

I use a StewMac leveling beam. I think it’s the 18” model. That works great. I’ve been using that since about 2012. I also use one of their 6” fret leveler file with the wooden handle. Been using that since the 90s. For crowning a use a triangle file with the corners ground off. I made my own 30 years ago, but StewMac sells those.

Then I polish the frets with 800 through 1500 grit abrasives, 0000 steel wool, and my Dremel with a polishing wheel and red rouge.

I’ve never owned a notched straight edge. Looks like a nice thing to have, but I just use my eyes. You get used to what to look for with experience.

If you ever get into doing your own refrets, pressing them in with an arbor press is a game changer.


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Re: Leveling tools

I think he's referring to a crowning file.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Double-edge_Fret_File.html
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That's a Gurian file - named after Michael Gurian, the inventor. I do not like Gurian files, I find them unwieldy. I think they are limited in use, also - they are meant to crown new frets, not frets that have been crowned multiple times. They can gouge a fingerboard quite easily. Bought mine back in the early 80's, used them maybe twice and now they are in some forgotten box in the shop.
 
Re: Leveling tools

ICTGoober said:
That's a Gurian file - named after Michael Gurian, the inventor. I do not like Gurian files, I find them unwieldy. I think they are limited in use, also - they are meant to crown new frets, not frets that have been crowned multiple times. They can gouge a fingerboard quite easily. Bought mine back in the early 80's, used them maybe twice and now they are in some forgotten box in the shop.
Click to expand...

I have that crowning file, and didn't find it easy to gouge a fretboard. It definitely takes some getting used to using it . . . you don't just drag it back and forth along the top of the fret (as I had originally assumed). There's more of a rolling motion that you have to do. It also clogs quickly, so you need to stop and wipe it clear of metal shavings or you run the risk of gouging the frets.
 
Re: Leveling tools

I have that crowning file, and didn't find it easy to gouge a fretboard. It definitely takes some getting used to using it . . . you don't just drag it back and forth along the top of the fret (as I had originally assumed). There's more of a rolling motion that you have to do. It also clogs quickly, so you need to stop and wipe it clear of metal shavings or you run the risk of gouging the frets.
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There isn't a file made that is supposed to be dragged back and forth. ALL files cut in one direction ONLY. And yes - it clogs easily, which is another reason not to use it an a repair shop. Time is money, and it's stupid to half your time cleaning a file every 5 seconds. In fact - it takes longer to clean than use, as I remember. As for the rolling motion - it's all in the wrist when crowning a file even with a 3 cornered file or a sanding stick. Some folks have trouble with it. I thank my industrial training as a tool & die maker for learning that as a wee lad.
 
Re: Leveling tools

I started with the traditional Gurian style files but quickly switched to the diamond offset file. I mostly use a safe tri file now, but the offset diamond is still my first recommendation for beginners.
 
Re: Leveling tools

Clint 55 said:
Yep. You can also round the fret ends before you install them by simply dragging them in your half round file. Instead of spending 20 minutes per end while they're in and putting more marks on the fretboard.
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Of all the really bad suggestions you've posted here, this may be the worst.

First of all...if you finesh the ends before installing the frets, you will STILL have to trim them to length and finish them AGAIN! (That is, if you do quality work and don't leave sharp fret ends sticking out beyond the edge of the fretboard, or if you don't cut them too short to begin with).
Second...it takes me less than 10 seconds (probably closer to 5) to finish a fret end. And by using a safe-side file, there is no risk of damage to the fretboard (that is, if you know what you're doing...meaning if you are reasonably good at what you do). If it takes you 20 minutes, or if you scratch up the fretboard, you'd better find a new job.
 
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