#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

Leveling fret boards

I was watching Ben Gitty on the CBN-TV and he was gluing down a fret board with hot glue. He's talking about the problems he might have with the glue setting up before he can get his clamps on it. The feed was flashing 'live' but apparently wasn't when I was watching it so my suggestion didn't get posted.

Anyrate. I looked about and didn't find anything so thought I'd post what I do here. When I'm gluing on a fret board to a neck I use a level now. I mark out on the neck where I'm goop'n on the glue. Slather it on, slap the fret board on top then put my level on top of the fret board. Make fine adjustment in positioning the fret board and then use two quick clamps to suck everything together. Once the fret board is in position I torque the clamps down as tight as I can get them. This gives an even pressure the length of the fret board/neck. I find it very quick and no need of salt or anything else to keep things from sliding around.

When the glues set and the clamps removed the level kept everything nice and straight. So when I bang in the frets later they end up being nice and level with little fling needed.

1 member likes this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on August 3, 2016 at 12:17pm

I am going to def give that a try too... Thx man... noth'n better than the CBN people

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on August 6, 2016 at 2:53am

Tried this on my last neck. works like a hot tamale... Better than tapping them in with a hammer. Funny how I didn't take it that one step further... But I often will miss the obvious, Thx again for adding the extra bit Wayfinder, appreciated.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on August 6, 2016 at 8:57am

OOIII VEY!!! Can't take the pressure, have to go back to my hidie hole and build something.

BTW... never thought of building flutes, gonna have to check that out. Maybe incorporate that into a CBG build somehow... :) a huff'n puff cbg...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by jabes on August 5, 2016 at 10:50pm

i find the hardest thing is to get the neck level and square before the fretboard goes on ..

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on August 6, 2016 at 2:48am

Yep... Unless you have a shop full of equipment I find it the biggest challenge too. I have a band saw and very old breadbox Delta planer so my squaring is the biggest challenge I face.