Hi guys, My name is Alex and I'm a newbie, though I have been silently stalking the forums for some months looking for information. Last year my other half picked up and instructable for a 3 string slide guitar which we built out of a pool cue case with a fair amount of success. During the research period we stumbled across CBG and decided that it would be our next project. We have deviated somewhat and have built a cookie tin banjo (fretted 5 string). I think it was a little ambitious for a first one, but oh well. The problem I'm having is the fretting. I screwed it up the first time, using random bits of modelling wire and a file to make the frets. Unsurprisingly they were not level. After months of staring at the thing I decided that I would fret it properly. Got some actual fret wire, fret hammer and end cutters for the job. Now the problem is, I made the fret slots too wide the first time round, you could fit an elephant in there, and changing the fret board is not an option (hand cut white oak with a rubbish saw, years I tell thee!). So, I thought that sanding down some of the oak for sawdust and filling the slots with that and a mix of glue and then re-cut? What do you chaps think? Anyone had to do this before? If so what glue is best to use?
Anyway, I seem to have rambled on enough for now.
Regards
Alexandra.
Replies
Lookin good
Try using a framing square or a machinist's square against the side of the fret board to keep the saw steady when you cut. A small drop of super glue should hold the loose frets in place.
I will give that a go next time. Its a bit frustrating as the test cuts on scrap wood were perfect and the wire is nice and snug. Least I have a pretty bit of scrap wood now.
You could also try marking your cut with a knife rather than a pencil. That gives your saw blade something to track in. Less chance of wobble and wander. But, still use the square.
I did do that (cut with a knife) but I still got a wobble on a few frets. I think I got a little over confident after the first few frets went well. But hey, its my first build of a fretted instrument so its not going to be perfect. Well that's what I keep telling myself.
Well, I gave the sanding idea a go today. Once the vibration white finger has passed I will measure up for the fret spacing. Excuse the bad quality picture. My Blackberry isn't know for it's great camera.
Have you got the right saw this time? You need a blade that will cut a slot .023" (0.58mm). Good luck!
I hope so. The kerf is 0.022 and the tang on my wire is 0.023. It might be a tight squeeze but I will make it fit.
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