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Sawing a Fret Board.

Posted by Michael A Grubaugh on March 11, 2011 at 6:21am in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

Hi Group

I have a little problem I have tried over and over again making my own Fret Boards and have had no luck yet.

I have a Table saw but every time I try to rip a quarter inch piece off a board the saw kicks the material back which is not to safe.

Anybody have any good suggestions on how I can cut them? I don't own a band saw so thats out of the question...please help..thanks all.

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Replies

  • Bob Harrison March 13, 2011 at 9:35am
    Wade, I like the case of beer idea. I drink Coors when you come over.

    Wade said:


    Ripping can be dangerous on a table saw. I've had my share of close calls and even got wacked in the head from a kickback once! I've learned it helps to keep my blade clean and smooth using oven cleaner to clean the pitch off and a little candle wax on the blade helps too. What I do now is wait til my buddy needs a case of beer and he lets me cut a bunch of fretboards on his bandsaw and then thickness sand them on his sander. Doesn't cost much if you do them in batches.'

     

     

    Wade

  • Wade March 12, 2011 at 6:29pm


    Ripping can be dangerous on a table saw. I've had my share of close calls and even got wacked in the head from a kickback once! I've learned it helps to keep my blade clean and smooth using oven cleaner to clean the pitch off and a little candle wax on the blade helps too. What I do now is wait til my buddy needs a case of beer and he lets me cut a bunch of fretboards on his bandsaw and then thickness sand them on his sander. Doesn't cost much if you do them in batches.'

     

     

    Wade

  • Michael A Grubaugh March 12, 2011 at 4:23am
    Thanks for all the great advice I just purchased a feather board and its working pretty good. I really appreciate all the help and comments you guys are a great help. thanks again.
  • Johnny Debit March 11, 2011 at 3:14pm
    You can resaw your thicker stock into ¼” by hand using a Japanese, Ryoba style pull saw.  Make sure your stock is square, scratch off a ¼” groove all the way around with a marking gauge, start your cut in the corner and just follow the groove. It only takes a few minutes. Old school woodworkers use this method to resaw veneers as thin as 1/32”.   Until you’ve done a few and gain enough confidence to attempt exact cuts, you might just split some ¾” stock in half and then plane them down to ¼”.
  • Josh Gayou (SmokehouseGuitars) March 11, 2011 at 12:44pm

    If you can't get access to a bandsaw, use a coping saw and shoot the sides with a plane when you're done.

     

    Then go get a bandsaw.

  • Bob Harrison March 11, 2011 at 12:25pm
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    Bob Harrison said:

    As far a a table saw goes , you should use a "feather board" to keep it from kicking back. As far as cutting down the finger board try a router.

    Cheers

    Bob

  • Bob Harrison March 11, 2011 at 12:02pm

    As far a a table saw goes , you should use a "feather board" to keep it from kicking back. As far as cutting down the finger board try a router.

    Cheers

    Bob

  • ChickenboneJohn March 11, 2011 at 7:07am
    After just acquiring a 12"bandsaw with a 1hp motor, I'd have to conclude it's the way to go.
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates March 11, 2011 at 6:31am
    We usually go to lowes or home depot and get a 1/4" piece of oak. If you need a different type, try Woodcraft.

    -wy
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