I'm tired and this is probably a stupid question. I fretted two fingerboards tonight, and I had one heck of a rough time because the frets would not go in. I had to wallop at them harder than ever before, and bent and dented them up some. One side would lift up before I got to the other end. There was no way I could start with a shot to the middle of the fret like I have always done before, it would just knock over. These things turned out not so good, but I might use them for relic looking builds. Variables are I have been using exotic woods on most of my builds. Last two were Zircote, but I noticed no trouble there, then tonight one was Bocote and one Rosewood. The bocote is real hard stuff, so I figured it would be easier when I did the rosewood one but it was no better, worse in fact, because it splintered up like it does when a fret lifts up on the other side as you hammer the one. Another variable is I have been using the same fret saw I purchased for my first guitar 12 guitars ago and have been happy with it. Also the frets were two different sizes, jumbo and medium, I have used both before with this saw, and both had the same problems tonight, although never before.

So can the denser woods dull the saw which makes it cut a narrower channel over time? I can't tell by looking at it and it seems to cut as fast as ever. Have you guys run into this?