Posted by owen flynn on February 14, 2010 at 12:03am
I saw mention in one of the posts on the Construction 101 forum about an inexpensive saw from Harbor Freight that some of you have altered and used to good effect when cutting slots for your frets. I could not find the post in question. Anybody familiar with that scenario?
Thanks, Mark
You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!
I modified a Japanese draw saw as well. Though the teeth are small, I found that the kerf was a little thick cutting slots to accept fret tangs. So, I filed the teeth flat on the sides. For depth control I first filed the edge of a flat bracket connector flat, then drilled holes in it to connect to the saw. By loosening the screws I can change the depth as needed. Here is a pic of the completed saw. Not pretty, but it gets the job done.
Bought the Harbor freight flush cut saw to use for fretting. One thing I noticed was that the blade flexes sometimes so I built a fretting jig to use with it. Works great so far. (see my pics) I did notice though on deeper cuts >¼" it seems to bind up in the cut, but may just be me. I think if you attached a spine to the top of the blade by riveting a stiff piece of metal that also may eliminate the flexing problem I encountered. Haven't tried that yet.
Bought the Harbor freight flush cut saw to use for fretting. One thing I noticed was that the blade flexes sometimes so I built a fretting jig to use with it. Works great so far. (see my pics) I did notice though on deeper cuts >¼" it seems to bind up in the cut, but may just be me. I think if you attached a spine to the top of the blade by riveting a stiff piece of metal that also may eliminate the flexing problem I encountered. Haven't tried that yet.
"Flush Cut" saw... looks a little like a smallish Japanese draw saw, with a flexible blade.... I've used it on about 80 fretboards so far... also good for notching boxes for necks.... Harbor Freight, less than $ 10...
Replies
I've had great luck with modifying one of these cheap miter saws and getting consistent straight cuts every time. http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/fret-saw-jig
I "solved" the flexing problem by using "blocks" of corian as guides above the cut line... I'm sure your jig does the same thing....
Darren Dukes (Back Porch Mojo) has a youtube using a scroll saw... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idnY9Y4Zvx0
I tried it this morning and if works fast and quick.
the best,
Wichita Sam
Grizz said:
the best,
Wichita Sam