Thanks for posting a very helpful Video Bob, I notice you give the fret board a coat of what looks like Lacquer (as per the tin in the background) before cutting the fret slots, if so, is there a particular benefit or reason for doing this ??????
The step at 3:26 shows the process for re-crowning the frets. After they are leveled, there is a flat surface left on each fret from the leveling file. The tool being used is a Gurian fret crowning file. It holds a file bit with a concave filing surface that restores a rounded top to the fret. There is a different bit for each size of fret wire. Gurian is long gone as a company, but someone else has the rights to that tool and is making them. I have seen them for sale on the web, I don't remember where. There are several other types of crowning files out there. Traditionally the re-crowning process was done with a triangular file. The file is pushed along the length of the fret and rolled to create the rounded top. The corners of the file are ground smooth to prevent it from scarring the fretboard. That method takes a bit more skill, but it can be mastered.
Wonderful video! Thanks so much for sharing! This should automatically go in the Best Of CBNation videos if there is such a thing. I have one question - what is it you're doing at around 3:26? It looked like the frets were already trimmed and sanded level so I was kinda puzzled by what's happening in this step with the small black tool. Thanks, Rob
I agree with the other commentators Bob. This is a GREAT video. I have built and skid about 40 cigar box guitars, fretted and otherwise. Most times they turn out fine, with no fret buzzes. Other times, I have to pull frets and jump thru hoops. Your video explained EVERYTHING in a straight forward, step by step process. As an artist and former university media professor myself, all I can say is, you must have been a teacher in your previous existence. One thing I particularly liked was the way you used your bench vice to 'seat' the frets. I bought an arbor press to press frets, with a flat caul. Using 1/2 ton pressure I managed to put dents in the fretboard on both sides of the frets. Today I modified that arbor to press a simple hardwood block down onto the frets. Everything anyone needs to know about fretting is in this video. I have downloaded it and saved it for future reference after looking at a ton of tutorials on Youtube. Bob. You is de man! Another guy on Youtube who is EXCELLENT on tutorials in building AND playing, is CHICKENBONE JOHN! Hats off to both of you!
Comments
It is a cleaner process. Finishing after slotting loads the slots up with lacquer.
Thanks for posting a very helpful Video Bob, I notice you give the fret board a coat of what looks like Lacquer (as per the tin in the background) before cutting the fret slots, if so, is there a particular benefit or reason for doing this ??????
The step at 3:26 shows the process for re-crowning the frets. After they are leveled, there is a flat surface left on each fret from the leveling file. The tool being used is a Gurian fret crowning file. It holds a file bit with a concave filing surface that restores a rounded top to the fret. There is a different bit for each size of fret wire. Gurian is long gone as a company, but someone else has the rights to that tool and is making them. I have seen them for sale on the web, I don't remember where. There are several other types of crowning files out there. Traditionally the re-crowning process was done with a triangular file. The file is pushed along the length of the fret and rolled to create the rounded top. The corners of the file are ground smooth to prevent it from scarring the fretboard. That method takes a bit more skill, but it can be mastered.
Wonderful video! Thanks so much for sharing! This should automatically go in the Best Of CBNation videos if there is such a thing.
I have one question - what is it you're doing at around 3:26? It looked like the frets were already trimmed and sanded level so I was kinda puzzled by what's happening in this step with the small black tool.
Thanks,
Rob
Very nice job showing the process, Bob. I do like the bench vise trick for setting frets! Will have to use that soon!
I agree with the other commentators Bob. This is a GREAT video. I have built and skid about 40 cigar box guitars, fretted and otherwise. Most times they turn out fine, with no fret buzzes. Other times, I have to pull frets and jump thru hoops. Your video explained EVERYTHING in a straight forward, step by step process. As an artist and former university media professor myself, all I can say is, you must have been a teacher in your previous existence. One thing I particularly liked was the way you used your bench vice to 'seat' the frets. I bought an arbor press to press frets, with a flat caul. Using 1/2 ton pressure I managed to put dents in the fretboard on both sides of the frets. Today I modified that arbor to press a simple hardwood block down onto the frets. Everything anyone needs to know about fretting is in this video. I have downloaded it and saved it for future reference after looking at a ton of tutorials on Youtube. Bob. You is de man! Another guy on Youtube who is EXCELLENT on tutorials in building AND playing, is CHICKENBONE JOHN! Hats off to both of you!
Great how-to video Bob......................should be very informative to anyone doing fret work ;-)
Nicely done Bob. Thanks for showing us this.