What to use to cut out the notches in a fretboard

Portalsandstuff · May 30, 2015

hello! I am new to instrument building and was wondering what you typically use for cutting out the notches in a fret board. I was thinking maybe a band saw or jig saw would work.

pt66 · May 30, 2015

If you mean the slots the frets go into a band saw would make a slot to wide. There are special saws you can by from guitar making supply stores on line. Some times if you get lucky you can find something suitable locally. I bought mine many years age at K Mart. Do you have a micometer that you can measure the blade thickness with?

printer2 · May 30, 2015

I use a coping saw.

Titchtheclown · May 30, 2015

Fret slots have to be a precise width. The first few I did I used a junior hack saw I then upgraded to a dovetail saw. Test the size of the slot (also known as kerf) cut by your saw using a bit of scrap. A saw that is slightly thick can be made thinner by hammering the set thinner or using a file to file it thinner.
The specialist luthiery stores will sell you a special saw for not too much money as well.

ksquine · May 30, 2015

Find a saw that can cut a 0.024" slot....that's called the kerf. I use a japanese pull saw from Rockler. There are special fret saws available from guitar building website LMI, Stewmac, etc
You should be able to get the fret started into the slot with your thumb...but need a hammer to get it fully in. Take a block of hardwood and a piece of fret wire and ask if you can try a quick cut with the saw before buying

Habanera Hal · Jun 1, 2015

Harbor Freight has a hand saw that is perfect for cutting fret slots and at $8.99 is very reasonable:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-flush-cut-saw-39273.html

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What to use to cut out the notches in a fretboard

Portalsandstuff

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pt66

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printer2

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Titchtheclown

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ksquine

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Habanera Hal

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